A good everyday pair of top down socks – interesting to knit, but not so interesting that you have to carry the pattern with you.

This design features some of my favourite details:
• a Dutch (a.k.a. square) heel turn, that allows you to work reinforcement on the back of the heel and continue it down into the heel turn.
• a no-graft toe
• a simple but very effective pattern stitch that livens up solid and semi-solid sock yarns

I’ve worked the no-nylon sock yarn on needles a size smaller than I might usually. Do check your gauge for best fit and wear.

As photographed, they have a subtle little asymmetrical pattern detail on the foot, to create right and left socks; this is entirely optional. Continue the pattern stitch all the way down to the toe if you wish. Or, heck, work the same direction of fade on both feet.

(And the name? The colourway is inspired by a Blood Orange soda, and in our house, we make a cocktail with it, with a shot of bourbon. The cocktail is known as Blood on the Tracks.)