Papa’s Favorite Socks are available for 25% off through the end of 2025--no coupon required!

Papa (known by this name to his children and grandchildren) is a very knit-worthy man who wears wool socks almost exclusively from November through April. He spends a lot of time outdoors doing farm chores, stacking and hauling wood, hiking with the dog and x-c skiing—wool socks are a must for him here in downeast Maine! So finally, after 45 years, I made a pair just for him that includes all his favorite features—blues and greens for the colors, a wide rib that hugs the leg comfortably and doesn’t droop, a bit of colorwork for interest, a smooth wedge toe and a cushy slip-stitch patterned Dutch heel to help prevent wear.

Not wanting to leave anyone out, the pattern includes 4 sizes, small child through large adult. The length of both the top and the foot can be adjusted to suit your preference.

There are some special features in this pattern that will be appreciated by veteran and novice knitters alike: the rib pattern runs down the entire leg and across the instep for maximum comfort and a perfect fit. The sole of the foot is in stockinette to keep it smooth and non-irritating. The toe shaping is the popular wedge shape with the last few stitches grafted together for a seamless fit (instructions and video link in the pattern). The design is well-suited for outdoorsy types, or just anyone who appreciates a warm, stylish and comfortable sock.

SIZES: 4 sizes—Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Circumference (leg/foot): 6 (7, 8, 9) inches
Leg Length (above heel flap): 5.5 (6.5, 7.5, 8.5) inches (adjustable)
Foot length: 7 (8.5, 9.5, 11) inches (adjustable)
Changes to gauge or yarn weight, or adding length, may require extra yarn
GAUGE:
32 sts and 34 rnds = 4 inches/10cm with US 2.5 (3.0mm) needle(s) in blocked colorwork
32 sts and 36 rnds = 4 inches/10cm with US 2 (2.75mm) needle(s) in blocked stockinette
NEEDLES:
US Size 2.5 (3.00 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge in colorwork
US Size 2 (2.75mm), or size needed to obtain gauge in plain stockinette
US Size 1.5 (2.5mm), or 1 size smaller than stockinette gauge needle
Choose needle types base on your preferred method of working small circumferences in the round
YARN: Fingering-weight woolen sock yarn
Suggested yarns:
John Arbon Exmoor Sock (30/30/20/10/10 Exmoor Horn/Bluefaced Leicester/Corriedale/Zwartbles/ Nylon) 50 g is 219 yards
or
The Woolly Thistle Rambler (80/10/10 Dorset/Corriedale/Gray Romney) 100 g is 420 yards

I sourced this lovely yarn here in the US at The Woolly Thistle, an on-line shop specializing in woolly wool. This is an affiliate link which generates a small commission for me at no additional cost to you!

Thank you for supporting my work by using this link to purchase your yarn and/or kits, and for choosing one of my designs!

Yarn Amounts:
Size 1— MC 110, CC1-100, CC2-20
Size 2—MC 135, CC1-110, CC2-25
Size 3—MC 150, CC1-120, CC2-30
Size 4—MC 200, CC1-145, CC2-35

NOTIONS: tapestry needle, 3 stitch markers (1 unique), a 12-inch length of smooth scrap yarn for a holder

SKILLS USED: working in the round, colorwork, increasing (M1), decreasing (k2tog, ssk), picking-up sts