The Snowbound Fair Isle Socks cater to both seasoned knitters proficient in colorwork and newcomers eager to explore this technique. Designed for those seeking a relaxing yet visually impactful project, these socks boast uncomplicated patterns that avoid long floats, ensuring a smooth knitting experience. The colorwork, featured exclusively on the legs, strikes a balance between simplicity and striking detail, complemented by textured rows that add depth and interest. Emphasizing practicality, these socks are crafted with the understanding that the majority will be worn inside shoes. This thoughtful design choice ensures comfort while allowing the intricate colorwork to shine on the visible parts of the sock.

The socks are knit in the round from the cuff down. Featuring a heel flap and gusset construction and 5 different sizes these socks ensure the perfect fit. There are several bands of colourwork patterning on the leg separated by rows of knits and purls that add texture. The foot is kept simple and just knit. Just before the toe there is another row of textured banding.

Sizing
Sizes written as XS (S, M, L, XL): with a finished foot circumference: 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9)” to fit a foot circumference of 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5)” and a cast on of 64 (68, 72, 76, 80).
The foot can be knit to any length. The socks are intended to be worn with 0.5-1” (1- 3 cm) negative ease for the best fit, but please keep in mind that the stranded sections have less stretch than the rest of the socks.

Gauge
32 stitches and 40 rows per 4” (10 cm) in colourwork pattern after wet blocking.

Materials

• 210 meters (230 yards) fingering weight yarn (CC1).
• 210 meters (230 yards) fingering weight yarn (CC2).
• 210 meters (230 yards) fingering weight yarn (CC3).
• 210 meters (230 yards) fingering weight yarn (CC4).
• 2.5 mm (US 1.5) double pointed or circular needles.
• Optional: 2.75 mm (US 2) double pointed or circular needles (for stranded colourwork).
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.

Sample
Sample was knit using Lang Yarns Jawoll Superwash in 83.0061 (red) as CC1, 83.0209 (pink) as CC2, 83.0188 (teal) and 83.0372 (light blue) (75% virgin wool/25% nylon; 50 grams/210 meters (230 yards)). Sample is a size medium with a 10” (25.4 cm) foot length and used 9 grams of CC1 (38 meters (42 yards)), 14 grams of CC2 (59 meters (65 yards)), 13 grams of CC3 (55 meters (60 yards)) and 30 grams of CC4 (120 meters (131 yards)).

Pattern has written instructions, colourwork is charted.