The Knitting Squirrel recently stocked the wonderful new range of Opal Daydream, a cosy 6ply sock yarn that knits as a DK weight yarn. The ball is 420 metres long and 150 grams. I loved the gorgeous colours in the Daydream range but decided to use Daydream of A Castle in the Air for this pair of socks as I really loved this colour combination.
There aren’t very many patterns around for the 6ply sock yarns. The 6ply range is a bit more expensive but the finished socks are very warm and cosy. In fact, I am wearing this pair of socks while I write this. The other wonderful thing about this yarn was just how quickly the pair of socks was finished. In fact, they were a complete delight to knit, as I told anyone around me!
A free one-size sock pattern for 6ply sock yarn. Fits ladies’ feet European Size 38-40, UK size 5-6.
Materials:
- 1 ball of Opal Daydream A Castle in the Air 6-ply sock yarn Shade 8353
- Set of 5 3mm dpns (I used Clover Takumi Bamboo 3 mm double pointed needles)
Abbreviations:
double pointed needle(s) – dpn(s); stitch(es) – st(s); knit – k; purl – p; knit two stitches together – k2tog; slip 1 st knitwise, slip 1 st knitwise, knit the two slipped stitches together – ssk; purl two stitches together – p2tog;
Cuff:
Using 3mm dpns and 6 ply sock yarn cast on 53 sts loosely. I use a slightly larger-sized needle, usually 3.5mm, to cast on and then change to the 3mm needles for starting the rib. When joining the knitting into a round on first-round knit the first and last stitch together. This gives a smoother finish to the cuff.
- Work 13 rounds of k1, p1 rib.
Leg:
- Knit 35 rounds (or the length you would prefer for your leg)
- On the last round knit across needle 1, turn and start the heel flap.
Heel Flap:
- Worked over 26 stitches
- Row 1: sl 1, k1, (sl 1 purlwise, p1) repeat to last 2 sts, k2
- Row 2: sl 1, k to end
Repeat row 1 and row 2 twelve more times (26 rows).
Turn Heel:
- Row 1: p15, p2tog, p1, turn.
- Row 2: sl 1, k5, ssk, k1, turn.
- Row 3: sl 1, p6 (1 stitch remains before the ‘gap’), p2tog (combines the stitch before the ‘gap’ and the stitch after the gap), p1, turn.
- Row 4: sl 1, k7, (1 stitch remains before the ‘gap’), ssk (combines the stitch before the ‘gap’ and the stitch after the gap), k1, turn.
- Continue until 16 stitches remain (finishing on a k row). Then… start picking up stitches for Gusset.
Gusset:
- Pick up and knit 15 stitches along the edge of the heel flap.
- Knit across the 26 instep stitches (Needles 2 and 3).
- Pick up and knit 15 stitches along the other edge of the heel flap using needle 4. Then, still using needle 4, knit across the first 8 stitches of the heel.
This is the starting point for the following rounds.
Before you start the next round, slip the other 8 heel stitches onto needle 1. Needles 1 and 4 should have 23 stitches on each. Needles 2 and 3 should have 13 stitches on each.
- Knit 1 round.
Gusset Shaping:
- Round 1: Needle 1: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; Needles 2 and 3: k; Needle 4: k1, ssk, k to end of the needle.
- Round 2: K
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until there are 13 stitches on each needle.
Foot:
- Knit 38 rounds
- It helps to try on the sock when you have knit about 35 rounds to see how many more rounds you need to knit. I usually start my toe shaping when the sock foot reaches the base of the joint on my big toe.
Classic Toe:
- Round 1: Needles 1 and 3: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; Needles 2 and 4: k1, ssk, k to end of the needle.
- Round 2: k
- Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until there are 4 sts on each needle. (16 stitches).
- Making sure that the toe aligns with the heel, slip the stitches from needle 4 onto needle 1 and the stitches from needle 3 onto needle 2. There are 8 stitches on each needle.
- Graft the toe stitches using Kitchener Stitch.
Finishing:
Cut the yarn and weave in the yarn ends using a tapestry needle. Tighten and fasten off.
Happy Knitting!
Enjoy wearing your lovely new cosy socks.
Cat says
I’m new to knitting, and your beautiful socks have inspired me. Could you tell me, what cast on method would you recommend – or what is your go to cast on for socks? I can’t seem to get to grips with one that I like.
Many thanks
Cat
Hi Cat, I usually use the long tail cast on which is reasonably stretchy. I make sure it is stretchy, I usually use a needle a couple of sizes larger – 3.5 mm is my usual one. Then I switch to my normal sized needles for knitting the sock cuff. Hope that helps. Nicolette
Nicolette, thanks so much for your reply. I was practising the long tail cast on last night and found it was much easier than the stretchy slip knot cast on I had been trying to master – fun to set up but not easy for me to keep neat and even when beginning to knit. Yes, long tail cast on I can manage.
Thanks again.
Cat
Cat, I’m sure you’ll really love knitting your first socks… they’ll probably not be your last! Nicolette