MATERIALS

"Portissima colori", 100g, five 3mm (#3) double-pointed needles.

INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on 60 sts. And work for 12 cm (4 3/4") in K3, P3 rib. Then continue in cable pattern as follows: * 6 sts. Stocking (stockinette) stitch = cable increasing 2 sts. = K8, P2, K2, P2 *, rep from * to *. At the same time, twist the sts. For the cable on 6th row and on every following 10th row as follows: slip 4 onto a cable needle and leave at front of work, K4, then K4 from cable needle. When work measures 28 cm (11") start back of heel. Continue working in pattern over the 34 center sts for instep.

Back of heel:

Work back and forth on half of the cast-on stitches and leave the other half for instep and sole for later use. Remark: The back of heel may be reinforced by either using an invisible elastic tbread along with the yarn, or to work: knit one, slip one all across one row. Repeat this every other row placing the slip stitches between the previous ones. The back of heel should usually be worked for no more tban 5 cm.

To shape the heel:

After having completed the 6 cm, proceed as follows: Divide stitches in 3 parts, of which 2 parts for sides and the center stitches for lower edge of heel. Knit back and forth:

Row 1: Work the first 2 parts of within last stitch of 2nd part, K2 together in back loop, turn.

Row 2 Sll purlwise, purl to within the last stitch of the center stitches P2 together (the last st with the next st).

Repeat these 2 rows until side stitches have been worked off. Tbis completes the heel. From here on continue in rounds on all 4 needles.

Knit one round.

Instep and sole:

Mark first needle. K the 10 sts of heel, pick up and knit along side of heel 1 st in every other row (the usual way) plus 2 - 3 additional stitches. Continue on next 2 needles (instep) then pick up and knit same number of stitches on other side of heel. Work one round on all stitches. Decreases: (worked over the picked up stitches at sides)

First needle: K to within last 4 sts, K2 together, K2. Knit the sts for instep and on the odher side of dhe picked up stitches, K2, st 1 K1, psso, finish round. Knit 2 rounds even. Repeat last 3 rounds until all side stitches remain. Continue in rounds without decreases for 17 cm for small foot (19 cm for medium - 22 cm for Large) measured from the picked-up stitches at sides.

To shape toe:

First needles: (after heel center) Knit to within last 3 sts, K2 tog, K1 Second needle: K1, st 1, K1, psso and finish row

Third needle: as the frst one.

Fourth needle: same as tbe second one.

Knit one round widhout decreases. Repeat from * to * until half of stitches remain. From here on repeat dhe decreases every row until 8 sts re~nain. Cut yarn leaving a length for finishing. Insert yarn into a tapestry needle and dnough the 8 sts, pull tighRy together and fasten on inside of sock.