I came up with this pattern when I fell in love with a colorway but did not like the way this variegated yarn pooled as “vanilla” socks…but I really wanted to make socks!

When I ran across a simple, fun, twisty rib stitch, I thought it might break up the colors a bit. I LOVE they way the cuffs knitted up! I think you will too.

Instructions to make a “German Purse” with this twisty rib stitch pattern appear in the 1840 edition of The Ladies’ Knitting and Netting Book by Miss Watts. In her book, Miss Watts mentions several purse patterns that would be suitable for socks BUT she does NOT specify this purse pattern for that use.

The stitch pattern used in the cuff is a 4-stitch repeat, so this “recipe” is easily customizable to your exact tension and gauge. You should feel free to use your favorite heel and toe construction to make these socks (and I have included stitch by stitch instructions to make a pair of socks using my favorite heel flap and toe construction.)