The whimsical Linaria Socks floral motif was inspired by the linaria flower, or toadflax, which is characterized by its linear form adorned with clusters of budding petals. These socks offer the perfect touch of botanical charm for those who appreciate nature’s artistry.

The Linaria Socks are worked cuff-down with an Estonian inlay floral motif running down both sides of each sock. The cuff is worked in half-twisted ribbing, the heel is created with increases, short rows and decreases on the back portion of the sock, and the sock is finished with a wedge toe. Instructions to work a regular or a high instep are included. The sample is shown in size 4 with a high instep.

Sizing:
Sizes 1 (2, 3) (4, 5, 6) correspond to a sock of 56 (60, 64) (68, 72, 76) sts and are designed to fit a foot/leg circumference of approx. 17.5 (18.5, 20) (21, 22, 23) cm / 7 (7.25, 7.75) (8.25, 8.75, 9)“.

Finished measurements (refer to the schematic):
• Foot/leg circumference (A): 15 (16, 17.5) (18.5, 19.5, 20.5) cm / 6 (6.25, 7) (7.25, 7.75, 8)“.
• Cuff length (B): 3 cm / 1.25” – adjustable.
• Leg length (C): 12.5 cm / 5” – adjustable.
• Foot length (D): adjustable based on your foot length.

For a comfortable fit, choose a size with a foot/leg circumference that will give you a negative ease of approx. 1.5-3.5 cm / 0.5-1.5”.

Gauge:
37 sts x 50 rnds = 10 cm x 10 cm / 4” x 4” on 2.25 mm / US 1 needles in St St after blocking.

Needles:
• 2.25 mm / US 1 circular needles of 23 cm / 9” and 80 cm / 32”. Or needle size needed to reach gauge.

Notions:
• Four stitch markers (including a distinct beginning of round stitch marker)
• One removable stitch marker or progress keeper
• Two yarn bobbins or two small bags for yarn management
• Tapestry needle
• Measuring tape

Yarn:
The sample is worked in one strand of Woollentwine Fibrestudio Ovis Sock colorway Peony (50% Cheviot, 50% Jacobs; 375 m / 410 yds – 100 g) as the main color and two strands held together of Holst Garn Lucia colorway Ganache (42% Baby Alpaca, 35% Mulberry Silk, 13% Merino Wool and 10% Yak; 200 m / 219 yds – 25 g) as the contrast color.

Main color: One 100 g skein of fingering-weight sock yarn is sufficient for all sizes. The exact quantity of yarn needed will vary based on your desired leg and foot lengths.

Contrast color for the floral motif: To achieve the best look using the Estonian inlay technique on a fingering-weight yarn sock, I recommend holding together two strands of a baby or suri alpaca and silk blend yarn (approx. 200 m /219 yds per 25 g) OR two strands of fingering-weight yarn (approx. 375 m /410 yds per 100 g) per floral motif. For all sizes, a total of 80 m / 87 yds of contrast color yarn is sufficient.

Skill level: 3/5
Techniques used: Long tail cast on, Estonian inlay (video tutorial available), increases, decreases, German Short Rows, Kitchener stitch.

Estonian inlay knitting tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvy8mwssadw

Happy knitting! :)

This pattern has been tech edited by Agnes Kroner and test knitted by a wonderful group of testers!