Shadow Fade Socks

Striping two gradient sets against each other, lightening in opposite directions, makes for a very rewarding and cheerful knit. Shifting colours do all the work in these dazzling but simple socks—no fancy footwork required.

Helix stripes ensure magically jogless stripes as the colours spiral around together, with a band (square) heel flap construction, cuffs, and toes worked in a solid colour. Instructions are given for top-down socks in nine sizes.

Helix knitting is a jogless method of working single round stripes in the round. Each stripe of colour is essentially a separate spiral—like mashing two slinky toys together. In this sock pattern, a pair of spirals wind themselves around the sock without ever crossing one another’s paths. 

This knitting pattern includes detailed written directions, modification notes, spit splicing directions, and front, side, and back images.

Sizes + Finished Measurements

Sizes: Baby (Child, Preteen, Adult S, M)(Adult L, 1X, 2X, 3X)

Finished foot circumference: 4 (5, 6, 7, 8)(9, 10, 11, 12)" / 10 (12.5, 15, 18, 20.5)(23, 25.5, 28, 30.5) cm.

Finished foot length: 4 ½ (5 ½, 6 ¾, 7 ¾, 9)(10, 11, 12 ¼, 13 ½)" / 11.5 (14, 17, 19.5, 23)(25.5, 28, 31, 34.5) cm.

Yarn

• Fingering weight or sock yarn;
• Two sets of mini skeins, five colours each totalling approximately 105 (180, 275, 360, 450, 570, 675, 810, 945) yd / 95 (165, 250, 330, 415, 520, 620, 740, 860) m.

Shown in Knit Picks Stroll Fingering Tonal Mini Packs (affiliate)(75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon; 462 yards/100g) in Coastal and Sunset, 1 mini pack each.

Substitution Notes

Choose two sets of five contrasting/coordinating colours and arrange one set from light to dark and the second set from dark to light. This can be a fun stash busting project using yarns from different brands, being sure they are all sock weight. Look for wool blends with some nylon, mohair or silk for strength and a tight twist and multiple plies for a sock that will last. 

Needles + Notions

• 2.25 mm (US 1) DPNs or two circular needles for two circulars technique or 32" (80 cm) or longer circular needles for Magic Loop technique;
• Stitch Markers;
• Locking Stitch Markers;
• Yarn Needle.

Gauge

32 sts and 47 rnds = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch in the round, blocked.

Skills

Knitting in the round, increases/decreases, basic cuff down sock construction, band heel, heel flap, heel turn, picking up stitches.

Helpful Links

SSK & SSP Decreases video tutorial.

This pattern is also available on holliyeoh.com, Ravelry, and Knit Picks.

This pattern has been tech edited.