Who doesn’t want a “hug” each time they put on a pair of socks?

I wish I could say that the idea was “original”, but the reality is that I got it from a pair of fasciitis plantar socks I purchased that had tight ribbing at the instep.

These are another pair of “Fool Socks” for my dad and I thought I’d give him the warmth in two ways–a thick 100% wool sock with a bit more comfort, like a hug, on the inseam.

Since I have not seen this “embellishment” on any sock pattern, I thought I’d share it here.

These are toe-up socks, but it can work in either direction. In my case, after finishing the toe (12 rows) and the broad part of the foot (20 rows), I reduced the pattern by 4 (one each side, front and back), knit one row straight and then knit a 1×1 rib for 20 rows before increasing for the ankle on these toe-up socks–same as the ribbing on the ankle. To get all of the details (including the “tulip-top”) you can check out my Ravelry project page.

They look a bit funny, to be sure, but they feel… comforting. And can’t we all do with a bit more comfort in our lives?