from “Guide to Knitting for the Services” by the Australian Comforts Fund, 1940
Materials
Four UK No. 9/3.75mm/US 5 needles.
Note: The original printing of this pattern says to use UK size 6/5mm/US 8 needles but this seems to be an error as the yarn would need to be used doubled and socks using needles of this size usually only have 40sts cast on for a man’s sock.
About 9 oz. of Sports Wool (navy blue).
Pattern
Cast on 60 stitches loosely. Knit 3 inches in k2, p2 rib.
Then knit k3, p1 for 6 rows, move pattern along 1 stitch every 7th row. This can be done easily by slipping one stitch on to each of the previous needles and always commencing each needle with 3 plain and ending with one purl until the sock measures 30 inches.
Now finish with round toe
knit plain.
(Knit 8, k2tog) to the end of the round. (54sts)
Knit 2 rounds without shaping
4th round: (Knit 7, k2tog) to the end of the round. (48sts)
Knit 2 rounds without shaping
7th round: (Knit 6, k2tog) to the end of the round. (42sts)
Knit 2 rounds without shaping
10th round: (Knit 5, k2tog) to the end of the round. (36sts)
Knit 2 rounds without shaping
13th round: (Knit 4, k2tog) to the end of the round. (30sts)
Knit 2 rounds without shaping
16th round: (Knit 3, k2tog) to the end of the round. (24sts)
Run a thread through the remaining stitches, draw together, without making a lump.
Run wool down side sock.
The original publication of this pattern is in the public domain, however this modernised and clarified version is copyright Sarah Bradberry May 30th. All rights reserved.
When the pattern says to “knit plain” is that the start of working down the foot to the toe? (I’m a beginner knitter). Also, can you do this with 2 circulars or use magic loop? If so, how would you “slip one stitch onto each of the previous needles”?
Knit plain. Is just knit all stitches. You can use the circular needles , you may need some sort of stitch marker to help you keep track because there will be no switching a stitch from one needle to another. I’ve never been good with circle needles. But I have seen it done well by others.
Thank you for this wonderful easy pattern, however, 30 inches is really a very long sock! I made mine 14 1/2 inches long.
That does seem very long until you take into account the length of the foot (approx 12” since they’re men’s socks), another few inches to go around the heel and it works out as a knee length/ just over the knee sock.