The Ariel socks are knitted toe up. The socks are started with Judy’s magic cast on and are best worked with the magic loop technique. The Ariel socks are worked in a beautiful lace pattern that looks like mermaid tails.

The heels are worked with gussets and a heel construction that mimics the French heel. The heel flaps are knitted in a reinforced stitch pattern to give them durability. All techniques needed for completing these socks are explained in this pattern.

The Ariel socks look best in solid or slightly variegated colors for the stitch pattern to show in its full glory. The lace pattern is modified from a lace chart found in the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible by Hitomi Shida.

Size
1 (2)
The difference in fit is achieved by changing the gauge, see below. Shown in size 1.
Circumference 20 (21.5) cm / 8 (8.5) inches, to be worn with slight negative ease
Length adjustable

Yarn
For size 1:
275-300 m / 300-330 yards of fingering weight sock yarn such as nurja merino sock (75% superwash merino wool, 25% polyamide; 420 m / 459 yards per 100 g), shown in colorway Tiikerinsilmä

For size 2:
275-300 m / 300-330 yards of heavy fingering or sport weight sock yarn such as Tukuwool Sock (80% Finnish wool, 20% nylon; 160 m / 175 yards per 50 g)

Needles
2.5 mm / US 1.5 DPNs or circular needles with a cable suitable for small circumference knitting
Always choose the needle size that gets you the right gauge.
Note: if you are using mini-circulars, you might want to use DPNs or Magic Loop for the Tubular Cast On.

Gauge
For size 1:
30 sts and 38 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Stockinette stitch, in the round after blocking.

For size 2:
28 sts and 38 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Stockinette stitch, in the round after blocking.

Note: If you can’t match the gauge both across the stitches and across the rounds, choose the needle size that gets you closer to the gauge across the stitches.

Notions
2 stitch markers
sewing needle
blocking tools (sock blockers)