This sock is inspired by a strange phenomenon that crops up when knitting in front of people who don’t knit: they seem to prefer the wrong side of the work. To us, it is the “wrong” side, but non-knitters especially seem to enjoy the purl side of striped stocking stitch where stripes are broken up.

Bearing this in mind, this stitch pattern celebrates the purl side, but has a neat line of slipped stitches decorating the surface, giving a ribbed appearance all the way down to the toe. With a variegated yarn, it helps the shades to blend and so self-striping yarns don’t appear so loud. This is good news for the knitter who is tired of knitting black or brown socks for men. The very top of this cuff has a rolled stockinette brim which helps the sock cling to the leg comfortably without ribbing, and shows the purl side, too.

This is an easy sock and even a beginning sock knitter could attempt to knit it, but it is also an interesting and satisfying knit.

Foot and leg length adjustable to fit.

Materials
The Unique Sheep Verve (100% superwash merino; 400 yds/366m per 100g set); sample uses Brew Pub; 2 (2, 2, 2) sets

US #1/2.25mm needles for working in the round: dpns, 2 short circulars or 1 long circular, as you prefer
US #3/3.25mm needles for casting on

Stitch marker