These textured socks are so quick to make and a delight to wear!
Materials
100 grams of any worsted weight yarn. Sample uses Knit Picks High Desert Worsted in Birch Tweed
Size 2 ½ (3.00 mm) needles, suitable for the method of your choice
Scissors, yarn needle, ruler
Stitch markers if desired
Gauge
In order to ensure that the socks will fit their intended recipient, I suggest checking gauge.
24 stitches and 32 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch worked in the round, blocked.
Abbreviations
CO: cast on
k: knit
p: purl
ea: each
sl: slip (as if to purl)
n1: needle 1 (or the first ½ of the sts)
n2: needle 2 (or the second ½ of the sts)
k2tog: knit two stitches together
ssk: slip, slip, knit
st(s): stitch(es)
*...*: repeat the instructions in the asterisks
Sizing Notes
This sock ruler is extremely helpful for knitting socks in any size.
This pattern is written for sizes small(medium, large) and are designed to fit a 7(8, 9) inch foot circumference. Please note that sock fabric has a lot of stretch, and each size will realistically fit 6-8(7-9, 8-10) inch feet. I suggest choosing the size that best suits the amount of negative/positive ease you prefer for socks.
Pattern Notes
Find the yarn used for this pattern here.
These are my favorite sock blockers.
This pattern is written for using the magic loop method, and the rows will be divided into n1 and n2. If you’d like to use a different method, such as DPNs or 9” circs, simply treat n1 and n2 as the first ½ of the sts and the second ½. I recommend placing 2 different markers: one to mark the ½ way point, and one to mark the beginning of the round.
This pattern provides instructions for an afterthought heel. If you would like to substitute a different heel, simply omit the heel instructions, and substitute your chosen heel after completing the leg.
Helpful Tutorials
Afterthought Heel and Setup: https://youtu.be/EBxA3hbV7FE
Kitchener Stitch: https://youtu.be/6EGMGpZAvo4
Cuff
CO 40(48, 56) sts. Set up to work in the round, and divide the sts in half. You should have 20(24, 28) sts on ea needle if working magic loop, or 20(24, 28) sts in between ea marker if using another method.
Rounds 1-10
n1 and n2: *k2, p2* across all sts.
Proceed to Leg Instructions
Leg
Rounds 1-3
n1: *p2, k2* across all sts.
n2: k all sts
Rounds 4-6
n1: *k2, p2* across all sts.
n2: k all sts
If you would like your leg to be shorter/longer, simply repeat Rounds 1-4 until you reach your desired length.
On the Final Round (Round 4) work across the sts on n1 ONLY.
Proceed to Heel Setup Instructions
Heel Setup
If you are substituting a different heel, omit these instructions and follow the instructions for your chosen heel.
Working on n2 only, using scrap yarn
Row 1: k all sts. 20(24, 28) sts
Row 2: p all sts. 20(24, 28) sts
Row 3: k all sts. 20(24, 28) sts
After working Row 3, sl all the sts back to the left hand needle, then drop and cut the scrap yarn, and pick up the main yarn again. Knit across all the sts on n2.
Proceed to Foot Instructions
Foot
Continue
Repeat Rounds 1-4 of the Leg Instructions
For Afterthought heel
Work until the foot measures 4.25(4.5, 4.75) inches from your desired length, measured from Row 3 of the heel setup.
For substituted heel
Work until the foot measures 2 inches from your desired length, measured from the base of the heel.
Proceed to Toe Instructions
Toe
If you have chosen a method other than magic loop, I recommend switching to magic loop or DPNs now.
Round 1
n1 and n2: k all sts.
Round 2
n1 and n2: k1, ssk, k until three sts remain, k2tog, k1. (4 sts dec)
Rounds 3-16
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2. You will have 8(16, 24) total sts remaining.
Feel free to add/subtract decrease rounds to accommodate for your preferences.
Bind off using the kitchener stitch (see Helpful Tutorials)
Proceed to Afterthought Heel Instructions
Afterthought Heel
If you have chosen a method other than magic loop, I recommend switching to magic loop or DPNs now.
Setup
From right to left with the toe pointed down, pick up the right leg only of the 20(24, 28) sts on the rows directly above and below waste yarn. Start on the sts above the waste yarn(leg), then take the second needle and pick up the sts below(foot). Cut and remove the waste yarn in between the needles.
Round 1(beginning with the leg sts)
n1 and n2: k all sts, then pick up two extra sts at the ends to prevent gaps.
Round 2
n1 and n2: k until 4 sts remain, k2tog, k2tog.
Round(s) 3(3-4, 3-5)
n1 and n2: k all sts.
Rounds 4(5, 6) - 19(20, 21)
Repeat Rounds 1-16 of Toe Instructions
Bind off using the kitchener stitch (see Helpful Tutorials)
Proceed to Finishing Instructions
Finishing
Cut any attached yarn, and weave in your ends.
My favorite way to finish a pair of socks is to wet block them. Fill a sink or small tub with lukewarm water and add some wool wash if desired. Insert the socks into the water, and let sit for about 5 minutes. Place the socks on sock blockers appropriate to your size, and let them air dry.
Lastly, enjoy and show off your beautiful handmade socks, or gift them to someone special. If desired, share them on Instagram using the #birchshorties and tag @thegracefultangle!
I hope you enjoyed following this pattern! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send an email to thegracefultangle@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook and to stay in the loop!
Until next time,
Amy Kate
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