Sunday Sock Pattern – Regatta Socks

This year, the Knitter’s Review Retreat (KRR) took place along the beautiful lake in Canandaigua, NY.  Canandaigua also happens to be the site of another one of life’s pleasures:  The Canandaigua Yacht Club‘s J DAZE Sailing Regatta.  The Regatta, photographed by Bill Blevins (aka “sailorbill”) and the KRR are annual events.  This happy confluence of knitting and sailing led me to my next knitting project, the design of a new sock pattern inspired by sailboats.

Here are some of the design decisions that I have made for the sock pattern, which I’ve named Regatta Socks.

Knitting Method

The pattern is designed for knitting on circular needles, with either Magic Loop on one long circular needle or with two shorter circular needles.  If desired, the knitter could also knit in the round with a set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) by evenly distributing the stitches over 4 of the DPNs

Sock Construction

The sock is designed to be knit from the toe up to the cuff.  Judy’s Magic Cast On (JMCO) is recommended.  If you are unfamiliar with JMCO, here’s a video that demonstrates the technique:

Stitch Pattern

Basic knitting stitches, as opposed to color changes, are set against a Stockinette stitch ground to define the motif.  Patterning is achieved on the odd numbered rounds; even numbered rounds are knitted.

Gauge

For durable, long-wearing socks, I like a densely knit fabric.  So, this sock pattern is designed for a gauge of 8 stitches and 12 rows per inch in slightly stretched Stockinette stitch.

Sizes

I have charted versions of the stitch pattern to fit foot circumferences of 7″ (Small), 8″ (Medium)”, 9″ (Large), and 10″ (Extra Large).  This range of sizes, combined with the stitch motif, makes the sock pattern appropriate for either men’s socks or women’s socks.

For my sample socks, I am using Tosh Merino Light (TML; 100 g, 420 yds).  This yarn is a single-ply, fingering weight merino wool by Madeline Tosh.   I chose this yarn from my stash based on the color, Logwood, despite the lower durability generally found in a single-ply yarn.  I was seduced into this compromise by the watery quality of the color (appropriate for my design theme) and the soft warmth of the knitted fabric (appropriate for my toes).  I’m knitting these sample socks with ML on a 40″, US Size 0 addi Turbo Lack circular needle, which allows me to achieve gauge.  Although the yarn is labeled as a “superwash,” I will be hand washing these socks in cold water.  Hand washing, along with the dense stitch count, will help to extend the life of these socks.

The photos, above, are of the toe for this sock pattern knit in the TML yarn.  Can you imagine the sunlight dancing on the water?  Stop back next Sunday for a sneak peek at the pattern stitch.  Until then, happy knitting on circular needles!

. . . Linda, the well-rounded knitter

 

Filed under: Sock Pattern

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