demonstration video: https://youtu.be/meMNjoFroco

KAL: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/knit-spin-farm/4122766/1-25

Note: a few corrections have been made in the pattern on the Knitty site.

These socks are knit in the basic cuff-down vanilla-style: cuff, leg, heel, foot, toe… with the simple addition of creating short loops that are knit vertically. After the first set of loops are almost complete, a new set of loops are created off-set from the original loops. The loops alternate between these two locations, pausing for the heel. Then the loops continue on the instep – or can end when desired. Because the yarn is self-striping or a dramatic gradient, the loops contrast with the working yarn. There is an impression of multiple yarns used, but without multiple yarn tails to weave in or balls to juggle.

The pattern has detailed instructions, but this is really a concept sock, so you are able to simply knit your favorite style of sock using the set-up row instructions and the basic premise of off-setting each section of Color Loops without needing to refer to the pattern. I include my favorite sock anatomy with a pre-heel that hugs the ankle, my favorite way to knit the heel flap, a good method of picking up purl bumps for the gusset, and a simple short-row toe. It’s a very solid sock construction, but the weight of the sock is surprisingly light considering the color pattern because the vertical loops don’t add much bulk. The sock also retains its stretchiness because the Color Loops hang vertically instead of limiting the horizontal stretch as occurs in most colorwork.

I’ve named these loops Color Loops because they add color (and texture) to knitting projects. Color Loops are easy to knit with and disappear like magic – with neat, vertical designs on both RS and WS. In this design, the stockinette side is the RS, but you’ll see in the photos below that I consider them reversible. For demonstrations of Color Loops knitting, please see my YouTube video channel: Color Loops Knitting, and on Ravelry.

SIZE
Adult SM, L
Choose a size with approximately 1 inch/2.5cm negative ease in the foot circumference.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Foot circumference: 6.757.75, 8.75 inches/ 1719.5, 22.5 cm
Leg circumference: 78, 9 inches/ 1820.5, 23 cm
Leg Length: 6.5 inches/16 cm as shown, adjustable to preference
Foot Length: adjustable

MATERIALS
Yarn
Knit Spin Farm 90% Superwash Targhee, 10% Nylon; 466 yds/426 m per 4 oz/115 g skein; Nachos with Spicy Guacamole (self-striping sock yarn); 88 grams used for Size M.

Yarn Characteristics:
Select a self-striping sock yarn or dramatic sock gradient. If the yarn is not sock yarn (with some nylon), choose a high-twist, plied, fingering-weight yarn for durability.

Recommended needle size
US #1 /2.25mm needle(s) for working a small circumference in the round

Notions
12-inch/30-cm ruler
locking stitch markers
yarn needle