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DESIGN INSPIRATION

When I took physical chemistry in college, quantum mechanics was one of my favorite topics. It was all math and functions and complex formulas, and my brain just loves a good problem. The wave function of a particle describes a few things, including the probability of a particle’s location being in a specific place. My friends and I liked to make jokes about how parts of our wave functions were vacationing on the beach -- admittedly, this was a very low probability, but we thought we were funny and clever.

The Wave Function Socks presented a few good design challenges that I was keen to tackle. The first problem I tackled was determining the perfect formula for cable spacing so that the waves would be visible both on a sock blocker and when worn. After many swatches, I think I ended up with the perfect wave cables! For these socks, I really wanted to have the cable panels centered on the sides of the sock instead of on the instep, and for the cables to transition neatly to the foot and the heel. To accomplish this, I created a modified Strong Heel. This variation features slip-stitch reinforcement where your socks rub against the back of your shoe, and the symmetric increases on the side allow the cables to gracefully flare out over the ankle. Best of all, we have a look and fit similar to that of a heel flap and gusset, but with no picking up of stitches.

The Wave Function Socks feature an easily memorized pattern that will allow you to take them on the go or allow part of your mind to wander off on its own wave function beach vacation. Carefully placed increases and decreases mean that you don’t have to debate which size to knit -- just cast on for your normal size!

CONSTRUCTION

The Wave Function Socks are knit cuff down, beginning with a German Twisted Cast-On and a beautiful cable and rib cuff. The leg of the sock features wave cable panels that split and flare at the ankle with a modified Strong Heel that requires no picked-up stitches. A rounded toe provides a comfortable fit, and Kitchener stitch is used to finish off the sock.

PATTERN INFORMATION

Difficulty Rating
INTERMEDIATE: Project is worked in the round from the cuff down and includes cables, slipped stitches, increases, and decreases. Kitchener stitch is used to finish off the toe.

Recommended Yarn
Mighty Sock by The Lemonade Shop Yarns, 75% superwash merino wool/25% nylon, 468 yds (428 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g): 1 skein (shown in Broken Glass Kids) OR approximately 400 yds (366 m) light fingering to fingering weight yarn.

This pattern will play nicely with any fingering weight merino/merino nylon blend yarn in solid, tonal, lightly speckled, or low-contrast colorways.

Needles/Notions

• US #1 (2.25 mm) 32-40” (80-100 cm) circular, or five double-pointed needles; OR size needed to obtain gauge.
• Tapestry needle for Kitchener stitch and weaving in ends.
• 6 stitch markers, at least one of which is a locking stitch marker.
• Cable needle.

Gauge
36 sts and 48 rnds to 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US #1 (2.25 mm) needles.
Pattern gauge was measured after washing and blocking.

Sizes Available
48 {56, 64, 72, 80} sts

Finished Measurements
5.25 {6.25, 7, 8, 9}” (13.5 {15.8, 18, 20.3, 22.6} cm) leg and foot circumference, unstretched.
Recommended fit is 0.5-1.5” (1.3-3.8 cm) negative ease.

The model has a ball of foot measurement of 8.5” (21.5 cm) and leg measurement of 8.5” (21.5 cm) and is wearing a 64 sts sample. The model typically wears 64-st vanilla socks.

To get the best fit, choose the size with the CO stitch count closest to what you would CO for vanilla socks using your preferred needle size and sock yarn.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.