The color work patterning in these socks seems to intrude on the background. In geology when magma forces its way into existing rock and cools, the resulting rock is called an intrusion or pluton, hence the name Pluton Socks.

This pattern explores short-row color technique with enough support to accomplish the socks as written or to free form your own unique design. Double Stitch short-row instructions are given for the color work.

Pictures of two sample socks are included here. The size large is from one skein of Kauni with black intrusions. The size medium is knit with Kauni remaining from the large socks and Knitpicks Chroma. The shorter repeats of Chroma allow for nearly identical socks, the longer repeats of the Kauni may require more than a single skein for two identical socks. Of course any sock yarn could be used, even little bits left over could be mixed for the color intrusions.

Pluton Socks Revised

While I love the look of these socks, I will be the first to admit finishing the foot is a PITA. As I was knitting the latest, it occurred to me that I could extend the top of the foot, to knit the sole, then go back and add an afterthought heel (short-row) and a traditional toe. Seemed simpler, but would it work?

The answer is, Yes! And it eliminates the endless knitting together on the sole and figuring the ratio of rows bottom to top which usually plagues me ( I don’t always read the pattern when I make these)

Here are the tips to complete the socks this way.

Bottom of Foot

Work the pattern to end of Top of Foot. Do not bind off, but continue to knit in stockinette stitch for bottom of foot until it is equal in lengthen to the Top of Foot. Do Not slip edge stitches. Graft live stitches of Bottom of Foot to Top of Foot and Graft live stitches of Cuff to the beginning of Cuff to create a tube with an opening for Heel.

Heel

Pick up (60, 66, 72) stitches, for less of a ridge pick up only the outside strand of the last stitch. Work 2 rounds even. Working on one half of the stitches (doesn’t matter which half) work a short-row heel, following instructions for the Short Row Toe in pattern, until 8 stitches remain unworked (then work up again). Graft live stitches of halves together.

Toe

The toe can be worked as written and grafted, or stitches can be picked up and knit as for a traditional toe.