Now that our toes are complete it is time to add some texture stitches to the top of the foot known as the instep. I have chosen to pair the garter rib with a unique stitch that I call the “Stubble Stitch” (important info on this stitch below). This handsome design will be repeated in a mirror image on the second instep – Repeat Performance!

Mirror image designs create interest without much effort. I have taken the guesswork out of how to accomplish mirror imaging by providing you with a chart for each sock. Use Sock #1 chart for the instep of your first sock and Sock #2 chart for the mirror image on the second sock. Going from chart to chart may seem cumbersome at first but the design establishes itself quite quickly. I think you will have it memorized in no time and will enjoy the easy repeat.

If you are new to charts you will find their visual cues a handy reference. A chart is read from right to left and from bottom to top. For a tutorial on charts watch the “Charts” Video. This video will walk you through both flat and circular knitting charts (as used here). The circular knitting chart portion begins at the end of the video at the 6:00 mark.

Remember that the charts here are for the instep only and you will need to knit all of the sole stitches (stockinette) to complete each round. In other words, on the odd numbered rows the texture stitches are worked over the instep with the sole remaining in all knit. Every even numbered row of the chart is all knit. This means that you will knit all 64(72) stitches of EACH sock on an even round.

If you are knitting 2aat this is the order in which the socks will be worked:

On 1^st sock, work Sock #1 chart over instep stitches.
On 2^nd sock, work Sock #2 chart over instep stitches.
Knit all the sole stitches of 2^nd sock.
Knit all the sole stitches of 1^stsock.

The Stubble Stitch (See “Stubble Stitch” Video) is a quirky little nub that will give your knitting depth and interest. This stitch is executed by working a yarn over followed by two purl stitches. The yarn over is then passed over the two purl stitches and off the right hand needle. The charted symbol for the Stubble Stitch is two horseshoes . Every time you see the double horseshoes you will work the Stubble Stitch ONE time. The symbol covers two chart squares (much like a cable stitch symbol) because this is what the stitch will look like in your knitting after it is completed. In this pattern every Stubble Stitch is separated by two knit stitches.

To clarify how to use the charts with the Stubble Stitch, I will use Sock #1 Medium Size as an example of how to knit Row 1. Work as follows (Stubble Stitch is in parentheses):

K1, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k4, (yo, p2, pass yo over 2 purl stitches), k2, (yo, p2, pass yo over 2 purl stitches), k2, (yo, p2, pass yo over 2 purl stitches), k3.

The Stubble Stitch was worked 3 times in Row 1 of Sock #1.

Lastly, the Stubble Stitch requires a yarn over before the two purl stitches. Western-style knitters (yarn held in right hand) will need to take care to execute the yarn over correctly. This is covered in the Stubble Stitch and Yarn Over videos.

I hope this lengthy explanation is helpful to you. The sock is really very simple and I’m sure you will do just fine. Remember, I am here and on Ravelry should you have any questions!