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Spiral Socks

The last time I knitted socks, I was a teenager trying to get the pair done for my dad for Christmas. My dad only wore hand knitted socks. As my hubby has always cold feed, I thought maybe a pair of knitted socks will help him this winter. So I set out to do some research about knitting socks as a reminder, that's when I discovered spiral socks. What are spiral socks, well, they are socks without a heel, basically tube socks. The reason they fit so nicely is that pattern that is used to make them. The pattern spirals around the length of the sock, hence the name.

Now, my next adventure was to find the wool. I did not want thick wool and I wanted durable wool for socks. So after almost giving up, I found this variegated wool. It is Pattons Kroy Socks Jaquards 4 Ply. I had no idea how much wool I would need as I was winging it, but decided to buy two 50 g balls.

As you can see, I knitted the socks with the spirals going 2 different directions. I didn't want them to both spiral the same way. Also I found that when I started the second sock there was an error in wool, there was no alternative color for 4 inches. I always start my balls of wool from the inside and so did not see it. Well, I guess it makes them special this way.

Material needed:
  • about 40 gr wool per sock
  • 4 double pointed needles
  • darning needle
  • gauge is: 28 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm) on 3.25 mm (U.S. 3) needles
My pattern is:
3 knit, 3 purl for 4 rows and then offset either to the left or right by one stitch so that it will go like this: 2 knit, 3 purl, 3 knit, 3 purl.

My hubby has size 8 shoes and I have size 8 women's shoes and the socks fit both of us nicely.

Knitting Instructions:
  • Cast on 48 stitches divided over 3 needles (16 stitches on each needle)
  • Knit the cuff in 1 knit, 1 purl, for about 2 inches
  • Start the pattern:
    • 1st row of pattern: 3 knit, 3 purl for 4 rows
    • 5th row of pattern: 2 kit, 3 purl, *3 knit, 3 purl* repeat till end of row and knit like this for 4 rows total
    • 9th row of pattern: 1 knit, 3 purl, *3 knit, 3 purl* repeat till end of row and knit like this for 4 rows total
    • 13th row of pattern is the same as 1st row of pattern
    • repeat rows 1-12 for 12 inches. If you want longer socks make longer. If you try on the sock right now the knitting needles should just cover your little toe
  • Toes: the toes are finished in knit stitch, it is easier to keep track of things
    • *knit 4 stitches, decrease 2 stitches by knitting them together* - repeat to end of row
    • knit 4 rows in knit stitch
    • *knit 3 stitches, decrease 2 stitches by knitting them together* - repeat to end of row
    • knit 3 rows in knit stitch
    • *knit 2 stitches, decrease 2 stitches by knitting them together* - repeat to end of row
    • knit 2 rows in knit stitch
    • *knit 1 stitch, decrease 2 stitches by knitting them together* - repeat to end of row
    • knit 1 rows in knit stitch
    • now knit 2 stitches together to the end of the row
    • cut the thread leaving a long tail
  • Finishing the socks:
    • darn in the wool ends from both the toes and the cuff. You are done.
Enjoy wearing your socks. They feel really soft.
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