The Yamadori socks were born from my finally embracing variegated yarn. Not that variegated yarn isn’t awesome - especially if handdyed! I’ve just been very shy about colors and how I use them. These beautiful, rich colors captured my heart though, and the colorway name, Violet Backed Starling, inspired the choice of the upward spiraling stitch pattern, like a bird soaring into the sky. The socks are worked toe-up and the heel flap and gusset ensure a great fit. The simple travelling stitches worked on the instep and leg create a fun texture that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Sock length is adaptable to your needs, just use the handy formula provided in the pattern.

To achieve a similar effect to that of the socks shown in the photos, use variegated yarn with short color changes. You could, of course, also go with semisolids or solids which will emphasize the texture of the stitch pattern.

SIZE
Adult S (M, L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Foot circumference: 8 (8.75, 9.5) inches / 20 (22, 24) cm
Leg length: adjustable
Total foot length: adjustable

Choose a size with approximately 0.5-.75 inches / 1.5 cm negative ease.

MATERIALS
Yarn
Round Mountain Fibers Merino Fingering (100% superwash merino; 400yd/366m per 3.53 oz/100 g skein); color: Violet Backed Starling #1; 1 (1, 2) skeins

Recommended needle size
(always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique)
US #0/2mm needles for small circumference in the round: DPNs, 1 long or 2 short circulars

Notions
2 stitch markers
yarn needle

GAUGE
34 sts/46 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch