Fair isle knitting with handpaints? Why not? The frequent changes in pattern and alternating colors help counteract a handdyed yarn’s tendency to pool and splotch. For best results, pick two colorways that don’t overlap in hue; for example, the sample sock is knit in a blue/green colorway and an orange/yellow colorway. Or try a multicolor paired with a solid or semisolid, again aiming for colors that contrast. No matter what combination you use, these socks are designed for a fun knit that doesn’t get boring due to the bright colors and changing patterns. The name was inspired by my husband, who observed that the brightly contrasting colors had a “Southwestern feel.”
Sizes
Woman’s Small (Medium, Large)
Finished circumference: 7.4 (8.6, 9.7) inches
Sample socks shown in size Medium.
Yarn
Black Bunny Fibers Superwash Classic (100% superwash merino; 400 yards [366 meters]/4 oz. skein): The Deep (MC), 1 skein; Tangerina (CC), 1/2 skein
Needles
US #3 (3 mm), or size needed to get gauge: two 24” circular
US #2 (2.75 mm), or one size smaller than agove: two 24” circular
Gauge
28 sts and 36 rows = 4” in St st
Notions
Tapestry needle
Abbreviations
Please see our standard list of abbreviations.
Pattern Notes
Socks are worked from cuff to toe using the two-circular-needle method. Take care not to strand yarn too tightly across the back when changing colors to ensure good fit.
Using smaller needles and CC, CO 52 (60, 68) sts. Divide evenly between needles, and join for working in rnd, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: *K1, p1, rep from * to end.
Rnds 2 – 6: K the p sts and p the k sts.
Rnds 7 – 12: K.
Rnd 13: Switch to MC and k.
Rnds 14-25: *K2, p2, rep from * to end.
Rnd 26: K.
Switch to larger needle and CC, and k 3 (3, 5) rnds.
Next 2 rnds: *K2 with CC, k2 with MC, rep from * to end.
Next 2 rnds: *K2 with MC, k2 with CC, rep from * to end.
K 3 (3, 5) rnds with CC; k 3 rnds with MC; k 2 rnds with CC; k 3 rnds with MC.
Next rnd: K2 with MC, k1 with CC, *k3 with MC, k1 with CC, rep from * to last st, k1 with MC.
Next rnd: *K1 with MC, k3 with CC, rep from * to end.
Next rnd: K2 with MC, k1 with CC, *k3 with MC, k1 with CC, rep from * to last st, k1 with MC.
K 3 rnds with MC.
Next 3 rnds: *K2 with MC, k2 with CC, rep from * to end.
K 5 rnds with CC.
Next rnd: K2 with CC, k1 with MC, *K3 with CC, k1 with MC, rep from * to last sts, k1 with CC.
Next rnd: *K1 with CC, k3 with MC, rep from * to end.
K 4 rnds with MC, then k 2 rnds in CC, then k 3 (6, 9) rnds in MC.
Heel
Note: Heel is worked back-and-forth on one needle, using 26 (30, 34) sts. For first sock, work heel on N1; for second sock, k across the sts on N1, then work heel on N2. This will allow you to wear the join on the inside leg where it will be less visible.
Row 1 (RS): With CC, *sl 1 wyib, k1, rep from * to end.
Row 2: With CC, p.
Row 3: With MC, k1, *sl 1 wyib, k1, rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 4: With MC, p.
Rep these 4 rows 6 (6, 7) more times.
Turn heel
Row 1(RS): Using MC, k 15 (17, 19), ssk, k1, turn.
Row 2: Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1, turn.
Row 3: Sl 1, k to st before gap made on previous row, ssk, k1, turn.
Row 4: Sl 1, p to st before gap made on previous row, p2tog, p1, turn.
Rep Rows 3 & 4 until all heel sts have been used up. 16 (18, 20) sts
Gusset
With N1, knit across heel sts, pick up and k 16 (16, 18) sts along left edge of heel flap, using N2, k across instep sts. Using N1, pick up and k 16 (16, 18) sts along right side of heel flap, then k rem sts on N1 and k all sts on N2.
Next rnd: N1 — K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. N2 – K all sts.
Next rnd: N1 & N2 – K.
Rep these 2 rnds until 26 (30, 34) sts rem on each needle.
K every rnd until foot measures 6.5 (7.5, 8.5) inches from heel, or desired length to toe shaping.
Toe
Rnd 1: With CC, k 1 rnd.
Rnd 2: N1 – With CC, k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts on needle, k2tog, k1. Rep on N2.
Rnd 3: With MC, k 1 rnd.
Rnd 4: N1 – With MC, k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts on needle, k2tog, k1. Rep on N2.
Rep these 4 rnds until a total of 24 (28, 32) sts rem.
Rnds 1 and 2: With CC, k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts on needle, k2tog, k1. Rep on N2.
Rnds 3 and 4: With MC, k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts on needle, k2tog, k1. Rep on N2.; 8 (12, 16) sts rem.
Using MC, graft rem toe sts together. Weave in ends and make second sock to match.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER: CAROL J. SULCOSKI
Carol J. Sulcoski is the author of Knit So Fine and Knitting Socks With Handpainted Yarns (both published by Interweave Press), and she has designed for Knitty.com; Big Girl Knits; JCA/Reynolds; and KnitScene. She blogs at Go Knit In Your Hat, where her “No-Bull Book Reviews” are a popular feature. She is proprietress of Black Bunny Fibers, where she sells handdyed yarns and spinning fiber.
Thank you. These are so cute and I can see them as a great way to use up leftovers. Alternatively I may knit them with a semi-solid yarn combined with one of my own gradient yarns.
That’s a great idea! I love gradients in colorwork!