Basic Ella Sock

I used 2 balls of Regia yarn that was DK size.  This pattern assumes you know basically how to knit socks in your chosen method.  I always do two at a time with 2 small circular needles.

Gauge: 5.5 sts per inch with 3 3/4mm needles -you choice circular or double-pointed

Cast on 36 sts.  Join being careful not to twist stitches.  Work K2 P2 rib for 2 inches.  Start working in stocking stitch until sock is 6 inches or desired length.

Working over only 18 sts (other 18 wait for the instep), start heel flap:

Row 1: sl 1, k1, across row, turn

Row 2: sl 1, purl across row, turn

Repeat these two rows until you have worked 16 rows.  You should have 8 selvedge stitches on either side of flap.

Now turn the heel:

Row 1:  Sl 1, k 11 stitches, sl 1, k1, psso (SKP), turn

Row 2: Sl 1, p 5, p2tog, turn

Row 3: Sl 1, k 5, SKP, turn

Continue with rows 2 & 3 until all the stitches have been worked.

Pick up and knit the selvedge stitches along left side of heel flap, plus one extra stitch between flap and instep (to prevent a hole), place marker.  Work across reserved 18 instep stitches.  Place marker, then pick up selvedge stitches on right side of flap (including the extra stitch).  Knit to centre of heel.

Next round, knit 3 stitches before marker, k2tog, knit to next marker, k1, SKP.  Next round knit plain.  Repeat these two rounds until your stitches are back down to 36.  Then work straight until sock is 6 inches from back of heel or desired length.

Decrease for toe:

Round 1:  Knit to 3 before marker.  K2tog, k1, sl marker, k1, SKP.  Knit to 3 before next marker, K2tog, k1, sl marker, k1 SKP, knit back to start of round.

Round 2: knit plain

Repeat these two rounds until there are 8 stitches remaining.  Graft together.