Two needle flat socks

Two-needle flat socks are a great option for knitters who prefer not to use circular needles or double-pointed needles. Here's a basic pattern to get you started:

Materials needed:

• Yarn (choose a yarn weight appropriate for your desired sock size)
• Knitting needles appropriate for your chosen yarn
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Instructions:

1. Cast on the desired number of stitches (usually around 48-56 stitches, depending on the size of the sock).
2. Knit in the round until the cuff measures the desired length (usually around 1-2 inches).
3. Begin the heel flap. Knit the first stitch, then purl the next stitch. Repeat this pattern (knit one, purl one) until the end of the row.
4. Continue working the heel flap in this pattern until it measures about 2 inches (or slightly less than half the length of the foot).
5. Turn the heel. Begin by knitting the first stitch, then purling the next stitch. Repeat this pattern until you reach the center of the row.
6. Next, knit two stitches together, then knit one stitch. Turn the work.
7. Purl four stitches, then purl two stitches together, purl one stitch. Turn the work.
8. Knit three stitches, then knit two stitches together, knit one stitch. Turn the work.
9. Continue in this pattern, working one less stitch between each decrease row, until all stitches have been worked and you have a triangular shape with a flat bottom (the heel).
10. Pick up stitches along the sides of the heel flap (usually about half the number of stitches you cast on for the cuff). Knit these stitches in the round, working the gusset decreases on either side of the foot.
11. Continue knitting in the round until the sock measures the desired length (usually 6-7 inches from the heel).
12. Begin the toe decreases. Knit the first stitch, then knit two stitches together. Knit the next stitches until three stitches remain, then knit two stitches together and knit the final stitch.
13. Continue working the toe decreases until you have about 10-12 stitches remaining. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and use a tapestry needle to thread the tail through the remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the toe, then weave in any loose ends.

This basic pattern can be modified to create a variety of different sock styles and sizes. Once you've mastered the basic technique, you can experiment with different stitch patterns, colors, and yarn weights to create unique and personalized socks.