As of January 1, 2023, this pattern is no longer available. Pattern support is available by email, and full pattern information is still available both here and via the link below. For another pattern with texture that is gradient-friendly, check out the Cedar Sparks Socks!

The Mantis Socks are inspired by Odontodactylus scyllarus, the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, a vividly-coloured and well-armoured shrimp that lives in tropical waters across the Eastern Hemisphere. Mantis shrimp are voracious predators who have the fastest recorded punch of any living animal - over 80 km/h! Beautiful but deadly, they are small but fearless and have colour vision that is superior to all other animals, including humans.

Pattern Description and Techniques

These socks make use of a simple clustering technique to give the impression of armour plates. Elongating the stitches to be slipped helps keep the socks stretchy and comfortable while also bringing out the subtle colour details we all love in hand-dyed yarns.

These socks are knit toe-up. They feature a contrasting rounded short-row heel and a twisted-rib cuff. The right and left socks are worked identically, and corresponding written instructions are provided for the chart. Alternate directions for adjusting the foot length are also included in the pattern.

This sock requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (either on double-pointed needles or your preferred technique for socks) and clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, yarn over short rows, clustered stitches, and elongated stitches. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is easily accessible to an intermediate knitter who is just getting started knitting socks, or even an adventurous beginner.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

The Mantis Socks are written for three sizes: Adult Small (Medium, Large) corresponding to foot circumferences of 18 (20.5, 23) cm / 7 (8, 9) inches -- 56 (64, 72) st.

The main colour uses approximately 250 (275, 300) m / 275 (300, 325) yards of fingering weight yarn.

The contrast heel requires an additional 35 m / 40 yards of fingering weight yarn.

This pattern is suitable for smooth gradient yarns, as well as solid, semisolid, lightly speckled, and subtly variegated yarn. Self-striping yarns and variegated yarns with significant shifts in colour may obscure the stitch pattern.