Inspired by moss that grows up a birch tree.

These socks are knit from the cuff down in a 6ply sock yarn. The ones in the photo are knit with a german short row heel, but the pattern also gives instructions for a heel flap + gusset, so you can choose whichever heel you prefer.

The socks are knit in stockinette st after the ribbing, with a few purl stitches for some bark-like texture. The dark grey spots on the bark area are embroidered on later.
After that, there are a few rounds of colorwork, where the main color changes from the light grey to dark green.
After that, the instep sts are knit in double moss stitch and the bottom half is knit in stockinette stitch.

Materials:

Needles: DPNS or circular needle in 3mm

Yarn: Used for sample: Ferner Lungauer Sock yarn, 6ply, 425m/150g, 75% wool, 25% polyamide in the colors 655/23 and LU6-19

approx. amount:
light grey: 35-45g
green: 40-50g
(+ a few g of dark grey yarn for the embroidered spots, you can use small scraps for this)

Gauge: 23 sts, 32 r per 10cm

Sizes (foot circumference):

S: 19 cm (stretches to 22-23 cm / 8.5-9 in)
M: 21 cm (stretches to 24-25 cm / 9.4-9.8 in)
L: 23 cm (stretches to 26-27 cm / 10.2-10.6 in)
XL: 25cm (stretches to 28-29 cm / 11-11.4 in)

Leg length: 17cm / 6.5 in from the co edge to the beginning of the heel (can of course be made shorter or longer)