Introduction

The Harlequin socks are a perfect colorplay project which results in a joyful pair of socks. You can create a repetitive color scheme with 3 or 4 contrast colors or a rainbow palette. This makes the socks fun and playful to knit.

The socks are worked cuff-down on a 25cm/9in circular needle. The pattern can be easily adapted to be knit using the magic loop method, or using double pointed needles.
The heel construction is the forethought heel (you could a short rows heel or shadow wrap heel as well if you prefer these techniques, but instructions for these are not included in the pattern).

Sizes

The Harlequin socks come in 3 sizes:

• S: sock circumference of 19cm/7.5in
• M: sock circumference of 21cm/8.25in
• L: sock circumference of 23.5cm/9.25in

!! Take note that the stranded colorwork, even when knitted not too tightly, does have an impact on the negative ease of the sock. Make sure to pick a size which matches the circumference of your foot, as you woud normally pick a size which is around 10% smaller.

The length of the sock is adjustable to individual measurements.

Yarn

Sock yarn in different colors.

You need a 50g/1.76oz skein for the contrast color (cuff – heel – toe and little dots). You need less than 20g/0.71oz of the main colors, make sure to pick at least 3 different main colors to obtain the same look as the sample socks.

The estimated total yardage is (100, 124, 148)g/(3.53, 4.37, 5.22)oz for a foot size 39 (EU) / 8 (US Women’s).

The sample socks are made with:

• The sample with 4 main colors: Handdyed sock yarn by Made by Lisetje (75% merino, 25% nylon)
• The sample with 3 main colors: Jawoll sock yarn by Lang Yarns (75% wool, 25% polyamide)

Gauge

34 stitches x 48 rounds per 10 x 10cm / 4 x 4in in stockinette stitch on 2.5mm needles (or needle size to obtain gauge with) after wet blocking.

Needles and tools

• Your preferred sock needles:
  • 2.5mm circular needles: 80cm/32in or longer for the magic loop method OR
  • 2.5mm circular needles: 25cm/9in and 80cm/32in or longer circular needles for the magic loop method (heel and toe) OR
  • 2.5mm double pointed needles
• 2 stitch markers
• A tapestry needle for weaving in the ends
• 3 pieces of waste yarn in 2 different colors for the forethought heel