The ‘Umbrella Socks’ is a design that was born from my frustration. You see, I am addicted to socks. From designing them, to knitting them. I have so many I may need a bigger house soon !

Hand knitted socks are just my favourite thing ever. But I have a secret…. I have never liked toe up socks.

The reasons for this are plentiful. From the techniques used to create them, to the final fit of the socks. Why spend all that time knitting a pair, to have a heel that didn’t fit properly and a rib that flares out after you have cast them off ?

But the question had always remained in my mind, as a prolific sock knitter and pattern designer - was there a way I could rectify my problems ? Could I create a design with the perfect toe and cuff, that was also a joy to knit? Was it possible to design a heel that actually fit well ?

The answer to all of these questions is the ‘Umbrella Socks’. A toe up sock pattern that flies off the needles and fits like a dream. After years of trying, I finally have created a toe up recipe that I love.

So grab your needles and some yarn and let’s get knitting !

The pattern sample was knitted using a sock set from Stripey Cat Yarns in the ‘Ying and Yang’ colourway. The contrast yarn for the cuffs, heels and toes is Cascade Heritage in ‘Grey’.

The pattern instructions are written for the magic loop method.

The pattern contains 4 video tutorials that cover all of the specific techniques used in the design.