Everyone knows I adore my sister-friend Sue. Some might, in fact, even be tired of hearing me express my love and devotion. (They can get over it.) Just in case she needs a reminder when I am not around, I designed a pair of shortie socks with a secret message.

I’ve wanted to try out a stranded sock for some time, but I’ve heard so many horror stories about how fit is affected that I was hesitant to design one. This pattern is a baby step in my design journey. It has a small stranded design that will still allow you to get your foot in the sock- something we can all agree is a great thing. And what a sweet stranded motif it is! Perfect for sharing how you feel, but also a bit of a secret shared between the two of you.

The sock is knit toe up with a Turkish cast on using the magic loop method. There is a small 6 round stranded section in the foot and then it’s plain knitting until you reach the cuff. Line-by-line directions for the shadow wrap short row heel are included for each of five sizes, making this pattern accessible to beginner sock knitters and more advanced ones who wish to try a new technique. The sock is finished with the contrast color used for the stranded motif, as a gentle reminder of the message inside the wearer’s shoes.

Techniques Used:
Knit front and back increases
Knitting in the round with magic loop
Short row heel with shadow wraps
Stranded knitting

Materials Needed:
Yarn:
120 (162, 225, 280, 340) yds / 110 (148, 206, 256, 311) m of MC and 12 yds / 13 m of CC fingering weight sock yarn; sample knit with Wollmeise 80/20 Twin (80% superwash merino, 20% nylon) and Hedgehog Fibers Sock Minis (90% merino, 10% nylon).

Needles:
Size 1 US/ 2.25 mm 32” (81 cm) circular needles (or size needed to achieve gauge)

Notions:
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Finished Measurements:
Gauge: 32 sts and 46 rounds equals 4” (10 cm) in stockinette in the round
Sizing: Adult XS (S, M, L, XL)
Foot circumference (unworn): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10)“ / 15 (18, 20, 23, 25) cm
Foot length: 6.5 (7.75, 9, 10, 11)“ / 16.5 (19.5, 23, 25.5, 28) cm
Cuff and foot length are adjustable with instructions provided to customize fit. Sample shown is a hybrid between S (foot length) and M (circumference).