Materials:

4 ounces of Briggs & Little worsted weight wool. 1 hank of wool roving. This is usually purchased in a large ball and there is more than enough in one ball to make at least three pairs of socks.

Needles 4mm double pointed - set of (4) Needles 3.25 mm double pointed - set of (4)
Size: Lady's Size Large
Gauge: 5 stitches to the inch on larger needles

Working with wool roving:- When working will wool roving pull off do not cut three inch sections. I take the wool roving and pull two seperate strands from the ball, then I tear it off as one piece, and tear off at least 18 sets for each round, only tearing them off as the rounds come up.
Pattern: Using smaller needles cast on 48 stitches ( 16-16-16) work in twisted rib for 20 rows or desired length of cuff.

Twisted rib:- Knit into the back of the knit stitches and then purl. I work in knit one, purl one as it makes a tighter rib.

Change to larger needles and knit three rounds.

To start pattern: Knit two, holding the two strand thrum knit it together with the next stitch. I hold mine on top of the stitch and knit as usual. I use a thrum stitch every third stitch.
On the next round knit in back of the thrum stitch and this will lock the stitch in place.
Repeat the above pattern of three plain rounds and one thrummed round until desired length. In my case it is 8.5 inches from the beginning.

Heel: I do not put the thrum stitches in the heel as I feel it would make it more difficult to put work boots on, but you most certainly can if knitting for snow boots.
Flap: Knit 12 stitches and place remaining stitches on needle two., turn slip one, purl 12 stitches and place remaining stitches on needle two. Working on these stitches only work flap as follows. Row one -* slip one, knit one,* repeat across row. Row two, slip one purl across Repeat until heel flap measures 2.5 inches or desired depth. End with purl side facing.
Turn Heel: Slip one, purl 12, purl (2) together, purl one, turn. slip one, knit (3), knit (2) together, knit one, turn. Slip on, purl (4), purl 2 together, purl one, turn. Repeat until you have 16 stitches on needle.
With same needle continue and pick up and knit 12 stitches down the right side of heel, work across the stitches on the front needle, pick up and knit 12 stitches on the left side of the heel.
Needle one - left side of center heel - knit to with three stitches of end of needle, knit two together knit one, knit across center needle, on next needle knit one, slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over, knit to end of needle.

Next round knit even.

Repeat the above decreases until you have 48 stitches remaining. Redistribute on needles as follows (16-16-16) Knit three rounds, start thrummed round. Repeat for desired length or in my case 6.5 inches.

Shape Toe: Needle one:- Work to last three stitches, knit two together, knit one. Needle two- knit one - slip one - knit one, pass slip stitch over, knit to within last three stitches, knit two together, knit one. Needle three- knit one, slip one, knit one, pass slip stitch over. Round 2- Knit even. Repeat above until you have 24 stitches remaining. Leave 12 inch length of wool for grafting. Graft toe.

Grafting: Place 12 stitches on each of two needles. Using a wool or darning needle* place needle into first stitch on front needle as if to knit and slip off needle, put needle in next stitch on needle as if to purl and leave on needle, let yarn go under the first needle and working on the back needle, insert needle into first stitch on back needle as if to purl and remove from needle, insert needle into next stitch as if to knit and leave on needle.* Go under the needles and back to the front and repeat from * to * until you have one stitch left and secure in place.

The thrummed socks are time intensive but well worth the effort. They are wonderful knit as slippers as well, just make the slipper top shorter.

I am also working on a pattern for arm and leg warmers for accessible wear.

If you are allergic to wool or want to use up scraps of acrylics or odd balls, you can use this pattern and using the approximate three inch lengths of scraps the same way knit some multicolored slippers for those you love. I would recommend putting non skid soles on the bottom for safety sake.

-This pattern is copyrighted as a Linda Boudreau original and may be distributed free of charge, but not to be kitted and resold without express permission of the originator. North Kentville Knits - 1998 copyright.