She didn’t travel anywhere without her wool socks. They were the first to go in her suitcase and on her feet as soon as the plane’s wheels left the runway. More precious than gold, handmade socks are a treasure that reminds us of all the miles travelled together.

Ever since they first appeared in Laine Magazine, Issue 4, The Fragment Socks have been a favourite with the Curious Handmade Community. The original inspiration behind the simple but sophisticated stitch pattern was actually patchwork, and that is where the name Fragment came from. Along with knitting, quilting is one of my great creative loves, but it’s one I don’t get to indulge often enough. Discovering a stylish way to represent the piecing and textures of a quilt in a sock was an exciting moment, but the design was abstract enough that the concept of Fragment expanded into the beautiful story that the women at Laine told through their beautiful photographs and evocative words.

It turned out that Fragment could mean a comforting piece of home to take along with us on a journey. It could be a precious memento of time spent with cherished friends. It could be the little scraps and bits we save in the hopes that we can transform them into something whole and beautiful someday down the line. No matter what Fragment means to you, the socks themselves are smart and cosy, and seem to look beautiful in every single yarn. The cuff features a 2x2 rib, and the twisted stitch pattern is also ribbed, for a snug fit. The finish includes a heel flap and gusset and a wedge toe, but I am a big fan of sock improv: please feel free to substitute your own favourites. The pattern is written for the magic loop method but is easy to adapt to DPNs if that’s your style.

SIZE
One Size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Leg length from cuff to the start of the heel: 7 inches / 18 cm.
Leg circumference: 8 inches / 20.5 cm.
Foot circumference: 8 inches / 20.5 cm.

MATERIALS
Yarn: 1 skein of Bowland 4ply by Eden Cottage Yarns (100% Bluefaced Leicester Wool, 436 yds / 400 m – 100 g), colourway Oak.

Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm), at least 32” (80 cm) long circular needles (or size to obtain gauge) for magic loop method or DPNs if preferred.

Notions: Tapestry needle, 1 stitch marker.

GAUGE
32 sts and 48 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, knitted in the rnd, after blocking.