Overall vertical stripes in striking bright colors are served up here for a change of pace from the horizontally striped socks that one sees everywhere. A strongly variegated yarn paired with a coordinating solid makes for an eye-catching short sock with a thick and cushy heft to it—perfect for wearing with clogs or Birkenstocks. This one is a relatively uncomplicated knit suitable for an intermediate knitter; although a bit of care must be taken in the gusset area. These are worked top down with a traditional heel flap and side gussets.

Yarn recommendations: 2 contrasting solids or 1 variegated yarn and 1 coordinating color yarn in a solid. If choosing the latter option, make sure that the solid yarn is of a color that is not present in more than 10% of the variegated yarn. Do take the time to knit a sample swatch both for gauge estimation and to see if the yarns you have chosen will pair well.

Yarn as shown: Solid: Fyberspates Vivacious 4Ply, 100% Superwash Merino in color 80611, 60 g/240 yds.

Variegated: Dreamincolor Smooshy, 85% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon in colorway no. 530, Alive, 32 g or 120 yds.