In Norse mythology the rainbow, Bifröst, is a bridge connecting the world of mortals with the realm of the gods. Those of us who have knit with Noro yarns know that a ball can hide all the colors of the rainbow. The Bifröst pattern works well with solid color, but it will also show off the long color sequences of Noro sock yarn or the subtle variegation of that handpainted semi-solid you have been stashing away looking for a stitch pattern that works with the colors rather than against them.
Sizes
Finished size Small (Medium, Large): foot/ankle circumference of approx 7 (8, 9)”, approx 1” negative ease recommended.
Shown in size Medium
Yarn
Noro Kureyon Sock (70% Wool, 30% Nylon; 462 yards [420 meters]/100 grams): Color Number S164, 1 ball
Needles
US #1 (2.25 mm) or size to get gauge: set of 5 dpn’s
Gauge
8.5 sts and 13 rnds = 1” in St st in the round, unblocked.
Approx 9 sts and 13 rnds = 1” in stitch pattern according to chart, unblocked.
Notions
Tapestry needle
Abbreviations
Please see our standard list of abbreviations.
Pattern Notes
These socks are worked top down on a set of 5 dpns.
Bifröst Chart – Size Small
Bifröst Chart – Size Medium
Bifröst Chart – Size Medium
Bifröst Chart – Size Large
Pattern
CO 60 (68, 76) sts and divide on dpns, 15 (17, 19) sts on each needle. Join for knitting in the rnd being careful not to twise. Work rnd 6 of chart 1 (2, 3) to set up pattern. Cont working in patt according to chart until work measures approx 4.25” from top of scallop, or desired length, ending with rnd 6 (2, 4) of chart.
Begin Heel Flap
Sl1, work 29 (33, 37) sts in patt as est. Turn work. Sl1, work to edge of heel flap as est. Work a further 28 (32, 36). Take care to keep your gauge even when working in patt back and forth.
Turn Heel
Row 1: Sl1, k18 (20, 22), ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 2: Sl1, p9, p2tog, p1, turn work.
Row 3: Work to 1 st before last turn. Ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 4: Work to 1 st before last turn. P2tog, p1, turn work.
Repeat these last 2 rows until all heel flap sts have been incorporated; 20 (22, 24) sts rem,
Gusset
K20 (22, 24) sts on needle for the heel. Pick up and k15 (17, 19) sts along heel flap edge. Work row 1 of chart on instep sts. Pick up and k15 (17, 19) sts along other heel flap edge, and k a further 10 (11, 12) sts from heel on to working needle. This is now the beg of the rnd. 25 (28, 31) sts on needles 1 and 4, 15 (17, 19) sts on needles 2 and 3.
Rnd 1 (Gusset Dec Rnd): K until 3 sts remain on needle 1, twisting sts picked up along heel flap edge if needed to prevent holes along the edge. K2tog, k1. Work in patt as established across instep sts on needles 2 and 3. On needle 4, k1, ssk, k to end of rnd again twisting sts along heel flap edge is needed.
Rnds 2 and 3: k sts on needles 1 and 4 and work in patt as est on needles 2 and 3.
Repeat Rnds 1-3 until a total of 60 (68, 76) sts remain, 15 (17, 19) sts on each needle.
Cont without further decreases until foot measures approx 1.5 (1.75, 2)” less than desired finished length, ending with rnd 6 of chart.
Begin Toe Shaping
Rnd 1 (Toe Dec Rnd): K until 3 sts remain on needle 1, k2tog, k1. K1, ssk, k until 3 sts remain on needle 3, k2tog, k1. K1, ssk, k to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: K.
Rep these 2 rnds until a total of 36 sts rem, 9 sts on each needle. Rep Toe Dec Rnd only until a total of 8 sts rem, 2 sts on each needle.
Break yarn, thread through the remaining sts and draw to close.
Finishing
Weave in ends. Soak socks in lukewarm water. Press excess water in towel and block as desired.
About the Designer: Kristel Nyberg
Kristel Nyberg keeps her fingers warm in chilly Finland by knitting as fast as is possible while taking care of two children and a cat. Her other hobbies include hoarding yarn and then knitting some more.
If you read Finnish, her blog can be found at elamanlankaa.blogspot.com, but to read about her knitting in English you should head to Ravelry, where her username is Kristel.
Pattern and images © 2009 Kristel Nyberg.
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