These socks were originally inspired by Polly McEldowney’s Heart Stripey Socks, a free pattern on Ravelry. Back when I was first learning to knit, I refused to follow a pattern without changing it drastically to suit my needs. (But if I’m being honest, I’m still that way. I have issues — it’s fine.) I added the extra mini hearts segments, the lines that break the sections up, and a seam because I can’t stand how stitches don’t match perfectly when you’re knitting in the round and start a new row. Like I said, I have issues.

What I love about this pattern is that each heart section is about an inch long, so you can add or take away sections to make them fit whatever sized foot you’re knitting for. You can also mix and match the colors and sections in any number of ways, making each sock as individual as the wearer.

There’s an afterthought heel because I feel like it’s the easiest heel to both knit and write the pattern of, and it’s accessible to beginners and more advanced knitters alike.

It’s helpful to be familiar with Judy’s Magic Cast On, the Kitchener Stitch, and Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off. If you’re not, never fear, I’ve got the written instructions at the back pages of this pattern for you, as well as links to other explainers / videos.