from Patons Knitting Book No. 248
Materials
Patons Beehive Fingering, 4-ply. Quantity – 3 ozs/84 gm.
1 set of four old UK No. 12/US 2/Metric 2.75mm double pointed needles.
Measurements
To fit a 9, 9½ or 10 inch foot.
Tension
It is absolutely necessary to work at a tension to produce 9 stitches to the inch in width (measured over stocking stitch).
Pattern
Cast on 60 stitches (20, 20, 20) – 20 stitches on each needle.
Work 5 ins. in rounds in rib of (K1, P1).
To commence heel, slip 8 sts. from the end of the second needle onto beginning of third needle (these 28 sts. are for the heel).
Divide remaining sts on to two needles and leave for instep.
Work 27 rows on the heel sts. in alternate rows of purl and knit, always slipping first st. purlways on a purl row and knitways on a knit row.
To turn heel:
K17, K2tog, K1, turn,
always slip first st. after turning, P8, P2tog, P1, turn,
K9, K2tog, K1 turn,
P10, P2tog, P1, turn,
K11, K2tog, K1, turn.
Continue in this manner until all sts. are worked on to one needle. Knit back 9 sts. (thus completing heel).
Slip all instep sts. onto one needle.
Taking another needle knit remaining 9 heel sts, knit up 15 sts at side of heel, with a second needle work in rib across instep sts, and with a third needle knit up 15 sts at side of heel and remaining 9 heel sts.
Shape for instep as follows:
1st round: First needle – Knit;
second needle – work in rib;
third needle – knit.
2nd round: First needle – Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1;
second needle – work in rib;
third needle – K1, slip 1, K1, psso, knit to end of round.
Repeat these 2 rounds until 14 sts. remain an each of first and third needles.
Continue without shaping until foot measures 5½ ins. for a 9 inch foot, 6 ins. for a 9½ inch foot and 6½ ins. for 10 inch foot.
Slip first st of second needle on to end of first needle and last st of second needle onto beginning of third needle.
Shape toe as follows:
1st round: First needle – Knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1;
second needle – K1, slip 1, K1, psso, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1;
third needle – K1, slip 1, K1, psso, knit to end of needle.
2nd and 3rd rounds: Knit.
Repeat these 3 rounds until 48 sts. remain.
Repeat 1st and 2nd rounds until 24 sts. remain.
Knit sts of first needle onto end of third needle.
Graft the toe closed.
Finishing
With a slightly damp cloth and worm iron, press lightly.
The original publication of this pattern is in the public domain. However, this modernised version is copyright Sarah Bradberry, August 24th 2014. All rights reserved.