Wendy Johnson's Generic Toe-Up Sock Pattern
Uses short-row heels and toes (like my Steep Learning Curve Socks). A similar, but more detailed pattern, the Universal Toe-Up Sock Formula, was created by Amy Swenson for Knitty.com.
Kim Salazar's Sock Patterns
Salazar's method creates a toe that is more like the one you see in top-down socks. Many people prefer it, because there are no loops on the inside.
Judy Gibson's "You're Putting Me On" Socks
This was the first toe-up sock pattern I ever encountered, and it's a good one. Its one flaw is that you pick up stitches under the heel, and you can feel that ridge when wearing them. But the gussets help improve the fit for some people.
Brook Chenoweth Creel's Widdershins Socks
Very similar to Gibson's pattern. Heel is better, but trickier. To see how much trickier, check out Creel's blog. I recommend Mel Vassey's generic version of Widdershins since it's adaptable to different sizing options
Kelly Petkun's Two at Once, Toe-Up Sock
This sock uses an "Afterthought Heel," which is extremely easy and very attractive with self-patterning sock yarns. However, I think the heel cup in these instructions is too shallow. Dawn Brocco's adaption fits much better.
Mary Lycan's Sherman Sock
Another short row heel method, using stitch "encroachment." I don’t care for the final product, but it's worth trying for yourself. As with Widdershins, I recommend Mel Vassey's Sherman Sock Pictorial.
Fleegle's Toe-Up No-Flap, No-Hassle Sock Pattern
Ingenious and elegant, this pattern dispenses with complicated turnings at the heel base and launches directly into the flap. The result is a clean, wedge-shaped heel flap that is attractive and easier than most patterns.
Knitman's Andersson Heel
Colin Andersson's method is much like Fleegle's, although his heel flap is square rather than wedge-shaped. My alternate instructions offer advice on gusset increases, and explain the heel construction in a different way.
Originally posted on my blog November 2, 2006. Last revised June 28, 2008.