Contraband Socks by Anye M. Shafer

Contraband Socks

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Knitting
June 2016
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
32 stitches and 48 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette
US 1½ - 2.5 mm
350 - 400 yards (320 - 366 m)
58 st. (adult female), 70 st. (adult male), variable length
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

Free for a limited time - get the pattern that won 1st place in the 2016 Texas State Fair - Original Design category!

These socks bring order to the chaos of a moderately rapidly variegated yarn by topping them with a diagonal striped band for the cuff (called the “contra­band” because it goes in the opposite direction to the main sock!). The band is secured via a button.

The cuff edgings are knitted first and then stitches along the base are picked up to start the main sock which is knitted top down with a standard flap & gusset heel construction. For the toe, select between four different constructions for vastly different looks!

A two-button variation is provided for using a traditional self­-striping yarn that creates a different visual effect, and a no-­button variation is provided for the button­-phobic.

Instructions are provided for varying the length of the socks (very easy) and varying the circumference (62, 66 st.)

Instructions for all techniques required for the pattern beyond the simple knit and purl stitches are provided and there are many pictures and links to external tutorials as well.

If you enjoy socks that are outside the normal, these are the socks for you! The effects are vastly different as you change the cuff / toe / and yarn options, so you can knit these again and again and they’ll be different each time!