The Fire Rainbow Socks are inspired by the rare weather phenomenon of a circumhorizontal arc, which is caused by sunlight refracting through ice crystals suspended in high-altitude cirrus clouds. Though the term “fire rainbow” may be inaccurate (since this is neither fire nor a true rainbow), it is certainly a poetic description of this unusual phenomenon!

Also check out the Fire Rainbow Hat, available in sizes from Toddler to Adult!

Pattern Description

Calibrated specifically for yarn with a short pop of colour at one end of the skein, these socks use short row sequences to draw out the narrow sections of colour into triangular shapes, much like the clouds that form these unique apparitions in the sky. They have a reinforced spiral afterthought heel and a twisted-rib cuff. Both toe-up and cuff-down instructions are provided.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (the pattern is method-neutral to suit your preferred technique for socks) and clearly explains all techniques required, including yarn over short rows.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

There are three standard sizes available: Unisex Adult Small (Medium, Large, XL) corresponding to foot circumferences of 18 (20.5, 23, 25.5) cm / 7 (8, 9, 10) inches — 56 (64, 72, 80) st. The foot length and leg height are completely adjustable for a comfortable custom fit.

The socks require approximately 300 (325, 350, 375) m / 325 (350, 375, 400) yards of fingering weight yarn for average unisex foot lengths of 21 (22.5, 24, 27) cm / 8.25 (8.75, 9.5, 10.5) inches.

These socks were designed with the popular “rainbow pop” colourways in mind, but any yarn with a short repeating section (less than 1/4 of the skein) of contrasting colour will work. Since the resulting pooling depends entirely on the length of the “rainbow” sections, every sock made with this pattern will be unique!

These socks are rated 2/5 — Easy — on my sock pattern difficulty scale. This is because they only require one technique that is repeated throughout the sock.

Originally designed for Operation SJW 2020, 40% of the proceeds of all purchases of this pattern go to Kind Space, which is an organization by and for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in my community. It provides support, resources, and a space for rest, care, connection, and education that is safe and welcoming to people of all sexualities and gender identities.

Click #OperationSJW to find other patterns supporting social justice charities!