The Verse socks are knitted from the cuff down towards the toes. They are started with an optional tubular cast on which provides a stretchy edge to the cuff. The heel flaps are knitted with a reinforced stitch pattern for durability and the heels are round French heels.

Instructions are given for modifying the gusset for a more generous fit.

The lace pattern of these socks is familiar from my most popular pattern, the Poet sweater that was published in Laine magazine issue 6. After all this time I still think it is the most beautiful stitch pattern I have ever knitted! These socks feature only one pattern repeat of the original Poet pattern running down the front of the foot as well as another pattern repeat at the back of the foot. The rest of the sock is worked in seed stitch which gives the sock a beautiful textural appearance, that looks more complicated and intricate than it actually is!

Size
Slim fit (Slouchy fit)
The difference in fit is achieved by changing the gauge, see below. Shown in the slouchy fit.
Circumference 20 (21) cm / 8 (8.25) inches, to be worn with slight negative ease
Length adjustable

Yarn
300 m / 350 yards of fingering weight sock yarn such as Annabel Williams Romney Pure Sock (100% Romney; 380 m / 418 yards per 115g), shown in colorway Dawn

Needles
2.5 mm / US 1.5 DPNs or circular needles with a cable suitable for small circumference knitting
Always choose the needle size that gets you the right gauge.
Note: if you are using mini-circulars, you might want to use DPNs or Magic Loop for the Tubular Cast On.

Gauge
For a slimmer fit: 30 sts and 38 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of seed stitch, in the round after blocking.

For slightly slouchy socks: 28 sts and 38 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of seed stitch, in the round after blocking.

Note: If you can’t match the gauge both across the stitches and across the rounds, choose the needle size that gets you closer to the gauge across the stitches.

Notions
3 stitch markers
waste yarn for the Tubular Cast On
sewing needle
blocking tools (sock blockers)