The Hatching Socks are directly inspired by the drawing technique of hatching, used by Renaissance artists like Raphael and Michelangelo. The term ‘hatching’ describes a series parallel lines drawn closely together to create the illusion of shadow. The Hatching Socks feature a stitch pattern created with slipped stitches and floats, and the design includes a garter stitch heel flap that is quick, fun, and hugs your heel.

The Hatching Socks are knit cuff-down, in the round, with a heel flap and gusset. The pattern includes charted and written instructions. These socks are one step above vanilla stockinette socks, and the stitch motif works perfectly for both variegated and semi-solid colored yarns!

Yarn
One 100-gram skein of fingering weight sock yarn.
Suggested yarn: Life in the Long Grass LITLG Fine Sock (75% merino, 25% nylon). Sample is knit in the colorway Emerald Eve.

Suggested Needle Size
US 1 (2.25 mm) needle.
32”/81 cm. circular needle for Magic Loop.
Pattern is written using the Magic Loop method, but can easily be adapted for 9” circular needles or DPNs.

Gauge
34 stitches x 48 rows = 4 inches in Hatching Stitch in the round, after blocking.
8-9 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette after blocking

Sizes: 1, (2, 3)
1 (56 stitches) // approx. 7” foot circumference
2 (64 stitches) // approx. 8” foot circumference
3 (72 stitches) // approx. 9” foot circumference

Notions
Removable stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Techniques
knitting
purling
1x1 ribbing
slipped stitches
yarn carried in front (floats)
heel flap and gusset
decreasing (k2tog, ssk)
Magic Loop