Mustikka is the Finnish word for blueberries, which were the inspiration for these beautiful socks.

The Mustikka socks are worked in a lace pattern for the instep and moss stitch for the back of the leg. The lace pattern has charted and written instructions. The bobbles are worked over two rows and don’t require working from the WS! The lace pattern is a variation of a Japanese lace pattern that can be found in Hitomi Shida’s Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible book.

The Mustikka socks are knitted toe up with a short row heel. The socks are started with Judy’s magic cast on and are best worked with the magic loop technique. There are two options for the heel: a regular short row heel and a reinforced short row heel with gusset and heel flap for a really good fit for people with high insteps. The short row techniques used are explained in this pattern. The sample socks are shown with the reinforced short row heel with gusset and heel flap.

The Mustikka socks look best in solid or slightly variegated colors for the stitch pattern to show in its full glory.

Size
One size
Foot circumference: 20 cm / 8 inches, length adjustable.

Yarn
250-300 m / 275-350 yards of fingering weight sock yarn.
Sample is knitted with Nurja yarn merino sock (75% merino wool, 25% Nylon, 420 m / 460 yards per 100g) in colorway Basaltti.

Gauge
32 sts and 44 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Stockinette stitch in the round, after blocking.

Needles
2.5 mm / US 1.5 DPNs or circular needles with a cable suitable for short circumference knitting
Always use the needle size that gets you the right gauge!

Notions
2 stitch markers
sewing needle
blocking tools (sock blockers)