Widsith is an Old English poem that only survives in one tenth-century manuscript, known as the Exeter book. The poem is an account of the travels of Widsith, whose name means ’far journey’. These socks were inspired by a skein of variegated yarn sent to me by a swap partner across the sea. The first version of these socks went through some changes to become this pattern – much like texts copied from manuscript to manuscript changed and were changed along the way.

Note on sizing
The pattern contains instructions for two sizes - S (60 stitches) and M (72 stitches). I knitted these with 2,5mm needles in size S, which fits my EUR 37 feet and results in the gauge shown (I am a tight rather than a loose knitter). My test knitter Lottanen knitted the socks in size M with 2mm needles (size Eur 39), resulting in a tighter fabric.

Materials needed
1 skein of fingering weight yarn (100 g / 400 m)
A set of 2,5 mm dpns or needles (or size to get gauge) for your preferred method for knitting in the round
2 cable needles (optional)
A stitch marker to mark the beginning of round (optional)
Sock blockers (optional)