We've really enjoyed seeing everyone's progress on their socks so far. We can't believe it, but some people have already finished both socks! It's not too late to join us--you can participate in the Alpaca Direct Ravelry Group. We're knitting the Universal Toe-Up Sock Pattern Formula by Amy Swenson.Today's post is about adding a stitch pattern to your socks. We love basic sock recipes like this one because they give the knitter room to be creative. Rib patterns are great for socks because they provide lots of stretch. Besides your classic rib patterns we have three other ribbing patterns in today's blog post.You'll work your stitch pattern on the top of the foot (which means just half of your stitches), and then after turning the heel the pattern can be worked on the leg (all of the stitches). When adding patterns it's important to make sure that the number of stitches on your sock is compatible with the number of stitches required for your pattern. For example, if you're working a k2, p2, ribbing you'd want a number that's divisible by 4 .Example:Total number of stitches: 64, 64/4=16 --perfect!Total Number of stitches: 70, 70/4=17.5--this isn't going to work, as you'd end with either 4 knits or 4 purls. At this point you have you can increase two more stitches, work a k1, p1 rib that would work with any even number of stitches, or find another stitch pattern that's compatible with the number of stitches for your sock.

 For sock knitting we've written the directions for all of the patterns to be knit in the round. Broken Rib (Even number of stitches)Round 1: *K1, p1*Round 2: KnitCable Rib (Multiples of 4) This isn't a real cable, but a mock cable that doesn't require a cable needle.Rounds 1-3: *P2, k2*Round 4: *P2, k2tog but leave on the needle; then insert right-hand needle between the 2 stitches just knit together and knit the 1st stitch again; then slip both stitches from the needle together*Waving Rib (Multiples of 6)Rounds 1-4: *K4, p2*Rounds 5-8: *K1, p2, k3*We'd love to see your sock progress! Share photos in the Alpaca Direct Ravelry group