Over the last 2 years I know that the RSA (Returned Servicemens Association) have struggled with their usual fundraiser on Poppy Day. So I was thrilled to see that there is this yarn – Gallipoli – that proceeds go towards the RSA. So it only seemed fitting to develop a simple sock knitting pattern for this gorgeous sock yarn – echoing the work of women during the war effort to knit and send things overseas, and to encourage people to buy this yarn.

Gallipoli yarn comes in 4ply sock yarn in 100gm balls, and an 8ply Double Knit in full colours. I love the sock yarn because of the cool blends between the colours, and a lovely range of colour combinations.

This is my first sock pattern, so my apologies for it being in only one size. However, I think it is a fairly average sock size, so it should work for most female feet. You can also lengthen the space between the heel turn and the toe decreases if you need a longer footed sock.

You will need:
– 1 ball Gallipoli 4ply sock yarn
– 3mm needles for socks… these can be dpns or circular depending on how you wish to knit

Cast on 56 stitches
Rib 16 rows with a Knit 1, Purl 1 rib.
Knit 54 rows in straight stockinette stitch

Here you have reached the only really challenging piece of the sock – the German short row heel. Time for some stitch markers. Place one at the start of your row, and another at 28 stitches – the halfway point. Using just the first 28 stitches for this heel turn, place 2 more stitch markers – one after 9 stitches, another after 19 stitches – so you should have on this 28, the stitches broken into 3 sections of 9, 10 and 9 stitches respectively.

Now, no matter how I write this, this Youtube video will explain the German Short row better than I can. Please follow along and complete the short rows, the 2 complete rotations, and then the reverse short rows as described in it. You can then remove the stitch markers when the video says, but leave the stitch markers at the start of the row, and after 28 (you will now have your stitches broken into 2 sections of 28 stitches, with a heel on one side.

Now knit 50 rows.

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Shaping the toes.

This is also relatively easy. Use the stitch markers to stay clear in which is the top and bottom of the sock.

1. Knit 1, ssk, knit to the last 3 before the marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker at this halfway point, and repeat the stitches from the start of the row (decreases the whole row to 52 stitches, 26 on each side, which is a decrease of 2 on each side, 4 in total)
2. Knit whole row.
3. Knit 1, ssk, knit to the last 3 before the marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker at this halfway point, and repeat the stitches from the start of the row (decreases the whole row to 48 stitches, 24 on each side)
4. Knit whole row. (You’ll see the pattern forming)
5. Knit 1, ssk, knit to the last 3 before the marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker at this halfway point, and repeat the stitches from the start of the row (decreases the whole row to 44 stitches, 22 on each side, which is a decrease of 2 on each side, 4 in total)
6. Knit whole row.
7. Knit 1, ssk, knit to the last 3 before the marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker at this halfway point, and repeat the stitches from the start of the row (decreases the whole row to 40 stitches, 20 on each side, which is a decrease of 2 on each side, 4 in total)
8. Knit whole row.
9. Knit 1, ssk, knit to the last 3 before the marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker at this halfway point, and repeat the stitches from the start of the row (decreases the whole row to 36 stitches, 18 on each side, which is a decrease of 2 on each side, 4 in total)
10. Knit whole row.
11. Knit 1, ssk, knit to the last 3 before the marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker at this halfway point, and repeat the stitches from the start of the row (decreases the whole row to 32 stitches, 16 on each side, which is a decrease of 2 on each side, 4 in total)
12. Knit whole row.
13. Knit 1, ssk, knit to the last 3 before the marker, k2tog, knit 1, slip marker at this halfway point, and repeat the stitches from the start of the row (decreases the whole row to 28 stitches, 14 on each side, which is a decrease of 2 on each side, 4 in total)
14. Knit whole row.

Now the Kitchener stitch bind off of the toe section. You need to place your stitches on 2 needles – one for the front and one for the back. Using a darning needle, use the Kitchener stitch to bind this up. Here is the best tutorial I have found on the Kitchener stitch.

Repeat the whole process for sock 2, and darn in your yarn tails. You have now knitted the easiest socks in my humble opinion.