The Undulatus Socks are inspired by Balistapus undulatus, the Orange-Lined Triggerfish, a species of tropical fish from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It varies in colour, but is most commonly a dark green or blue with orange or yellow stripes. This striped pattern is distinctive and encourages other animals to stay away from this aggressive and territorial fish.

Pattern Description

These socks use slipped stitches and simple cables to create the effect of one colour flowing over the other as the two colours are alternated every row in jogless helical stripes. Elongating the stitches to be slipped helps keep the socks stretchy and comfortable. The two mirror-image charts are interchangeable, so you can make these socks your own with any sequence you like!

Both toe-up and cuff-down instructions are provided for this pattern. They feature a rounded short-row heel in the contrast colour and a twisted-rib cuff. Corresponding written instructions are provided for the charts.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (it is method-neutral to suit your preferred technique for socks) and clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, yarn over short rows, cables, and elongated stitches. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is accessible to an intermediate (or adventurous beginner!) sock knitter.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

There are three sizes available: Unisex Adult Small (Medium, Large) for foot circumferences of 18 (20.5, 23) cm / 7 (8, 9) inches — 56 (64, 72) stitches — with fully-adjustable foot lengths.

The socks require approximately 300 (325, 350) m / 325 (350, 375) yards of fingering weight yarn, divided evenly between the two contrasting colours.

This pattern is designed for a solid or semi-solid Colour A (slipped-stitch patterning and heel) over a Colour B (background, toe, and cuff) that can be any colourway (this pattern is even gradient-friendly!) as long as it contrasts clearly with Colour A throughout its colour range.

These socks are rated 3/5 — Intermediate — on my sock pattern difficulty scale. This is because they require a few uncommon stitches, and they have long repeat sections on the charts.