Do you enjoy Andrea’s patterns? Sign up for the DreaReneeKnits Newsletter to receive sneak peeks of new patterns, exclusive introductory discounts, video tutorials, and other things she knows you’ll love!!

I had so much knitting my Spark Cardi and Sparky pullover for this years Rhinebeck-inspired knitalong, that I just didn’t want the fun to end! Enter Sparks - these spicy socks are knit from the top down with an Afterthought heel and will keep your feet toasty all year long!

DETAILS
The Sparks socks are knit from the cuff down, using stranded colorwork read from a chart. Waste yarn is placed for an afterthought heel which is returned to once the body of the sock is finished.

SIZES
1 (2)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
7.5 (8.75)”/19 (22) cm unstretched foot circumference
Recommended fit is 1”/2.5 cm of negative ease in circumference (when measured at the widest part of the foot).

YARN REQUIREMENTS
These are just approximations. Total yarn usage will depend on the yarn you use (fiber content, ply, etc.), your personal gauge, and any modifications you may make.

Superwash wool yarn
Main Color (MC) - Fingering Weight (100 g/400 yd/365 m)
Contrast Color (CC) - Sport Weight (50 g/200 yd/183 m)
Amount will vary depending on foot length.

SUGGESTED YARN
For these socks I chose a sturdy wool yarn for the main color and a color shifting yarn for the contrast color.

MC - Magpie Fibers Domestic Fingering - 100% Domestic Superwash Merino (100 g/400 yd/365 m) - 1 skein Follow You Into the Dark (Dark Teal)
CC - Spincycle Yarns Dyed in the Wool - 100% Superwashed American Wool (50 g/200 yd/183 m) - 1 skein Castaway

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Main: US 1.5/2.5 mm - 32”/80 cm circular for Magic Loop
Ribbing & Heel: US 1/2.25 mm - 32”/80 cm circular for Magic Loop
(Use the needle size you need to achieve gauge. Choose a needle 1 size smaller for the ribbing.)

NOTIONS
Removable/clip marker, waste yarn for Afterthought heel and lifelines, tapestry needle, row counter (recommended) and scissors.

GAUGE
32 sts & 34 rounds = 4” / 10 cm

TECHNIQUES TO INDULGE IN
Twisted German cast on
Working in the round
Knitting
Purling
Ribbing
Stranded colorwork with 2 colors
Reading a chart
Afterthought heel
Kitchener Stitch

YARN SUBSTITUTION IDEAS
Click here to be directed to a pdf with some yarn substitution ideas! These yarns have not all been tested, so we can not guarantee their outcome, but we do hope they provide a jumping off point for inspiration!