Here's a cute little sock, knitted quickly and easily. Can be made by a beginning knitter (with a little help getting around the heel part). This little sock is the perfect tree decoration or tie several to a ribbon and make a garland. It can also be used for gift packaging (for smaller things) or as the gift itself. Start now and make several for your own holiday décor or to have on hand for hostess gifts (or for the person you forgot). Add a name card and have personalized holiday place cards for your dinner party. You can make yours in different colors to match your own holiday décor - the uses are endless and such fun!

(Click on image for larger view)

GAUGE:
In stock st, 5 sts=1"; 7 rows=1"

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Beg at top with white yarn, cast on 20 sts. Knit 6 rows even for garter st cuff. Cut white, leaving approximately 16" sewing length for cuff seam and loop. Join red, leaving approximately 20" end for sewing back and sole seam later. Change to stock st (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) and work even for 16 more rows, ending by working a purl row. Now work instep as follows:

  Instep
  

• Row 1 (dividing row): K 13 (leave rem 7 sts unworked).
• Row 2: P6 (leave rem 7 sts unworked). Continue on center 6 sts only, work 4 more rows even in stock st, ending by working a purl row. Cut yarn, leaving sts on needle. Continue with foot shaping as follows:

  Foot
  

• With right side facing you and using right-hand needle (with 7 sts at right-hand edge on it), join red and pick up 6 sts along right edge of instep, then knit across 6 instep sts, pick up 6 sts along left edge of instep, knit rem 7 sts (32 sts now on needle).
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3: K2 tog; *K13, K2 tog; rep from * once more (29 sts).
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: K2 tog; K11, K2 tog; K12, K2 tog (26 sts).
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K2 tog; *K10, K2 tog; rep from * once more (23 sts).
• Row 8: Purl. Bind off all sts in knit.
• Finish off red. Thread 20" red sewing length (below cuff) into yarn needle and sew back and sole seam. Then thread 16" white sewing length (at base of cuff) into yarn needle and sew seam on cuff. Do not finish off; make 1" yarn loop at top of stocking and then fasten end securely. (OPTIONAL: To make a thicker loop, crochet a chain stitch). Weave in ends.
• Enjoy!