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As a lifelong knitter, I’ve always found solace in the rhythmic click-clack of my needles and the soft, comforting feel of yarn sliding through my fingers. Over the years, I’ve tackled complex patterns and intricate designs, but sometimes, the simplest projects bring the most joy. That’s why I’m excited to share my latest knitting adventure: the Vanilla Ankle Socks, a delightfully straightforward pattern that results in a cozy pair of socks perfect for any occasion.
Versatility for All Sizes
The beauty of the Vanilla Ankle Socks lies in their simplicity. They’re plain, classic ankle socks—hence the name “vanilla”—and they are an absolute joy to knit. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy project or a seasoned knitter wanting a quick, satisfying knit, this pattern is perfect for you. One of the things I love most about this pattern is its versatility. The instructions cater to sizes ranging from baby all the way up to large adult, making it a fantastic go-to pattern for the whole family. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing you can knit a tiny pair of socks for a newborn, a sturdy pair for a rambunctious toddler, or a cozy pair for yourself—all from the same pattern.
Choosing the Perfect Yarn
For this project, I chose to use KnitPicks Stroll Tonals, a yarn that has quickly become a staple in my knitting arsenal. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it. Stroll Tonals is a beautifully hand-painted yarn that comes in a wide array of stunning colors. The tonal variations add depth and interest to even the simplest of knits, which is perfect for a pattern like this. I opted for the neutral colorways—a mix that remind me of a serene morning in the yard.
The Yarn: KnitPicks Stroll Tonals
Before diving into the knitting process, let’s talk a bit about the yarn itself. Stroll Tonals is a superwash merino wool blended with nylon, making it both soft and durable. It’s machine washable, which is a huge plus for everyday socks. The yarn’s slight stretchiness ensures a snug, comfortable fit, which is exactly what you want in a pair of socks.
Starting the Project
With my yarn and needles at the ready, I began my Vanilla Ankle Socks journey. The pattern starts with a simple cuff, knit in a comfortable ribbing that ensures the socks stay up without being too tight. I love how the ribbing transitions seamlessly into the stockinette stitch, creating a smooth, clean look. The stockinette stitch is my happy place—it’s meditative and relaxing, allowing me to lose myself in the repetitive motion.
Knitting the Leg
As I worked my way down the leg, I appreciated the straightforwardness of the pattern. There’s no need to worry about complicated charts or tricky techniques; it’s just pure, unadulterated knitting joy. This simplicity makes the Vanilla Ankle Socks an ideal project for knitting on the go. Whether I’m waiting at the doctor’s office, riding the bus, or just relaxing on the couch, these socks are the perfect companion.
Constructing the Heel
The heel is worked using the classic heel flap and gusset construction, which provides a great fit and plenty of durability. I love this method because it reinforces the heel—an area that tends to wear out quickly in socks. Plus, there’s something immensely satisfying about turning the heel and seeing the sock take shape. It’s a bit like magic, watching flat fabric transform into a three-dimensional piece.
Down the Foot and Finishing the Toe
Once the heel is complete, it’s smooth sailing down the foot. The pattern continues in stockinette stitch, allowing the yarn’s beautiful tonal variations to take center stage. I found myself mesmerized by the shifting colors, eagerly anticipating each new row to see how the yarn would develop. The toe is finished with a classic decrease and grafted closed using the Kitchener stitch, creating a seamless, comfortable finish.
Trying on the Finished Socks
One of the joys of knitting socks is trying them on as you go. I couldn’t resist slipping my first finished sock onto my foot to admire my handiwork. The fit was perfect—snug and cozy without being too tight. I was thrilled with how the Stroll Tonals yarn showcased the simplicity of the pattern, making even these plain socks look special.
Reflecting on the Process
After finishing the second sock, I took a moment to reflect on the process. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knitting a pair of socks from start to finish. It’s a manageable project that offers instant gratification, and the end result is both beautiful and functional. The Vanilla Ankle Socks have quickly become a favorite in my wardrobe, perfect for wearing around the house or pairing with my favorite sneakers.
A Pattern for Everyone
But perhaps the best part of knitting these socks was knowing that I could easily create more pairs for my loved ones. The pattern’s size range makes it incredibly versatile, and I can’t wait to knit tiny socks for my nieces and nephews or a cozy pair for my husband. The simplicity of the pattern means I can focus on choosing the perfect yarn for each recipient, tailoring the socks to their individual tastes and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Vanilla Ankle Socks pattern is a delightful addition to any knitter’s repertoire. Its simplicity makes it accessible to beginners, while its versatility ensures that even seasoned knitters will find joy in its straightforward construction. Paired with the beautiful KnitPicks Stroll Tonals yarn, these socks are a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Sometimes, the best projects are the ones that let the yarn shine and the knitter relax into the soothing rhythm of their craft.
So, if you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying knit that will bring joy to both the maker and the wearer, I highly recommend giving the Vanilla Ankle Socks a try. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials:
Yarn: 1 hank of Knitpicks Stroll (100g/462yd)
Needles: US #1 / 2.25mm DPNs (or circular for magic loop)
Notions: stitch markers, needle
Gauge: 8sts x 11rows per inch
sizing:
baby (toddler, child,) lg child, adult S, (M, L)
Finished measurements (unstretched):
Leg Length (adjustable): 2.5 (3.5, 4) 4.5, 5, (6, 7)”
Foot Length (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.25), 8, 9, (10, 11.25)”
Model is wearing a toddler.
Abbreviations can be found on the last page.
Vanilla Ankle Socks Pattern
Cuff
Cast on 40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts, join for working in the round.
Separate stitches on your dpn as follows:
1st needle 20 (22, 26) 28, 30 (32, 36) sts
2nd and 3rd needle 10 (11, 13) 14, 15 (16, 18) sts each needle
Work in 1×1 rib (k1p1 around) for 16 (16, 20) 20, 24 (24, 28) rounds
Then work in Stockinette for 4 (4, 6) 6, 8, (8, 10) rounds.
Heel Flap
Next round: You will work the heel flap on the next 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sts. Place the remaining 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sts on hold.
Row 1 (RS): sl1, knit to end, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, purl to end, turn work.
Repeat rows 1-2 a total of 8 (10, 12), 13, 14, (16, 18) times.
This is a total of 16 (20, 24), 26, 28, (32, 36) rows.
Heel Turn
Row 1 (RS): sl1, k12 (12, 14), 15, 16, (18, 20), ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, p7 (5, 5) 5, 5, (7, 7), p2tog, p1, turn work.
Row 3: sl1, knit to 1 st before the gap, ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 4: sl1, purl to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn work.
Repeat rows 3-4 until all stitches have been worked:
14 (14, 16), 16, 18, (20, 22) sts remain.
Knit across these heel stitches slipping the first st.
Gusset
Knit 20, (20, 24) 28, 28 (32, 36)
Pick up and knit 9 (11, 13), 14, 15, (17, 19) sts along the edge of heel flap, PM,
Knit across 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), PM,
Pick up and knit 9 (11, 13), 14, 15, (17, 19) sts along heel flap,
k7 (7, 8) 8, 9, (10, 11) sts, mark the new BOR (located at the bottom of the foot).
[52 (58, 68) 72, 78, (86, 96) sts]
Round 1: knit around
Round 2: knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, knit to next marker, sm, k1, ssk, knit to end [2 sts dec]
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 6 (7, 8) 8, 9, (11, 12) times.
[40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts]
Foot
Shift beginning of round (BOR) remove marker as follows: remove marker, k10 (11, 13) 14, 15, (16, 18), place marker – this is the new BOR, located at the side of the foot.
Continue working in the round until the piece measures 3 (5, 6) 6.5, 7, (8, 9)” from back of heel, or 1 (1, 1.5) 1.75, 2, (2, 2.25)” short of desired foot length.
Toe
Round 1: k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k2, ssk, knit to 3 sts before end of round, k2tog, k1 [4 sts dec]
Round 2: knit
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 5 (6, 7) 8, 9, (9, 10) times. until 16 (16, 20) 20, 20, (24, 24) sts remain.
For a left-handed tutorial of these decreases visit my youtube here
Cut yarn leaving a 12” tail, then graft toe using Kitchener stitch.
Weave in all ends
Kitchener stitch:
Place half the stitches on one needle, half the stitches on the other needle, (top and bottom NOT side to side)
Cut yarn (leaving a long yarn tail) and thread through a blunt needle.
Set-up steps: Insert needle purlwise (back to front) through the first st on front needle, leaving the st on the needle. Then insert needle knitwise (front to back) through the first st on the back needle, leaving the st on the needle.
Step 1: Insert needle knitwise through first st on front needle, then slip this st off the needle.
Step 2: Insert needle purlwise through the second st on front needle, leaving the st on the needle.
Step 3: Insert needle purlwise through first st on back needle, then drop this stitch off the needle.
Step 4: Insert needle knitwise through second st on back needle, leaving the st on the needle.
From this point to the end, repeat steps 1-4.
Kitchener stitch can be intimidating, but you get into a rhythm:
Front needle: knitwise drop off, purlwise leave on,
Back needle: purlwise drop off, knitwise leave on,
Repeat!
At the end of the row, there is only 1 stitch left on each needle.
Work steps 1 and 3 once more.
For a left-handed video tutorial of this visit my youtube here
Vanilla Ankle Socks PDF
