This gansey style sock pattern is based on the “Celtic pattern” from Barbara G. Walker’s Charted Knitting Designs (pg. 10). Combinations of knit and purl stitches are used to “emboss” the pattern onto a plain stockinette background, therefore solid or semi-solid colored yarns are recommended for this project. Gansey style knitting creates a dense, sturdy fabric that unfortunately has very little elasticity. So a fitted heel, and simple arch shaping have been added to these socks make them more form fitted.

Note: This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks that are suitable for a man or a woman in small (sizes 7-8) and medium (sizes 8-9). Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.