The combination of triangular shapes and curved lines may look fancy, but the central panel on the What’s Next? Socks is easier than it seems. A bit of twisted rib, a touch of lace, and some clever decreases are all it takes.

Climbing up the foot, onto the front of the leg, and blending cleanly into the top ribbing, the detailed panel on these socks knows how to make a statement.

But don’t let the front have all the glory; the back of the What’s Next? socks also features a simple keyhole detail in amongst the stocking stitch, just to keep things a little bit interesting.

Key information
The What’s Next? socks are knitted toe-up, using 4 ply/fingering weight sock yarn. They can be knitted on circular needles using the magic loop method, or on DPNs depending on your preference. The pattern is written so that either can be used.

The socks use German short rows for the heel turn. If you’re not familiar with them, German short rows will change your knitting game; they’re deceptively easy and look fantastic. Liz Corke has an excellent tutorial on how to work German short rows (linked in pattern) which I recommend you look at before getting started.

This pattern has the instructions for 3 sizes – small, medium, and large. Where numbers vary, instructions are written as “small (medium, large)”, so be sure you’re looking at the correct number for the size you’re knitting. The central panel is fully charted.

Suggested yarn: 100g/400m of 4ply/fingering weight/sock yarn weight yarn. I knitted my sample in Fyberspates Vivacious 4ply, in the Sea Green colourway. The great stitch definition of this high twist, hand-dyed yarn really makes the central panel stand out.
You can use any yarn that matches gauge; most 4ply sock yarns will work.
Suggested needles (and notions): 2.25mm (US 1) needles (or size needed to match gauge) – long circular for magic loop or set of double pointed, 2 stitch markers, optional sock blockers.
Gauge: 32 st and 42 rows to 10cm (4in) square, measured over pattern in the round.
Finished size: Diameter of 9.25 (10.5, 11.75)cm, 3.5 (4, 4.5)in after blocking. Length varies according to how long you decide to knit your sock.