I designed these socks while I was working on the Max Waistcoat. As I was knitting the back of the waistcoat, the idea for these socks just popped into my head – so I put the waistcoat to one side and followed the urge for a quick, satisfying knit. And that’s how the Pluto Socks were born!

If you’re familiar with my sock patterns, you might notice that the details here are similar to both the Tra Socks and the Styx Socks. I love a ridge on a sock – they make the fit feel extra comfy. These are socks to snuggle into, and we all know that when your feet feel warm, you do too. There’s something truly comforting about relaxing in hand-knit socks. And knitting them for a friend or loved one brings joy on so many levels.

I used Pure DK, a super-soft wool, for the short version. It’s beautifully soft – though like all soft yarns, it won’t be as long-lasting as something with a bit more ‘guts’. That’s why we used Sheepsoft DK for the longer version. It’s blended with hard-wearing Masham, making it the perfect non-nylon sock yarn.

CONSTRUCTION
Knitted on double pointed needles in the round in one piece from the cuff down.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, double pointed needles, in the round, decresasing, grafting stitches together. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your stitches: three needle cast off.

YARN
Two 50g balls of WYS Pure DK for short version*
100% Falkland wool, 112m/126yds per 50g
One 100g hank of ByLaxtons Sheepsoft DK for long version*
100% British wool, 225m/246yds per 100g

For size 5 the short version used 136m/149yds and the long version used 169m/185yds

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
Four double pointed 3.75mm knitting needles.

GAUGE (tension)
22 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch. I obtained this gauge with 3.75mm needles.
It is important to obtain gauge so do swatch and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

SIZE AND FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
to fit UK size 5 or desired foot length as highlighted in the pattern.

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.