’70s Folk Socks

Inspired by Joni Mitchell’s song “Chelsea Morning,” these socks are designed to evoke sunny 1970s vibes. This pattern actually includes two designs! You can choose a striped ribbed version with a simple lace cuff or a stranded colorwork version with a cabled lace cuff.

The ’70s Folk Socks are knit from the cuff down and come in two variations: a ribbed version with rainbow stripes and a stranded colorwork version with a geometric design reminiscent of beaded curtains. Both versions share the same stitch count, mock short-row heel, and toe. They also feature a variation on the same cuff—the ribbed socks have a simple lace ribbing, while the colorwork socks use a more intricate twisted stitch and cabled ribbing combined with the same lace.

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4)

Finished circumference (stretched for ribbed socks; unstretched for colorwork socks): 6½ (7½, 8½, 9½)” / 16.5 (19, 21.5, 24)cm.

Designed to fit with ½” / 1cm negative ease. Leg length: 6” / 15cm (ribbed version) and 4¾” / 12cm (colorwork version).

GAUGE
36 sts & 44 rounds = 4” / 10cm in ribbing round (unstretched) on US 1 / 2.25mm needles, after blocking

34 sts & 40 rounds = 4” / 10cm in stockinette st and colorwork chart on US 1 / 2.25mm needles, after blocking

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

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

YARN
Ribbed version
Note: Five colors are used. Yarn A is used for the cuff, heel, and toe; yarn B is the main color; and yarns C, D, and E are the small stripes.

Yarns A and B: approx. 85 (100, 110, 120) yds / 80 (90, 100, 110)m of fingering-weight yarn EACH

Yarns C, D, and E: approx. 40 (45, 50, 60) yds / 35 (40, 45, 55)m of fingering-weight yarn EACH

The ribbed sample is shown in Junkyarn Boss Sock fingering-weight yarn; 80% SW Merino / 20% nylon; 400 yds / 365m per 100g skein. The five colors used are Good Vibes (yarn A), Ken (yarn B), Conversation Pit (yarn C), Begonia (yarn D), and Shag Carpet (yarn E).

Colorwork version
Note: Four colors are used. Yarn A is used for the cuff, yarn B is the main color, and yarns C and D are the contrast colors.

Yarn A: approx. 45 (50, 55, 60) yds / 40 (45, 50, 55)m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn B: approx. 185 (210, 235, 260) yds / 170 (190, 215, 240)m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarns C and D: approx. 35 (40, 45, 50) yds / 30 (35, 40, 45)m of fingering-weight yarn EACH

The colorwork sample is shown in Junkyarn Boss Sock fingering-weight yarn; 80% SW Merino / 20% nylon; 400 yds / 365m per 100g skein. The four colors used are Shag Carpet (yarn A), Ken (yarn B), Begonia (yarn C), and Conversation Pit (yarn D).

Yarn estimates are based on a sock foot length 9” / 23cm. You may need more or less yarn depending on foot length. For the best fit, knit socks 1cm / ½” shorter than actual foot length.