I loved the colorwork motifs that I created for the Taos Shawl so much that I decided to translate them into socks!

The mosaic colorwork in these socks is a perfect candidate for mini skeins or those smaller remnants of yarn that many of us have lying around in our stash. Work one colorwork motif or two to customize the length to your liking!

NOTES
Design & Construction: The Taos socks are knit from the top down in sections that alternate between stockinette and mosaic colorwork. The heel is constructed with a traditional heel flap, turn, and gusset.

Fit: These socks are designed to be worn with approximately 0.25 to 1 in. (1 to 2.5 cm) of negative ease. To pick the best size for you, measure the circumference of your foot at the fullest point (this is usually right where your foot and your ankle meet) and subtract 0.25 to 1 in. (1 to 2.5 cm). Make the size with a finished circumference closest to that number.

Length: This pattern includes instructions for two lengths: half-calf and quarter-calf. Knit these socks with either one or two bands of mosaic colorwork to create your desired length!

Stitch Patterns: The mosaic colorwork stitch patterns in this pattern are only charted, so you should be confident in your chart reading skills—or be open to learning!

SIZES
(1, 2, 3)(4, 5, 6)

FINISHED CIRCUMFERENCE
The circumference as measured around the ankle and the foot is as follows.
(6, 7, 8)(9, 10, 11) in.
(15, 17.5, 20)(22.5, 25, 27.5) cm

YARN
Light fingering weight
MC: (35, 41, 51)(61, 71, 83) g/ (156, 182, 227)(271, 316, 369) yds or (143, 166, 208)(248, 289, 337) m

Mid-Calf Length
CC1: (11, 14, 17)(20, 24, 27) g/(49, 62, 76)(89, 107, 120) yds or (45, 57, 69)(81, 98, 110) m
CC2: (9, 12, 14)(17, 20, 23) g/(39, 52, 61)(74, 87, 100) yds or (36, 48, 56)(68, 80, 91) m

Quarter-Calf Length
CC1: (7, 9, 11)(13, 15, 18) g/(31, 40, 49)(58, 67, 80) yds or (28, 37, 45)(53, 61, 73) m
CC2: (6, 7, 9)(10, 12, 14) g/(26, 30, 39)(44, 52, 61) yds or (24, 27, 36)(40, 48, 56) m

SUGGESTED YARN
Manos del Uruguay Algeria (100 g/445 yds) – 75% SW merino wool, 25% nylon
MC: 1 skein
CC1: 1 skein

Hedgehog Fibres Sock Minis (20 g/87 yds) – 90% merino wool, 10% nylon
Mid-Calf Length
CC2: (1, 1, 1)(1, 1, 2) skeins
Quarter-Calf Length
CC2: 1 skein

All sample socks are knit in the colorways Sand (MC) and Black (CC1). The CC2 colorways are Clay (mid-calf length), Artichoke (quarter-calf sample with Mosaic A chart), and Stone (quarter-calf sample with Mosaic B chart).

NEEDLES
US 1 (2.25 mm)
You will need 30 in. (76 cm) circular needles for magic loop or your preferred needles for smaller circumference knitting (i.e., short circular needles, or double-pointed needles).

GAUGE
Measure gauge knit in the round, after blocking.
32 sts and 44 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in stockinette
32 sts and 36 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in mosaic colorwork

SKILLS TO USE (OR LEARN!)
German twisted cast on, mosaic knitting, knit decreases, picking up stitches, grafting stitches together