Monica Knits

6 Gusset StitchesThe gusset, the widest part of the sock, is shaped with paired decreases on alternate rows until the combined number of stitches is again 64, 32 stitches per circular needle. Markers are used for quality control and to simplify instructions for gusset shaping. The decreases occur between the markers in the gusset area until only six (6) gusset stitches remain between the markers.

This article is one segment of the "Basic Sock" series. The demonstration sock, a woman's medium size, is based on 64 leg sts. To link to other articles in this series, either: a) click on the index hyperlink in the masthead, then socks and select the desired article or, b) click on the Basic Socks link at the bottom of this article, then click on the desired topic.

Basic Sock - Gusset
Each round now begins at the center of the heel. The decreases occur in the gusset area until only six (6) stitches remain between the markers bracketing the gusset on either side.

Round 1: k9, k13, k2tog (marker is here), k34, (marker is here), ssk, k13, k9

Round 2, and all even numbered rounds: k across both needles

Round 3: k9, k12, k2tog (marker is here), k34, (marker is here), ssk, k12, k9

Round 5 and all odd numbered rounds: Keep decreasing as in rounds 1 and 3, knitting 1 fewer stitch (k2tog) before the marker at the beginning of the instep stitches and one stitch fewer after the instep stitches and next marker (ssk).

k9, k to 2 sts before the marker, k2tog (marker is here), k34, (marker is here), ssk, k to heel, k9

When you have a total of 6 sts between the heel and instep markers (each side), you have completed the decreases and it is time to just knit your way down the foot until it is time to begin the toe decreases. You will have 32 sts on each needle and will have completed 17 rounds.

Gusset MarkersRearrange Stitches to Face Front
As preparation for knitting the foot, rearrange the stitches so they are face front, with 32 stitches on each needle. All the stitches between the 4 markers will be on the rear needle. In addition, 1 stitch from the extreme sides of the instep sts will be transfered to the rear needle, so that stitches are centered about the heel.

The rearrangement can be accomplished as follows.

Rearrange Sts
1. k9 (heel sts), k6 (gusset sts), (marker is here), k1
2. Transfer the next 16 stitches to the beginning of the second needle with the rest of the instep stitches. This is a 2-step proces where the sts are first transfered to an intermediate needle (or the end of the second needle) and then back to the beginning to get the correct stitch order.
3. k across the instep stitches to the stitch before the marker.
4. Slip the subsequent stitches to the end of needle 2 and then to the beginning of needle 1. In the photo at right, both the yarn tail and the cable needle loop mark the point where stitches have been temporarily slipped onto needle 2.

Quality Control Tips

1. Begin with 41 stitches on each needle. After round 1 there should be 40 sts on each needle: 9 heel sts, 14 gusset sts, and 17 instep stitches.
2. There are 4 markers: 1 on each side of the heel stitches (18 stitches between) and 1 on each side of the instep stitches (34 stitches between).
3. There are two important controls for markers based on the number of gusset stitches between them. When round one is begun, there are 15 gusset stitches between the markers; when the gusset is complete there are 6. After each round, there should always be the same number of gusset stitches on each needle. You can periodically check the count on decrease rows to make sure you've completed both the right and left sides of the sock.
4. I find it helpful to use a row or tally counter to keep track of even and odd numbered rounds. With this method of gusset decreases you don't need to know the absolute number of rounds, so you could use some other mnemonic to keep track, such as a coin. For example: heads for an even numbered row, tails for an odd numbered row.
5. I do recommend completing each round before laying your stitching down. The easy visual check of position is whether or not you are at the center back (heel center).

NEXT STEP - Foot
With the stitches in face front arrangement, you can now remove the markers and knit to the toes, trying on the sock as you go. At 2" before the end of your foot, the toe decreases begin.
Click here to transfer to the Basic Socks article.