These socks were inspired by the visible traces of seismic activity. Jagged lines of lace run down the front of each sock, placed slightly off-center; flanking areas of texture hint at the feeling of ruptured earth by adding rough edges to the smooth lines of the lace.

The textured lace pattern flows naturally from the twisted-rib cuff and is confined to a single panel on each sock, with the rest in plain stockinette. Left and right socks are worked as mirror images of each other.

The socks are worked from the cuff down, using either DK or fingering weight yarn. Instructions are given for ankle or mid-calf length socks, with four stitch count sizes which can be worked at a range of gauges to fit most adult feet. Two toe shaping options are provided to customize the fit.

Gauge is measured over stockinette stitch in the round. For DK yarn, recommended gauge is 6.5 - 7 stitches per inch; for fingering weight, recommended gauge is 7.5 - 8.5 stitches per inch. For the most durable socks, knit to the tightest gauge you can comfortably achieve, and use yarn that has some nylon content. Seismic Butter Sock and Butter Sock DK combine 15% nylon with extra-fine merino for soft but durable socks.

Suggested needle sizes: US 2 (2.75mm) for DK yarn, US 1 (2.25mm) for fingering yarn

Yarn Requirements

• Butter Sock DK: 1 skein for 1 pair of ankle socks in most sizes; 2 skeins for 1 pair of mid-calf socks
• Butter Sock: 1 skein for 1 pair of mid-calf socks or 1-2 pair of ankle socks, depending on size

actual yarn amounts used for pattern samples in women’s size US 10 (10¼ in/25.75 cm from heel to toe):

• DK ankle (56 st, 7 st/in): 86g (212 yd/194m) in OOAK (similar to Army Street)
• DK mid-calf (56 st, 7 st/in): 130g (320 yd/293m) in Nosedive
• fingering mid-calf (64 st, 8.5 st/in): 80g (350 yd/320m) in Taupal

If you’re sharing progress and FO pictures on Instagram, please tag them with #seismicsocks - I love to see what you’re making!

This pattern contains both written and charted instructions. Tech edited by Lisa Beth Houchins.

Thanks to Eva of Seismic Yarn for yarn support.