The Retro Jubilee socks were devised after browsing through an early 1950s needlecraft book, when I came across this three-colour ‘Chequer board’ pattern being used as a cardigan trim. I have something of a penchant for multi-coloured socks and decided that this would be the perfect pattern to use for these fabulous socks. They are knitted from the top down; the Hour-glass heel and co-ordinating toes are each worked in a single shade whilst the leg and foot of the sock is worked in the Chequer Stitch pattern throughout. Three lengths of leg have been provided in the pattern but this can be easily adapted to suit your preferred sock length. The foot length is adjustable to fit your individual foot length too - To alter the foot length simply adjust rounds worked after heel completed and before toe commences; To alter the length of the sock leg adjust the number of rounds worked before commencing heel shaping, taking care to finish with round 6 of the pattern.

The Chequer Stitch pattern is a very simple pattern of 2 stitches in each of two colours worked across the row with the two colours changing every 2 rows. The pattern is worked as stranded colourwork, carrying both colours across at the back of the work. The instructions for the Chequer Stitch pattern are provided both as a chart and as written instructions. When working from the chart, read every line from right to left.

The pattern contains written and charted instructions plus a clear schematic diagram.

Yarn
Susan Crawford Wold 2 Ply, 100% British wool (87m / 141yds per 25g skein)
3 (3, 3) skeins, shade Crayola - Yarn A

2 (2, 3) skeins, shade Ladybird - Yarn B

2 (2, 3) skeins, shade Gypsum - Yarn C

Gauge

34 sts & 36 rounds to 10cm (4in) over Chequer Stitch pattern worked in the round and after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 2.5mm needles.

Suggested Needles
Set of 2.5mm (US 2) DPNs

Techniques
Stranded colourwork, knitting in the round, following a chart; working an hourglass heel; working an slyo