Sole Attraction by Vanessa Townley

Sole Attraction

Knitting
April 2020
both are used in this pattern
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
32 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches
in Colourwork
US 1 - 2.25 mm
US 1½ - 2.5 mm
437 - 492 yards (400 - 450 m)
One size with tension details for adjusting size.
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download

This pattern has been tested and tech edited

This sock was designed for all beautiful soles or souls in mind :wink:
This gender neutral design can be knit for anyone, a loved one, a friend or a very lucky stranger.

Sockformation
Sock Ease: To be worn with 0” negative ease around leg due to the nature of colourwork.

Tensions (used for main pattern):

  1. 32 sts and 40 rows to 10cm, (4in) over colourwork (for leg), using 2.50mm needles.
  2. 28 rows to 5cm, (2in) over slip stitch pattern (for heel), using 2.50mm needles.
  3. 29 sts and 44 rows to 10cm, (4in) over stocking stitch (for foot), using 2.50mm needles.

Size and Tension Range:
Due to the larger pattern repeat and colourwork a range of tensions are given to establish a Leg Circumferences for your size. (see below)

To find gauge start with the suggested needle size stated in pattern and cast on stitches for the colour panel and knit a full repeat in the round to help determine your circumference. If you need a smaller circumference drop to a smaller needle and for larger circumference go up to larger needle size. I would note due to colourwork being a firmer fabric the leg of the sock may only stretch by about 1-2cm, a very slight positive ease won’t be the worst plan as it may help it stretch over heels.
Negative ease is not what you are wanting.

Colourwork Stitch Tension =Leg Circumference
29 sts to 10cm=23cm
30 sts to 10cm=22cm
31 sts to 10cm=21cm
32 sts to 10cm=20.5cm
33 sts to 10cm=20cm
34 sts to 10cm=19.5cm
35 sts to 10cm=19cm

Yarn Information:
Any fingering/4ply weight sock yarn.
* 1 x 100g skein for A (Background Colour) 365 metres, (405yds).
&
* 5 x 20g mini skeins for B, C, D, E & F (Gradient Colours) or
(Contrast Colours you prefer) 85 metres, (93yds).
This design can still be made with a
5 x 10g mini skein set which would be enough to
complete the size made. Or alternatively you could use your scraps.

Yarn used:
Natural Born Dyers, ‘Ooak naturally dyed’ (High Twist)
80% Bluefaced Leicester, 20% Nylon.
365 metres, (405yds), 100g.

Five Moons Gradient Moon Phases, ‘Succulent’
75% SW Merino, 25% Nylon.
Each Skein - 85 metres, (93yds), 20g.
All 5 Skeins – 425 metres, (465yds), 100g.

Needles & Notions:
2.25mm (UK13 - USA1) & 2.50mm DPNs or Circular Needles for magic loop.
(Or other sizes to obtain variety of gauges)
Wool Sewing Needle & Sock Blockers (optional extra).

Techniques
Lateral Braid tutorial
This tutorial is really great and the visuals are really good, please check it out via the Knittingilove podcast channel with Barbara.

Skills:
Knitting in the round, 2x2 ribbing, lateral braid, stranded colourwork, decreasing (s1, k1, psso, k2tog, p2tog), picking up stitches, slip stitches, reading charts.

Small note: I will be updating the pattern shortly with a schematic which I’m currently working on. Thank you! :slightly_smiling_face:

It’s knitted cuff down and begins with a 2x2 rib cuff, with a delicate dividing lateral braid then a gradient colourwork pattern throughout the leg and then into 3x3 ribbing and stocking stitch for a bit of simplicity and ease. With my preferred heel and gusset for comfort, stability and a cracking fit. Plus a slip st pattern in the heel for strength and longevity

Due to the larger colourwork pattern repeat the design is knit to one size with a tension/gauge chart to help you aim for a tension and leg circumference that suits you or your needs.

Inclusive Is Important

  • It is important to make the pattern as accessible as possible and directions are written and charted.

  • If you would prefer a chart using symbols and not colours, please feel free to DM me I have a version I can update you with. :smiles:

  • Please let me know if non of the tension range in the specs of the pattern will fit your leg and are in need of a size. I am happy for you to DM me and let me know your sizing needs and I can look into whether the colourwork pattern rep will work into your size range and if I can make some adjustments for you. Obviously Time permitted also, as I work full time.