SLIP AND SLIDE SOCKS

Cast on 42(48) stitches
Divide on 3 dpns as follows; needle 1-14(16), needle 2-14(16), needle 3-14(16)
Join and begin knitting in the round.

Cuff/Leg:
Round 1: *K1, SL1pw, P1* repeat around to last st. K1
Round 2: * P1, K1, SL1pw * repeat around to last st. P1
Round 3: * P2,K1,* repeat around
Round 4: *K1,SL1pw,P1 * repeat around
Round 5; P1, k1, * P2, K1* repeat around to last st., P1

Repeat rounds 1-5 until cuff/leg equals desired length; ending with a round 5.

Divide for heel:
Divide from 3 needles to 2. Divide stitches from needle 2 equally placing half the stitches on the back of needle 3 and half the stitches on the back of needle 1. The total number of stitches is now equally divided on two needles. Needle one becomes the heel needle and the other needle will be used later for the instep. For now work only the heel stitches.

Row 1: slip 1 pw, K1, *slip 1kw, KI* repeat across row
Row 2: slip 1 pw, purl across
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until heel measures approx. 2.5 inches. End with a knit row.

Turning the heel:
With the purl side facing you, follow the instructions for each row as follows: (Use the handy row chart to check off your completed rows as you work.)

Sock 1 Sock 2 Row 1-purl first 13(15,17) sts., P2tog, P1, turn
_____ _____ Row 2-slip 1 pw, K5, K2tog TBL, K1, turn
_____ _____ Row 3-slip 1 pw, p6, P2 tog, P1, turn
_____ _____ Row 4-slip1 pw, K7, K2 tog TBL, k1, turn
_____ _____ Row 5-slip1 pw, P5, P2 tog, P1 turn
_____ _____ Row 6-slip 1 pw, K6, K2 tog TBL, K1, turn
_____ _____ Row 7-slip 1 pw, P7, p2 tog, P1, turn
_____ _____ Row 8-slip 1 pw, K8,K2 tog TBL, K1, turn
_____ _____ Row 9-slip 1 pw, p9, P2 tog, P1, turn



Heel gusset:
Back to 3 needles, with right side facing you, Use the heel needle (this will be needle 1) to pick up and knit 11(13,14) stitches along left edge of heel flap (side w/yarn attached)
Then use an empty needle to knit across needle 2.
Use another empty needle, (this will be needle 3) to pick up and knit 11(13,14) stitches down right side of heel flap, then knit 7 stitches from needle 1 onto this same needle.
There are now and equal number of stitches on both needles 1&3 and needle 2 remains unchanged.

On next round, starting with needle 1, begin heel gusset decreases as follows: (decreases are made on needles 1&3)
Sock 1: gusset tally:
Round 1: 1___2___
needle 1- K across to last 3 sts, k2 tog, K1 1___2___
needle 2- knit across all stitches 1___2___
needle 3- K1, K2tog TBL, K to end 1___2___
1___2___
Round 2: 1___2___
Knit across all needles 1___2___
1___2___
repeat rounds 1 & 2 until 11(13, 14) sts. remain
on both needles 1 & 3.

Foot:
knit plain rounds to desired length. Sock 2: gusset tally:
1___2___
Toe: 1___2___
Round 1: 1___2___
Needle 1-k across to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1 1___2___
Needle 2-K1, k2tog TBL, k to last 3 sts, K2 tog, K1 1___2__
Needle 3-K1, K2 tog TBL, knit to end 1___2___
1___2___
Round 2: 1___2___
Knit across each needle. Repeat.

Sock 1: toe tally: Sock 2: Toe tally:
1___2___ 1___2___
1___2___ 1___2___
1___2___ 1___2___
1___2___ 1___2___


Finishing:
A toe is a personal thing!

The toe I like to use is a bit pointy; giving almost a slipper look. If you prefer a rounder toe, simply stop decreases a few rows before the pattern suggests. Use the kitcheneer stitch to sew your remaining stitches together.

If you choose to use my toe shape, just cut your yarn leaving a tail and use a darning needle to thread the tail through the remaining few stitches and pull it tightly and secure.

Turn your sock right-side-out and wear it or give it proudly!

If you have questions or suggestions about this pattern or any of my work, please e-mail me at busyknitting@mac.com.
For more free patterns and knitting information visit my website and blog at: http://web.mac.com/busyknitting/iweb