Picidae Socks Pattern (digital download)

Picidae

These socks are for all you adventurers, bird-watchers, and collectors of curiosities. Picidae socks take inspiration from the downy woodpecker’s feathers and markings. With the Picidae pattern you can knit your own feathered socks—bright or soft colors work equally well. This top-down colorwork sock design features contrast-colored 1x1 twisted rib on the cuff and a colorwork pattern on the leg, starting with a few stripes before moving into a simplified geometric feather design and easy-to-memorize spots, as on a downy’s wing. The flap and gusset heel and the foot are worked in the main color, and then the stripes repeat just before the toe, which is knit in the same yarn as the cuff ribbing. 

SIZES

1 (2, 3, 4)

Finished circumference (unstretched): 6½ (7½, 8½, 9½)” / 16.5 (19, 21.5, 24) cm – to be worn with ½–¾” / 1.5–2 cm negative ease   

To fit foot circumference: 7 (8, 9, 10)” / 18 (20.5, 23, 25.5) cm

Leg length: 6½” / 16 cm 

YARN

CC1: approx 45 (55, 65, 75) yds / 45 (50, 60, 70) m of fingering / 4-ply-weight yarn

MC: approx 200 (255, 290, 345) yds / 180 (230, 265, 315) m of fingering / 4-ply-weight yarn

CC2: approx 60 (65, 75, 80) yds / 55 (60, 70, 75) m of fingering / 4-ply-weight yarn

Note: Yarn estimates are based on a foot length of 9 (10, 11, 12)” / 23 (25.5, 28, 30.5) cm. You may need more or less yarn depending on foot length. For the best fit, knit socks ½” / 1 cm shorter than actual foot length.

GAUGE

34 sts & 40 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette worked in the round and colorwork chart, after blocking.

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS

2.25 mm / US Size 1 knitting needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round. Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking.

3 stitch markers (including one unique for beginning of round), scrap yarn, tapestry needle