The X-pression Socks are inspired by people who just can’t help X-pressing themselves and making striped socks do something un-X-pected! Why not add a smattering of little Xs here and there to the foot and leg of your socks to take that sock from ordinary to X-traordinary? (Is that enough bad X wordplay? Are you getting X-asperated with me?)

Pattern Description

These socks use elongated slipped stitches and cables to manipulate stripes made either by a beautiful self-striping yarn or by making your own stripes with your sock yarn leftovers. Both toe-up and cuff-down instructions are provided. They have an afterthought heel and a twisted-rib cuff, and the right and left socks are mirror images.

This pattern requires the knitter to knit a small circumference in the round but is technique-neutral to make it easy to use your preferred technique for socks. It clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, and picking up an afterthought heel. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is easily accessible to an intermediate knitter who is just getting started knitting socks.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

Sizes available: Adult Small (Medium, Large) for foot circumferences of 18 (20.5, 23) cm / 7 (8, 9) inches — 56 (64, 72) st — with completely adjustable foot lengths and leg heights

This pattern works best for self-striping yarns with wide, consistent-width stripes or stripes you make yourself. The key to making this effect noticeable is having high contrast between stripes; so, if you are making your own stripes with multiple yarns, I recommend planning consistent-width stripes that are at least 6 rounds wide and placing dark colours beside light colours as much as possible.

These socks are rated 3/5 — Intermediate — on my sock pattern difficulty scale. This is because they require keeping track of both stripe width and a small chart at the same time.