I love a good sock pattern. Especially when it’s easy and effective. These socks have no heel, the clever use of vertical and horizontal ribs allow the socks to hug the foot, heel and leg superbly.
I found this pattern on Ravelry. It’s more a recipe than pattern. A traditionally oral pattern now written. The pattern has no numbers and references a German size chart.
I’ve calculated numbers for an 8ply version, knitted in Patons Sierra yarn. I’m sure these will get a lot of use in a Clare winter! The numbers I used 52 sts allows for the sock not to be over stretched but still hug a wide variety of adult feet.
My version is knit from the toe up, featuring a spiral toe.
Toe up banana socks 8ply
Yarn: 8ply 150gms
Needles: 3.5mm needles 80cm needles to knit in the round using magic loop method.
Abbreviations:
- K – knit
- P – Purl
- Kfb – knit front and back
- St/s – stitch/es
Cast on 8sts using Judy’s magic cast on
Toe
Rnd 1 and odd rnds knit
Rnd 2 ( k1, kfb) (12 sts)
Rnd 4 ( k2, kfb) (16 sts)
Rnd 6 (3, kfb) (20 sts)
Continue increasing in the same manner until there are 52 sts
Leg
Rnd 1 – 4 (k2,p2) 6 times k2, p26
Rnd 5 – 8 (k2,p2) 6 times, k28
Repeat rnds 1-8 until socks measures ……
Cuff
Rnd 1 -10 (k1,p1)
Cast off / Bind Off
The Icelandic bind off can be a good choice for socks, particularly if you want a strong and durable edge that won’t stretch out over time. To make Icelandic cast off /bind off more stretchy cast off with a larger needle.
I loved your video being I am new to knitting socks. I wish to knit these in 4ply sock yarn do you have any suggestions as far as how many stitches that I would need in this weight yarn? Thank you and so glad I found your site.
I’d try 74 sts, I do 64sts on my 4ply socks but with these you need extra fabric so as not to stretch the heel too thin or it will wear very quickly.
And thank you for taking the time to comment. It’s much appreciated
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!!! Now if I use 74 stitches – could you help me with the cast on? How many to cast on and the increase rows. I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS HELP! I am new to sock knitting and other than You tube and books I have no other instructions. The few yarn shops don’t offer classes – guess its a old timer’s thing. Again Ms. Henwood -thank you so much for all of the help – using these for a gag gift for my cousin but I want her to be able to use. Many – many thanks – Melinda