Sunday, March 23, 2014

Knitting Knee Socks, Daylong-style

I have knit a few pairs knee-high socks in the last couple of years, some of which have brought requests for instructions.  I'm starting with the easy ones.  These two are based on my Daylong Socks, Toe Up pattern.  I recently revised this pattern and posted the update on Ravelry. 

My main purpose in the revision was to consolidate all three pattern files into one listing.  Now both the cuff-down and the toe-up version are available for free.  The first pair of knee socks I knit, shown in the photo below, served as both test-knit and model for the pattern.

I love the yarn and the comfort of these socks.  However, they don't stay up as well as I'd like.  I tried to fix that with my next pair.



I ended the ribbing early to allow for gradual calf increases and to add a turned hem that would hold elastic. These stay up better.  They are 100% alpaca, though.  While warm, the fabric is a bit floppy and inelastic--and not durable--I have replaced the entire foot on both of these after a few years of wear.

Both of these are good methods of knitting simple knee socks. I've been very glad I knit these.  If you'd like to try a pair, I have posted the instructions as a supplement to my Daylong pattern.  Click the free link below to download the files through Ravelry.

Daylong Sock Pattern

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Hitini sock pattern published

That's right, my latest sock pattern is available for purchase. Find it on Ravelry or click the link below.

download Double Heeled Socks


The Hitini pattern provides instructions and a color guide that will allow you to use your bits of leftover sock yarn to knit chevron striped socks. The chevron design flows through this sock from the garter-stitch cuff to the toe. The patterning is echoed in the slip-stitch heel flap in the Cuff-down version. The pattern also works well with self-striping colorways, especially when they are combined with one or two complementary colors.


The toe-up version includes instructions for a short-row “Boomerang” heel that avoids the p3tog’s of a standard short-row heel. Download the toe-up version on Ravelry or click the link above.

 Either way, toe up or cuff down, it makes a beautiful sock from leftovers.