Step: 1

GAUGE:

Step: 2

20 sts + 26 rows = 4" [10 cm] in St st (k on RS, p on WS) on larger needles. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

Step: 3

STITCH EXPLANATION:

Step: 4

ssk (slip, slip, knit) Slip next 2 sts as if to knit, one at a time, to right needle; insert left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and k them tog.

Step: 5

LEG

Step: 6

With larger needles and A, cast on 58 sts.

Step: 7

Row 1 (WS) P 1, *k 1, p 2; repeat from *.

Step: 8

Row 2 (RS) K 1, *p 1, k 2; repeat from *.

Step: 9

Repeat these 2 rows until 23 rows are completed, ending with a WS row. Change to St st and work even until piece measures 6" [15 cm].

Step: 10

Dec Row (RS) K 1, k2tog, k to end of row - 57 sts.

Step: 11

Work even for 5 rows.

Step: 12

Dec Row (RS) K to last 3 sts, ssk, k 1 - 56 sts.

Step: 13

Work even for 5 rows.

Step: 14

Repeat last 12 rows 2 more times - 52 sts.

Step: 15

Work even until piece measures 12" [30.5 cm], ending with a WS row.

Step: 16

Divide for Heel (RS) K 13, slip next 26 sts to stitch holder (for instep), slip remaining 13 sts to second st holder (for second half of heel).

Step: 17

FIRST HALF OF HEEL

Step: 18

Row 2 Knit. Repeat these 2 rows 6 more times, then work Row 1 once more.

Step: 19

Turn Heel

Step: 20

Row 1 (RS) K 2, ssk, k 1; turn. Row 2 Slip 1, p 3; turn. Row 3 K 3, ssk, k 1; turn.

Step: 21

Row 4 Slip 1, p 4; turn. Row 5 K 4, ssk, k 1; turn. Row 6 Slip 1, p 5; turn.

Step: 22

Row 7 K 5, ssk, k 1; turn. Row 8 Slip 1, p 6; turn. Row 9 K 6, ssk, k 1.

Step: 23

Break yarn. Place remaining 8 sts on holder.

Step: 24

SECOND HALF OF HEEL

Step: 25

With RS facing, place 13 held sts for second half of heel on larger needle. Join A.

Step: 26

Repeat these 2 rows 7 more times.

Step: 27

Turn Heel

Step: 28

Row 1 (WS) P 2, p2tog, p 1; turn. Row 2 Slip 1, k 3; turn. Row 3 P 3, p2tog, p 1; turn. Row 4 Slip 1, k 4; turn. Row 5 P 4, p2tog, p 1; turn. Row 6 Slip 1, k 5; turn.

Step: 29

Row 7 P 5, p2tog, p 1; turn. Row 8 Slip 1, k 6; turn. Row 9 P 6, p2tog, p 1.

Step: 30

Break yarn. Place remaining 8 sts on holder.

Step: 31

GUSSET

Step: 32

With RS facing, larger needles, and A, k 8 sts of first half of heel from holder, pick up and knit 6 sts along edge of first half of heel, k 26 sts of instep from holder, pick up and knit 6 sts along edge of second half of heel, k 8 sts of second half of heel from holder - 54 sts. Next Row Purl.

Step: 33

Shape Gusset

Step: 34

Row 1 (RS) K 12, k2tog, place marker, k 26, place marker, ssk, k 12 - 52 sts.

Step: 35

Row 2 and all WS rows Purl.

Step: 36

Rows 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, k to next marker, ssk, k to end of row - 42 sts remain after Row 11.

Step: 37

Remove markers. Work even in St st for 15 rows (approximately 7” [18 cm] from tip of heel), ending with a WS row.

Step: 38

SHAPE TOE

Step: 39

Row 1 K 8, k2tog, place marker, k 2, place marker, ssk, k 14, k2tog, place marker, k 2, place marker, ssk, k 8 - 38 sts.

Step: 40

Row 2 and all WS rows Purl.

Step: 41

Row 3 *Knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker, knit to next marker, ssk; repeat from * once, knit to end - 34 sts.

Step: 42

Repeat last 2 rows 4 more times, then work Row 2 once more - 18 sts. Bind off.

Step: 43

Seam toe.

Step: 44

TINY BALLS - Make 18, 9 with B and 9 with C

Step: 45

With smaller needles, cast on 13 sts. Knit 5 rows. Fasten off, leaving a 10” [25.5 cm] tail. With large-eyed blunt needle, thread tail through 13 sts, pull tight to gather. Seam sides to form a circle. Stuff tail from cast on into circle. Slip yarn through each cast on st and pull to gather. Secure yarn end, leaving tail attached

Step: 46

FINISHING

Step: 47

Sew stocking seam. Sew Tiny Balls in place as pictured. Weave in ends.