Side view of uniquely constructed socks with leafy counterpane motif on top of foot and leaf motif up leg.

Back view of Side view of uniquely constructed socks that feature a toe-up heel flap construction that is worked flat.

Uniquely constructed socks with leafy counterpane motif on top of foot and leaf motif up leg; side view with one flat foot and one pointed foot.

Counterpane Socks

$4.99 USD

A centre-out, traditional counterpane square is the centerpiece of this beautiful and unconventional sock. A short-row toe continues along one edge of the counterpane and the knit-flat sole is connected row by row to the sides. This sock features a gusseted heel and a lovely front-facing lace panel on the leg.

Buy directly from the publisher, Knit Picks.

Also available on

Construction

The sock begins with a counterpane square worked from the centre out using an in-the-round needle configuration. A short-row toe is worked off one side. The sole is worked flat and joined to the counterpane at each row’s end. The heel is turned and stitches are picked up to work the gusseted heel and leg in the round. A lace panel is featured on the leg front.

What's Included

This knitting pattern includes detailed written directions, charts and written charted instructions, front and back images, assembly diagram, and adjustable foot/leg length.

Sizes + Finished Measurements

Child (Preteen, Adult S, M, L, XL).
Finished foot circumference: 5 ½ (6 ¼, 7 ¼, 8 ¼, 9 ¼, 10)” / 14 (16, 18.5, 21, 23.5, 25.5) cm.
Foot length: 6 (6 ¾, 8, 9 ½, 10 ¼, 11)” / 15 (17, 20.5, 24, 26, 28) cm.
Meant to be worn with approx 10% negative ease—choose a finished size approx 0.5″ / 1cm (smallest sizes) to 1″ / 2.5cm (largest size) smaller than foot circumference measured around ball of foot.

Yarn

Fingering weight or sock yarn;
175 (255, 330, 435, 505, 595) yd / 160 (235, 305, 395, 460, 545) m.

Shown in Knit Picks Stroll Tonal (75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon; 462 yards/100g) in Blue Violet.

Substitution Notes

Choose a fingering weight sock yarn. Look for a tight twist, multiple plies for a sock that will last. A wool blend with either nylon, mohair or silk makes for a sturdy yarn. The decorative lace pattern will look best in solid or near solid colours.

Gauge

34 sts and 50 rnds = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch worked flat and in the round, blocked.

Needles + Notions

2.25 mm (US 1) set of 5 DPNs or two circular needles for two circulars technique or 2 DPNs and 32″ (60 cm) or longer circular needles for Magic Loop technique, or size to obtain gauge;
Stitch Markers;
Yarn Needle.

Skills

Knit flat and in the round, increases/decreases, Circular Cast On, Stretchy Twisted Bind Off (instructions included), working lace from charts or written instructions, modular knitting, Shadow Wrap Short Rows (instructions included), toe-up heel flap construction.