Striping two gradient sets against each other, lightening in opposite directions, makes for a very rewarding and cheerful knit. Shifting colors do all the work in these dazzling but simple socks—no fancy footwork required.

Helix stripes ensure magically jogless stripes as the colors spiral around together, with a band heel flap, cuffs, and toes worked in a solid color. Instructions are given for top-down socks in nine sizes.

Helix knitting is a jogless method of working single round stripes in the round. Each stripe of color is essentially a separate spiral—like mashing two slinky toys together. In this sock pattern, a pair of spirals wind themselves around the sock without ever crossing one another’s paths.

This knitting pattern includes detailed written directions, modification notes, spit splicing directions, and front, side, and back images.

Sizes and Finished Measurements
Sizes: Baby (Child, Preteen, Adult S, M)(Adult L, 1X, 2X, 3X)
Finished foot circumference: 4 (5, 6, 7, 8)(9, 10, 11, 12)“ / 10 (12.5, 15, 18, 20.5)(23, 25.5, 28, 30.5) cm.
Finished foot length: 4 ½ (5 ½, 6 ¾, 7 ¾, 9)(10, 11, 12 ¼, 13 ½)” / 11.5 (14, 17, 19.5, 23)(25.5, 28, 31, 34.5) cm.

Yarn
Fingering weight or sock yarn;
Two sets of mini skeins, five colours each totalling approximately 105 (180, 275, 360, 450, 570, 675, 810, 945) yd / 95 (165, 250, 330, 415, 520, 620, 740, 860) m.

Shown in Knit Picks Stroll Fingering Tonal Mini Packs (75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon; 462 yards/100g) in Coastal and Sunset, 1 mini pack each.

Substitution Notes
Choose two sets of five contrasting/coordinating colours and arrange one set from light to dark and the second set from dark to light. This can be a fun stash busting project using yarns from different brands, being sure they are all sock weight. Look for wool blends with some nylon, mohair or silk for strength and a tight twist and multiple plies for a sock that will last.

Techniques
Knitting in the round, increases/decreases, basic cuff down sock construction, band heel, heel flap, heel turn, picking up stitches.

Helpful Links
SSK & SSP Decreases video tutorial.

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