Spiral Socks - Free Knitting Pattern

SPIRAL SOCKS from “Patterns from THE WEB” – June 1982 edition [btw the WEB was a zine, now in recess produced for the NZSWWS up until about '89]

A simple formula for making spiral socks, which are ideal for wear in gumboots and so easy for young children to pull on. Also – they don’t grow out of them in a hurry, as the feet fit where required.

Using a set of 4 #8 needles with points at each end, and double knitting wool, cast on a number of stitches divisible by four. [say 36 for a child]. Cast these on loosely, or use a larger gauge needle. Divide stitches evenly on 3 needles. Rib in k1 p1 [or k2p2] for 2″ or length desired.

Then k2 tog and continue with k3 p1 ’til length is required, which is for leg and foot. [say 10-12"]. You will see that losing one stitch at the beginning of the pattern makes the purl stitch move on one each time and spiral effect allows the sock to fit snugly around the angle at any length of foot. The heel deos not always come in the same place, so longer wear is assured.

To finish, make a round toe as follows:

1st round: k9, k2tog, [k4 k2tog] 4 times, [30sts]

2nd and alternate rounds: knit

3rd round: [k3 k2tog] 6 times [24sts]

5th round: [k2 k2tog] 6 times [18sts]

7th round: [k1 k2tog] 6 times [12sts]

8th round: k2 tog 6 times

Break off wool & thread throught the 6 sts. Finish off.

If making a larger pair say 48sts, make toes as follows:

1st round: You will have 47 sts]. k13, k2tog [k6 k2tog] 4times [42sts]

2nd and alternate rounds: knit

3rd round: [k5 k2tog] 6 times [36sts]

5th round: [k4 k2tog] 6 times [30sts]

7th round: [k3 k2tog] 6 times [24sts]

9th round: [k2 k2tog] 6 times [18sts]

11th round: [k1 k2 tog] 6 times [12sts]

13th round: k2 tog 6 times [6sts]

Break off wool & thread through 6sts. Finish off

Tuatara

This pattern was originally posted by Tuatara in our old Delphi forum.