Sock knitting pattern.
The idea for Let's Mix Colors Socks started when I was reading a call for submission from a 3rd party publication. They were asking to bring some contrasting colors, maybe color blocks, or stripes, or maybe colorwork designs. And I threw all these possibilities together in one pot, and on top of that, I added also knit with 2 contrasting colors at the same time.
My idea wasn’t accepted by the publication, but I like it so much that I decided to go with it and self-publish.
So, what we have here:
- definitely 2 contrasting colors
- stripes
- some of the stripes are made holding 2 colors together
- colorwork
- contrasting heels and toes
This is my first sock design and I enjoyed creating and making this pair.
I made the first sample with Yarn Bee Pigment + Fiber. Just used what I had on hand. And this yarn was a leftover from my Arrow Striped Cowl. The yarn comes in sets of 6 colors, and I used 3 of them for the cowl and 2 more for the socks. The colors are great but the fiber content isn’t so good, in my opinion, for the socks, 60% acrylic with only 20% wool, and 20% nylon. And I wanted to improve a couple of spots in the pattern, so I decided to go with different yarn to make a pair and base all the grading on it.
I needed fingering weight sock yarn in nice solid colors with a good variety of colors to choose from. And I think Cascade Yarns Heritage Sock is a great fit here.
- classic sock yarn 75% superwash merino, 25% nylon, 437 yds (400 m)/100 g
- has a huge color range
- soft, very nice to work with
- machine washable and dryable
- easy to find at many stores and the price is great
The sample is made with colors 5741 Bachelor Button and 5636 Sapphire.
I was browsing Cascade Yarns website for ideas for other color combinations, adding here a couple of options, that I like.
A little bit more details about Let’s Mix Colors Socks
The socks are knitted cuff-down with wedge toes and afterthought heels holding fingering weight yarn double which gives DK weight gauge, and socks work pretty quickly.
Cuff: You’ll start with a fun little rolled band that is made with 1 strand of yarn. This is the only part when you’ll be working with 1 strand of yarn. And then continue with ribbing with 2 strands. If you’re not a big fan of the rolled band, the pattern gives directions on how to begin with ribbing.
Colorwork: You’ll be working only 6 rounds of colorwork. If you didn’t try colorwork in the round before, this is a good chance to try it. The pattern includes written instructions for colorwork and also charts.
Stripes: For the stripes, you’ll be holding together 1 strand of light color and 1 strand of dark color, and alternate them with 2 strands of light color. I added to the pattern precisely where to drop strands, where you need to cut, or just hold. So at the end, you’ll have as few as possible ends to weave in.
Toe: Classic wedge toe, I think doesn’t need much explanation. Decreases are going by two sides of the sock and finishing with kitchener stitch.
Heel: The afterthought heel needs a little bit of attention for a set-up, but the knitting itself will be the same way as the wedge toe. I added to the pattern a link to the video tutorial by TheKnitGirllls on how to mark the placement of the heel and how to open stitches for the heel. The heel also is finished with kitchener stitch.
If you have never done before a kitchener stitch, VeryPink Knits has a great tutorial. If you already know the principle of the kitchener stitch but always forget how to start, I made a video on how to better remember which one is knitwise, and which is purlwise.
The pattern Let’s Mix Colors Socks comes in 4 sizes to fit feet with circumferences 8” (20 cm), 9” (22.5 cm), 10” (25 cm), and 11” (27.5 cm). Each size has a specific length but the pattern gives also directions how to customize the length.
What do you need to know to make Let’s Mix Colors Socks:
How to knit and purl. How to work in the round with a small circumference. The pattern doesn’t specify which needles to use, double pointed, 2 circulars, or long circular for magic loop, or short circular 9” (22.5 cm). Choose whatever style of needles you prefer.
What do you need to make socks:
Yarn: Fingering weight yarn in 2 contrasting colors.
Sample made with Cascade Yarns Heritage Sock 75% Merino, 25% Nylon, 437 yds (400 m)/3.5 oz (100 g), colors 5741 Bachelor Button and 5636 Sapphire.
Needles: size US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 3 (3.25 mm)
Notions: marker, tapestry needle
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