Knit Your Own (KYO): Tubies

I mentioned in a recent post that a goal for 2014 is to create new designs once a month. Ambitious, yes, and even as I write this again I'm wondering if I'm biting off more than I can chew.  But you know what?  I have some super simple ideas in mind so I'm thinking that this plan is manageable ... only time will tell, right?

So, to kick off my Knit Your Own monthly post, here's a quick and easy knit ~ Tubies!

I love slipping on a pair of cozy socks especially after coming in from the cold outdoors. And boy has it been C-O-L-D here on the east coast. (If you live in the mid-west, forgive me~I know it's way colder where you are!)  If you've got a skein of bulky yarn and a set of US10/6mm double-pointed needles, you can knit up a pair of Tubies in one night.

Tubies are socks knit without heels or gussets ~ like your athletic tube sock. I rarely knit with 100% acrylic yarn but, like many knitters, I've had some in my stash for years.  These were knit with Lion Brand Tweed Stripes.  What better way to use up that part of your stash than to knit some Tubies.  You can throw these in the washing machine and put them right back on your feet warm from the dryer.  Ahhh, bliss.

If you'd like to knit your own Tubies, here's the pattern.  Enjoy!

Materials
US10/6mm double-pointed needles (DPNs)
Approximately 120 yards of bulky weight yarn.
This pattern will fit socks sizes 7 - 9 

Instructions Using your favorite toe-up method, cast on 16 stitches.  I always start my toe-up socks by casting on the total stitches on one DPN.  I then divide those stitches equally onto two double-pointed needles by slipping each stitch alternately on the needles.  With eight stitches on each needle, begin increase as follows:

Round 1: on needle 1, knit1, kfb, knit to two stitches before the end, kfb, knit1; repeat on needle 2
Round 2:  knit all stitches across both needles

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you have 36 stitches in total ~ 18 stitches on each needle.  Knit even in stockinette until desired length.  Knit another three inches in 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2). Bind Off.