Thulite Socks--DK-weight (digital download)

Thulite

The Thulite socks are a DK-weight sock pattern originally published in Pom Pom Quarterly.

Inspired by Milton Avery’s March in Red and the idea of making socks for the barefoot subject of this painting, these color-blocked socks play with shades of color as on an artist’s palette, like a painter mixing, dabbing soft blobs, blending.

Thulite socks are worked from the top down in allover stranded colorwork, with large, bold blocks of color on the front and back. The background color changes once per side, which creates a dramatic patchwork effect when viewed from the side. The socks also feature half-twisted ribbing and a mock short-row heel. The DK-weight yarn is knit at a dense gauge to make a thick, cushy fabric. A coloring sheet is included in this pattern for you to try out different color combinations.

SIZES

1 (2, 3, 4)

Finished circumference (unstretched): 7 (8, 9, 10)” / 17 (20, 23, 26) cm

Designed to fit with approx. 0-½” / 0-1 cm negative ease. Leg length: 6” / 15 cm

Note: With DK-weight socks, you may need to choose a larger size than you normally would, to give a comfortable, relaxed fit.

YARN

Approx:

Yarn A (for cuffs, heels, and toes): 70 (80, 95, 110) yds / 65 (75, 90, 100) m of DK-weight yarn.

Yarn B: 100 (120, 145, 170) yds / 95 (110, 135, 155) m of DK-weight yarn.

Yarn C: 100 (120, 145, 170) yds / 95 (110, 135, 155) m of DK-weight yarn.

The sample socks are shown in Size 2 in Green Letter Day DK (250 yds [230 m] / 115 grams; 100% superwash Merino) in the colors Shortcake (yarn A), Wendy Peffercorn (yarn B), and Adore You (yarn C). The sample socks are knit with yarn C held dominant throughout all colorwork sections.

Yarn estimates are based on a sock foot length of 8½ (9½, 10½, 11½)” / 22 (24, 27, 29) 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

27 sts & 30 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette and colorwork chart, after blocking

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS

US 2.5 (3 mm) knitting needles (OR size needed to achieve gauge) suitable for working small circumferences in the round (e.g., small circular needle and DPNs, long circular needle for magic loop, OR two circular needles)

Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking.

Stitch markers (4, including two unique markers for beginning of round and midpoint), scrap yarn, tapestry needle