Mens Heavy Socks Pattern #604

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large

REQUIREMENTS:
YARN: 6-ounces of 4-ply Knitting Worsted for all sizes.
NEEDLES: 1-pr. No. 3 and No. 5 single pointed.
Two stitch holders.

GAUGE: 5½ sts to an inch

NOTE: Directions are given for small size, changes for medium and large sizes in parenthesis.

STARTING AT THE CUFF: Using the #3 needles cast on 54 sts for all sizes. Work in ribbing of k 1, p 1, for 3½ inches. Change to the #5 needles and knit across row decreasing to: 44 sts for small size; (46-48) sts. Now work in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 7 inches in all. 1st dec: K 1, k 2 tog, knit to within 3 sts of end of row, k 2 tog, k 1. Work an inch even. 2nd dec: Make a decrease as before 40 (42-44) sts. Work even until the sock measures 11 inches in all or length desired. HEEL: Knit 10 sts, leave on the needle, place the next 20 (22-24) sts onto a st holder for instep; place remain­ing 10 sts onto a 2nd st holder. On the first 10 sts work in stockinette stitch, always slipping the first st on a purl row for 20 (22-24) rows, ending with a purl row.

SHAPING OF HEEL:
K 1, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 2, turn;
K 2, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 3, turn;
K 3, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 4, turn;
K 4, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, (6 sts).
With the same needle pick up and purl 11 (12-13) sts along side of heel; knit across sts of instep from st holder, place all these sts onto a free st holder, knit 10 sts from 2nd st holder. Work in stockinette stitch on these sts always slipping the first st on a knit row for 21 (23-25) rows; ending with a knit row.

SHAPING 2ND HALF OF HEEL:
P 1, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 2, turn;
P 2, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 3, turn;
P 3, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 4, turn;
P 4, p 2 tog, p 1, (6 sts).
With the same needle pick up and purl 11 (12-13) sts along side of heel. Place a marker on the needle; purl 20 (22-24) sts of instep onto needle, place a marker; purl remaining sts.

GUSSET DECREASES: Knit to within 3 sts of first marker; k 2 tog, k 1, slip marker; knit across instep sts, slip marker; k 1, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to end of row. Next row: Purl across row keeping markers in place. Repeat these last 2 rows until 40 (42-44) sts remain on the needle. Drop off markers. Work in stockinette stitch until the sock measures 8½ (9½-10½) inches from back of heel, ending with a knit row. Purl 10 (10-11) sts, place a marker on the needle; purl 20 (22-22) sts, place a marker on the needle, purl remaining sts.

TOE DECREASES: Knit to within 3 sts of first marker, k 2 tog, k 1, slip marker; k 1, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to within 3 sts of 2nd marker; k 2 tog, k 1, slip marker; k 1, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to end of row. Next row: Purl across row keeping markers in place. Repeat these last 2 rows until there remain 12 (14-16) sts on the needle. Bind off. Fold so that the decreases come at sides. Sew across toe, then sole and back seams. Make the other sock the same way.