Center of Attention – Part 2

I hope you have a sweet toe just begging for an incredible instep design.  Here is a picture of my toe just twitching in anticipation for Part Two:

I always say that cables give you the best bang for your buck in knitting because cables only look difficult.  It can be our secret that the big results in this sock are actually quite simple to knit.  The unusual cable in this pattern is called an axis cable.  It is worked over six stitches and makes a dramatic statement.  If you are new to cables, watch my Cables video before you begin.  Follow up with the Axis Cable video to walk you through each step of this cable technique.

Knitters following a size Medium will need to work increases (see below) over the instep stitches to achieve the required 36 stitches.  All knitters will work the instep by following a chart.  In circular knitting, charts are worked from bottom to top and right to left.  Charts give a clear picture of the finished work.  Begin at Row 1 of the chart working each stitch over the first 36 stitches of the round – this will be the instep.  Finish the round by knitting the remaining 32(36) to keep the sole of the foot in stockinette.  After working all 10 rows of the chart, begin again at Row 1.  Repeat this process until the sock measures 2″ less the length of your foot ending after an even numbered round.  If knitting with circular needles, just slip the sock on to test the length.  Dpn knitters can put in a lifeline and remove the needles if desired.  The 2″ is measured from the back of the heel.

Part Two

Click here to download printable version

AC6 (Axis Cable) – slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold in front of work, knit 2 stitches from left hand needle, return 2 center stitches from cable needle to left hand needle, move cable needle to back of work, knit 2 center stitches, knit 2 stitches from cable needle.  See Axis Cable Video

kfb – knit into front and back of stitch.  See Kfb Video

 

k2tog – knit two together.  See K2tog Video

 

ssk – slip next stitch as if to knit, slip next stitch as if to knit, insert left needle into the front of these two slipped stitches from left to right and knit together.  See SSK Video

 

yo – yarn over.  See Yarn Over Video

Foot

Note: Directions are for medium size (directions for large in parentheses when necessary).

MEDIUM SIZE ONLY:  Increase 4 stitches over instep (first 32 stitches) as follows:  (K7, kfb) 4 times.  Knit to end of round.  There are now 36 instep stitches and 32 sole stitches for a total of 68 stitches.

ALL SIZES:  First 36 stitches will form the instep (top of foot). Last 32(36) stitches will form the sole (bottom of foot).

Begin design on instep stitches (see chart below), knitting all sole stitches.

Continue knitting in pattern until foot measures 2” less than desired length of foot ending after an even numbered row.

STOP!

Your beautiful foot needs a heel, but you will have to wait for next week’s instructions.

Happy knitting!