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A few years back, when we all started relying more heavily on text messaging, we tried to teach my mom to text, with rather poor results. Once she managed to send my sister a text that just said “X9.” Apparently what she was trying to type was “I love you.” X9 instantly became shorthand in our family for “I love you,” and though my mom passed away 2 years ago, we continue to use it.
Nothing says “I love you” like a pair of handknit socks, and now you can say X9 to your loved ones with the Ex Nine socks, sized for the whole family. Worked from the cuff down, they feature a textured check pattern that’s simple to knit, easy to memorize, and plays nicely with speckled, tonal and striping yarns.

Sizes: Toddler (child S, child M, child L) {women’s S, women’s M/men’s S, women’s L/men’s M, women’s XL/men’s L, men’s XL}
Finished sock circumference: 5 ½ (6, 7, 7 ½) {8, 8 ½, 9, 9 ½, 10 ½}”/14 (15, 18, 19) {20.5, 21.5, 23, 24, 26.5} cm
Samples shown in sizes toddler and child S, women’s S and men’s L.

Gauge: 32 sts and 40 rnds = 4”/10 cm in st st, blocked

Yarn: 150 (175, 225, 275) {325, 375, 425, 475, 550} yd/140 (160, 205, 250) {300, 350, 390, 435, 500} m fingering weight yarn
Samples shown in:
Kids’ socks: Nice and Knit Sock, 75% superwash Merino wool, 25% nylon, 463 yd (423 m), in Truro
Woman’s socks: Swift Yarns Swift Bliss Sock, 80% superwash Merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon, 400 yd/100 g (365 m/4 oz), in West Village
Man’s socks: Forbidden Fiber Co. Fortitude, 100% superwash Merino wool, 435 yd/100 g (398 m/4 oz), in Giggle Water

Needles: US 1.5/2.5 mm DPNs, 2 circular needles, or 1 long needle for magic loop

Notions:
yarn needle, stitch markers

Techniques to Know (or be ready to learn!):
Cuff down sock construction
Basic increases and decreases
Knit through the back loop
Picking up stitches
RT and LT (1/1 cable)