This pattern is really flexible and allows for knitting "creativity".
I make them in all different sizes and use whatever yarns I have that
have at least a 75% wool content. Mohair and wool make for really
fuzzy ones - I imagine you could add Angora as well.
I usually do a pattern stitch on the cuff and back of heel, but it could be used throughout as well. Often for finishing, I add a crocheted edging or knitted edging.
I have made them with a single strand of yarn and they are light and airy - kind of lacy looking. Double stranded knitting makes a nice thick stocking. Handspun "designer" yarn adds great texture.
Pattern:
With size 9 straight needles cast on 72 stitches and work in ribbing
or pattern for about 4".
(cuff turn) K2tog, YO - to end of row.
Knit next row.
You are now on a WS row. Purl the next row, and repeat sts or what ever pattern you choose for the desired length of the stocking to heel. (I usually make mine about 12-15 inches ... remember it will shrink about 30%).
Next row: (K4, K2tog) to end of row. [60sts]
Change to DPNs and join continuing pattern for 1 more inch.
Heel:
Separate the instep and heel stitches by knitting 15 sts at the beginning
of the round on one needle, add another needle - Knit 30 stitches (instep),
add another needle and Knit 15 stitches.
I usually work the heel stitches on just 2 dpns, but 3 if you're not comfortable.
Work 20 rows in a rib, pattern or St st. (I always Slip the first stitch and knit the last stitch - no matter what pattern I choose) End with a WS row.
Next row: Knit 15 sts on one dpn, add another needle - pick up and knit sts along side of heel (doesn't have to be an exact number - do both sides the same) I usually get about 13-15.
Knit instep stitches.
Pick up and Knit stitches down other side of heel and knit first 15 stitches already on holding needle.
At this point you should have #1 needle - left back of heel, #2 needle - instep, #3 needle - right back of heel.
Begin decreasing back to the 60 sts as follows:
Needle #1 - Knit to last 3 sts ... K2tog, K1
Needle #2 - K all
Needle #3 - K 1, K2tog through the back ( or K 1, S 1, K 1, psso)
Continue decreasing every row until there are 15 sts on #1, 30 sts on #2, 15 sts on #3.
St st to desired length of foot (again remember the 1/3rd shrinkage) I usually do mine about 8".
Toe Decreases:
Knit to last 3 sts ... K2tog, K 1 (#1)
K 1, K2tog through the back, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1 (#2)
K 1, K2tog through the back, k to end of row.
Continue decreasing every row until you have 5, 10, 5 sts on the needles remaining. I then usually move the two 5's to one dpn and then bind off the two needles as one. This creates a nice chain stitch closing and then just hide the tail back inside the stocking.
You can also Kitchener st it closed or bind off each side individually and then stitch together later.
Finishing:
Sew up the back of the stocking from ankle up. When you get to the
cuff - bring the needle through and stitch the cuff seam on the wrong side.
I make the loops by just picking up and knitting 5 stitches in i-cord or crocheting with a single crochet st for about 5 inches, then bring back down and join at pick up.
Fulling:
Put the stocking in a mesh bag, in the Hot wash/cold rinse cycle of
your washing machine on the lowest water level. I use about 1 tbsp
of Dawn, but regular laundry detergent works fine as well. I set
my washing machine for the longest cycle (but check the stocking about
every 5
minutes). I also put a pair of jeans or a towel in with if I
only have 1 stocking in to give a little friction/felting action.
When it's felted as much as you want - spin, rinse, spin. Take
out and block flat on a towel.
Embellish as you wish.