Are you an adventurous knitter or do you like to embrace the familiar? Either way, this fun, 80’s-inspired sock pattern has you covered. With options to choose from a well-known and loved heel construction (the heel flap and gusset) or perhaps a new-to-you heel method (the Balbriggan heel) as well as two toe decreases to choose from (classic or sideways), this pattern will provide you with either comfort or adventure knitting, whichever you prefer!

CONSTRUCTION - This pattern is worked from the cuff down, featuring a textured stranded colourwork section. There are two options for heel construction - a classic heel flap and gusset or a Balbriggan heel. There are also two options for toe shaping - a classic toe with the decreases along the sides or a sideways toe with the decreases along the middle of the toe. Pattern instructions are given for small circular needles but can easily be adapted to your preferred method of sock knitting.

TECHNIQUES TO TRY - Top-down sock construction, Stranded colourwork, Heel flap and gusset with French heel turn AND/OR Balbriggan heel, Kitchener stitch

SIZES - S (M, L, XL)

FINISHED SOCK MEASUREMENTS -
Foot circumference: 6.5” (7”, 8”, 9”) or 16 (17.5, 20, 22.5)cm.
Recommend to be worn with 1-1.5” 2.5-4cm of negative ease in circumference.
To determine your fit, measure the circumference around the ball of your foot.
S (fits 7.5-8”/19-20cm)
M (fits 8-8.5”/20-21cm)
L (fits 9-9.5”/22.5-24cm)
XL (fits 10-10.5”/25-26cm)
Foot length: Customized to desired length.

GAUGE - Stockinette stitch: 18 stitches by 24 rounds in 2” 5cm.
Using US size 1 2.25mm needles, measured in the round after blocking.

YARN - Any sock or fingering weight yarn.
Sample A is shown using Curio Fiber Splendid Sock in a custom colourway, 75% SW Merino Wool, 25% Recycled Nylon
MC (Custom Colourway) - 437yds/400m/100g
CC (Custom Colourway) - 87yds/80m/20g
Sample B is shown using Zeezee Textiles nylon sock yarn in the colourways Five Flies and Rembrandt’s Shutters, 75% SW Merino Wool, 25% Nylon
MC (Five Flies) - 463yds/423m/100g
CC (Rembrandt’s Shutters) - 93yds/85m/20g

YARDAGE - Please note, yardage amounts depend on the size of sock knitted, how long the leg and foot are will affect yardage use.
Yardages shown display the range from Size S to Size XL.
Sample A
MC - 225yds/206m to 361yds/330m
CC - 20yds/18m to 44yds/40m
Sample B
MC - 285yds/260m to 411yds/375m
CC - 40yds/37m to 88yds/80m

NEEDLES - US size 1 2.25mm 9” 23cm circular, 36” 90cm circular for Magic Loop, or DPNs depending on your preference for sock knitting.
Optional: US size 1.5 2.5mm in your preferred needles to size up for colourwork

TOOLS - stitch markers, tapestry needle