For the festive season this year, I had wanted to make a pair of socks to wear to any events we might go to while celebrating with our friends and family. With activities looking like they will be on a smaller scale again this year, I decided to avoid calling them partying socks and instead name them the ´Don’t worry bead happy socks´, a play on the title of the fabulous (and calming!) song by Bobby McFerrin. A song that I have been a big fan of since I was a teenager and just doesn’t fail to raise a smile.

I found as I learnt to place the beads on to my knitting, I totally fell in love with this technique, and it gave me such a great sense of joy. These socks would add a touch of glamour to any festive occasion in the future, while keeping our toes warm but in the party mood too. Whether a Christmas market, a New Year’s eve party, a trip to an outdoor iceskating rink, or drinking a cup of hot cocoa by the fireside! These are a fun, pretty and quick pair of socks to knit. And once you have mastered adding the beads (not as difficult as you might presume!), you will want to be adding them all over your knitting.

These socks are knit top down and include small colourwork details on the leg and toe. The leg has a fun beaded section and I include my easy beading method (photo instructions and a video tutorial) for you to use. The sock continues with a memorisable, decorative ribbing pattern throughout the leg and foot to create a cozy fit. The heel is a ribbed heel flap, turn, and gusset construction.

SIZES: 1, 2 (3, 4) . There is a different stitch count for each size.
To Fit a foot circumference of: 17.5 – 18.5, 20 - 21.5 (22.5 – 23.5, 25 – 26) cm / 7, 8 (9, 10) inches
Leg/Foot length can be easily adjustable. See instructions for details.
Sample shown is knit in size 3 for foot size EU 39, US 8.5, UK 6 size foot, foot circumference 22.5cm / 8.8 inches.

GAUGE
32 sts x 42 rnds = 10cm / 4 inches for stockinette and ribbing.
34 sts x 36 rnds = 10cm / 4 inches for colourwork

NEEDLE SIZE DETAILS
Ribbing and Stockinette: 2.25mm / US 1 circular 80cm / 32 inches long for magic loop, or DPNs, two circulars or 9” needles (as preferred). Use size required to obtain gauge
Colourwork section on leg and toe: 2.75mm / US 2 circular 80cm / 32 inches long for magic loop, or DPNs, two circulars or 9” needles (as preferred).
Important note: Do check your gauge for fitting. Further sizes can be achieved by going up or down needle sizes.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
For white version:
Yarn: MC, Regia sock yarn 4 ply. 75% Virgin wool & 25% nylon.
and for CC Schwedenrot sock yarn, High twist Merino. 100% Merino

MC: Natural. 50g = 228m / 250 yds, 60g = 280m / 306 yds (65g = 302m / 330 yds, 70g = 320m / 350 yds)
CC: Colored Waves (scrap amounts required)
(Any fingering weight sock yarn can be used for this sock pattern.)

Other materials required:

• 96, 112 (128, 144) beads. Size 4mm with a 0.8 – 1mm hole. (Maybe have a few extra in case any get lost!).
• Dental floss or dental floss threader used for attaching beads (if following my method). Approx. 12 cm / 5 inches long. Stitch marker Tapestry needles Scissors