Sock School: Lesson 3 - Banana Socks
At the end of Lesson 2 I let you know that if you wanted a head start, you could work 10 rows of a knit 1, purl 1 ribbing. If you didn't do that, it will be the first step in our banana socks.
What Are Banana Socks?
This is a simple pattern that creates a sock that does not have a heel, but fits better than a straight tube sock. This makes it a great first sock pattern, as it allows you to practice knitting in the round without adding anything more to the process, and still have a useful sock in the end.
The Pattern
Cast on 40 stitches, join in the round
Work 10 rounds of K1, P1 ribbing
11- 13: K20, *K2, P2*, repeat *-* to the end of the round (total 20 s)
14 - 16: P20, *K2, P2*, repeat *-* to the end of the round (total 20 s)
17 - 46: Repeat rows 3-8 (total 6 sets of divets and bumps on the front)
47: *K3, K2tog*, repeat *-* to the end of the round
48 - 50: Knit all stitches
51: *K2, K2tog*, repeat *-* to the end of the round
52 - 53: Knit all stitches
54: *K1, K2tog*, repeat *-* to the end of the round
55: Knit all stitches
56: K2tog to the end of the round
Break the yarn and pull through the remaining stitches, weave in the ends on the inside
Repeat for the second sock
You Have Socks!
You now have a pair of cute little socks!
One of the great things about the Banana Socks is that you can make bigger ones by just adding more stitches. Make sure you do that in multiples of 4, and as your socks get bigger you will want to make your front bumps 4 or 5 rows tall. This will automatically also add length to your sock without any additional measuring.
The Toe
This circular toe is my favorite because I like the shape. If you do add to the stitch count, you will also need to modify the toe to accommodate that. Here's the formula for this circular toe:
1. Divide the number of stitches on one needle by 2
2. Knit 2 s less than that number, k2tog throughout the round
3. Knit all stitches for the same number of rounds as there are stitches between decreases
4. Repeat 1-3 until you have 2 s per needle
How does that work in practice? Let's take 56 stitches:
56 s divided onto 4 needles = 14 s per needle
1. 14 divided by 2 = 7
2. Knit 5 s, k2tog throughout the round = 48 s or 12/needle
3. Knit 5 rounds stockinette
4. 12 divided by 2 = 6
5. Knit 4 s, k2tog throughout the round = 40 s or 10/needle
6. Knit 4 round stockinette
7. 10 divided by 2 = 5
8. Knit 3 s, k2tog throughout the round = 32 or 8/needle
9. Knit 3 rounds stockinette
10. 8 divided by 2 = 4
11. Knit 2 s, k2tog throughout the round = 24 or 6/needle
12. Knit 2 round stockinette
13. 6 divided by 2 = 3
14. Knit 1 s, k2tog throughout the round = 16 or 4/needle
15. Knit 1 round stockinette
16. 4 divided by 2 = 2
17. K2tog throughout the round
Break the yarn, pull the tail through the stitches, weave in the ends.
Make More!
Use this simple pattern to make socks for everyone you know!
