Clockwork Peacock by Natalie Sheldon

Clockwork Peacock

Knitting
September 2024
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
34 stitches and 47 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch
US 1½ - 2.5 mm
394 - 563 yards (360 - 515 m)
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) Finished foot circumference: 20 (21.25, 22.5, 23.25, 25) cm / 7.75 (8.25, 8.75, 9.25, 9.75)” – recommended to be worn with 1.25 cm / 0.5” of negative ease.

The Clockwork Peacock Socks are stunning colorwork socks, almost wearable art! The pattern is inspired by the curves and movement of intricate stained-glass windows, typical for the Art Nouveau era.

The Clockwork Peacock Socks are knit from the cuff down in the round. The socks feature one chart for the leg and a second one for the foot. The foot can be lengthened before you start the toe, and the heel is worked as an afterthought heel. If you prefer working toe-up, you can hold the charts upside-down to follow as you use your favourite toeup method.

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5)
Finished foot circumference: 20 (21.25, 22.5, 23.25, 25) cm / 7.75 (8.25, 8.75, 9.25, 9.75)” – recommended to be worn with 1.25 cm / 0.5” of negative ease.

YARN
Topsy Farms, Rustic Fingering (100% Canadian Wool, 366 metres / 400 yards per 113 g)

MC: 195 (215, 235, 250, 275) metres / 178 (197, 215, 229, 251) yards
CC: 165 (180, 200, 215, 240) metres / 151 (165, 183, 197, 219) yards

Sample shown is knit in colourways Green Heather (MC) and Green Tweed (CC). Laura wears a size 2 with no ease.

NEEDLES
This pattern varies needle size in order to achieve the different finished sizes (see Gauge).

• use one of the following needle sizes: 2.5 (2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5) mm / US 1.5 (US 2, US 2.5, US 3, US 4) circular needle with a cable length of at least 80 cm / 32” (or needle size to obtain gauge) for colourwork.
• all sizes will also need one 2.5 mm / US 1.5 circular needle with a cable length of at least 80 cm / 32” (or needle size to obtain gauge) for heels, toes, and cuffs

This pattern uses the magic loop technique, which requires using a circular needle with a cable length of at least at least 80 cm / 32” instead of double-pointed needles. For magic loop, the front of the leg and top of the foot are worked across the first needle (N1); the back of the leg, heel, and sole of the foot are worked across the second needle (N2).

GAUGE
This pattern is sized by adjusting the gauge according to the size you wish to make. Take time to swatch carefully in the colourwork pattern to ensure a good fit, using the needle size you need to achieve the desired gauge.

In the round, in stranded colourwork, on larger needle, after blocking:
Size 1: 35 sts x 41 rounds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4”
Size 2: 33 sts x 39 rounds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4”
Size 3: 31 sts x 37 rounds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4”
Size 4: 30 sts x 35 rounds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4”
Size 5: 28 sts x 33 rounds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4”

In the round, in ribbing, on 2.5 mm / US 1.5 needle, after blocking (for cuff):
All Sizes: 32 sts x 46 rounds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4”

In the round, in stockinette, on 2.5 mm / US 1.5 needle, after blocking (for heels and toes):
All Sizes: 34 sts x 47 rounds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4”

NOTIONS
• Blocking tools (sock blockers, optional)
• Darning needle
• Removable stitch markers (optional)
• Scrap yarn in a contrasting colour
• Stitch markers
• Tape measure

SKILLS & TECHNIQUES
• Afterthought Heel
• Colourwork
• Grafting
• Long-Tail Cast-On

CONTRIBUTORS
• Model: Laura Alden
• Photography: Melinda Dela Costa
• Tech Editing: Jessica Schwab & Jen Hurley
• Graphic Design: Camille Romano

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
• Foot circumference: 20 (21.25, 22.5, 23.25, 25) cm / 7.75 (8.25, 8.75, 9.25, 9.75)”
• Leg length, including cuff and heel: 26 cm / 10.25”
• Foot length: 22.5 (23, 23.75, 24.5, 25.25) cm / 8.75 (9, 9.25, 9.75, 10)”, customisable”.