Sundance Sock Pattern

After seeing the final prototype skein of the special edition Sundance colorway (available as of June 23 2010 at this link- once it sells out, the link won't work) for the store's 5th anniversary, I starting testing stitch patterns for a special sock.  I tested a few stitch patterns and realized that simplicity would be most flattering for this colorway.  There are many colors dappled onto this skein and to really show them off, a simple stockinette stitch seemed to do the trick.  But as this colorway is somewhat representative of my life in the past half decade, the pattern had to include some turns.  Think of this pattern like the good life- simple, but with enough twist to make it interesting.

Please note that I'm currently the only one who has tested this pattern.  So I recommend not printing it off until you actually are ready to knit it b/c there could be errors that are found by myself or others.  Errors/changes will be shown in red text throughout the pattern.  If you find errors, I would really appreciate an e-mail to [email protected] .  I'll apologize ahead of time b/c until a few of you have tried the pattern, it's likely I haven't found all typos and/or mistakes.

If you are on Ravelry, you can queue it up here.

Materials: Pigeonroof Studios' Siren Two sock yarn shown in the special edition Sundance colorway, or another fingering weight yarn of your choice; US 1.5 and US 2 double point needles; cable needle (though I simply use my 5th double point needle) tapestry needle.  The smaller needle size is for a tight fabric for the foot, but if you prefer, you can knit with just one needle size.

Ktbl = knit through the back loop

cn = cable needle

k = knit

p = purl

s1 = slip one (purlwise)

tog = together

ssk = slip one as if to knit, slip next stitch as if to purl, then put the left needle into the front of these stitches and knit them.

Using US 2 needles cast on 64 stitches and join into a round, making sure not to twist the stitches.

Knit the leg cuff as follows: K1tbl, p1* continue this pattern for 10 rounds.

Now start the leg.  You'll knit the following stitch rows/stitch pattern 7 or 8 times, depending on how long you like the leg of your socks.

Rows 1-8: Knit 22 stitches, p2 k6, p2* repeat

Row 9: Knit 22 stitches, p2, slip 3 onto cn and hold in front, k3, then knit the 3 stitches on the cn, p2 * repeat

Once the leg is the desired length, slip all stitches from the US 2 needles onto US 1.5 needles (this creates a more dense fabric that holds up to wear).  Now you'll set up for the heel flap by turning your work and purling 5 stitches.  This puts the beginning of your 32-stitch heel flap in the middle of the cable you just knit so that the cable patterns is placed at the ankles.  Now you'll turn the work again and start the heel flap.

Row 1: s1, k1* repeat to end of 32-stitch row (32 stiches should be on this working needle and the remaining 32 stitches will be held 16 stitches each on other dp's to work after the heel)

Row 2: Turn work, s1, p to the end of the row

Repeat these two rows 14 more times.  Now you'll turn the heel.

Row 1: sl1, k16, ssk, k1, turn

Row 2: sl1, p3, p2tog,  p1, turn

Row 3: sl1, k4, ssk ,k1, turn

Row 4: sl1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn

Row 5: sl1, k6, ssk, k1, turn

Row 6: sl1, p7, p2tog, p1, turn.

Continue decreasing in this manner until you have 18 stitches remaining on one needle.

Next, knit across 9 heel stitches.  Using a new needle, knit across the last 9 heel stitches.  Using this same needle, pick up and knit 16 stitches along the side of the heel. Using a new needle, knit across the instep stitches that you've held.  Using a new needle, pick up and knit 16 stitches along the other side of the heel.  Using that same needle, knit the remaining 9 stitches from the heel.  You now have 25 stitches on needle one, 32 stitches on needle two, and 25 stitches on needle three.

Knit one round.  Then you'll start to shape the gusset.

Round 1: On needle one, knit until the last three stitches, k2tog, k1.  On needle two, knit all stitches.  On needle three, k1, ssk, knit to the end of the needle.

Round 2: knit all stitches

Repeat these two rounds until you have 16 stitches on needles one and three, and 32 stitches on needle two.  You'll then continue to knit all stitches until you are within 1.5 inches of the desired length of your sock.  Then you'll start decreasing for the toe.

Round 1:  On needle one, knit to within the last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.  On needle two, k1, ssk, knit to within last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.  On needle three, k1, ssk, knit to the end of the needle.

Round 2: Knit all stitches.

Repeat these two rounds until you have 12 stitches on needles one and three, and 24 stitches on needle two.  Now work only Round one (decreasing every round) until you have four stitches on needles one and three, and eight stitches on needle two.  Then break the yarn, leaving a yard, and bind off using the kitchener stitch.  You can find a nice tutorial here.

Now love and wear your new Sundance Socks.

Comments

[Franki Trujillo-Dalbey]

Hi! I'm in the process of knitting these and have run into a few problems. First, I didn't understand the pattern, and so I ended up with half stockinette and half cables (about 6 of them). I think I'll go ahead and keep working them since I'm at the heel now. But could you clarify that? Also, it would be really helpful to have the number of stitches worked for the heel flap. That's it so far!Thanks!

[Allison]

Hi Franki,
I made a clarification to the beginning of the heel flap. Does that make more sense? Thanks!

[Kathaleen Tobin]

Thanks Allison for the heel clarification. Luckily I caught it and knew how to adapt. I finished first sock and almost finished with second. Uzing a different yarn, also in greens and yellows. Coming along nicely. Reminds me of Dublin Bay pattern.

[Linda]

I am working on this now and am loving them! My only problem has been the heel flap. When I worked it the first time it stitched up very tight and short. I used the 32 stitched and thought I did it right...but obviously didn't. Could you just let me know how long approximatley the flap should be when finished with the 16 rows? Thanks much.
I am using a midnight blue sock yarn and this pattern looks so classy with it. Thanks much!
Linda

[Allison]

Hi Linda, it's not 16 rows, it's doing that 2-row sequence 16 times, which means that you've really knit 32 rows (16 one way and 16 back). Makes sense?
Also, doing that rib pattern for the heel does "suck in" the width a bit and make the heel a bit narrower than if you were to just knit one way and purl back.
The heel flap will be about 2 inches (I don't have my sock in front of me to look), but you are welcome to knit it longer if you prefer that. Then you'll just be picking up one more stitch for each sequence increased.

[Linda]

Thanks! That makes perfect sense. Will send a pick when I am finished. Not sue how it will show up though. I am using a midnight blue and it is so perfect for this pattern. Very classy looking sock!