As of January 1, 2023, this pattern is no longer available. Pattern support is available by email, and full pattern information is still available both here and via the link provided. To try out this unconventional construction without the texture, check out the Fade Out Socks!

The Bubbler Socks are inspired by Dotillidae, the Sand Bubbler Crabs, a taxonomic family of tiny crabs — only 1 cm long! — native to the tropical beaches of the Indo-Pacific. Sand bubbler crabs are famous for the strange circular patterns they make as they filter sand for microscopic food after the tide goes out. Watch these socks transform as you knit them from a few stitches into an equally beautiful pattern!

This was the Round 4 Bonus Pattern for Sock Madness 14.

Pattern Description

These unconventional textured socks are worked outwards from a reinforced heel. They use a soft and stretchy stitch pattern to make radiating bands of bumps around the ankle that travel up the leg and down the foot. Although they are constructed unconventionally, they are worked continuously with no seams and can be tried on for fit as you go.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (either on double-pointed needles or your preferred technique for socks) and clearly explains and/or links to video tutorials for all required techniques, such as German short rows, appropriate cast ons/bind offs, and Kitchener stitch. This pattern has no charts and is easily accessible to an intermediate knitter who is just getting started knitting socks.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

There are three sizes available: Adult Small (Medium, Large) corresponding to foot circumferences of 18 (20.5, 23) cm / 7 (8, 9) inches and standard foot lengths of 21 (22, 23) cm / 8.25 (8.67, 9) inches. They are adjustable in length and height, as well as over the instep.

The socks require approximately 300 (325, 350) m / 325 (350, 375) yards of fingering weight yarn.