My husband is obsessed with all things nautical; pirates are especially interesting for him, and also Vikings. Over our decade long marriage, I too have been initiated into the world of piracy, pillaging, and adventure. So not too surprisingly, he introduced me to the Vikings TV show airing on the History Channel and we've been die-hard fans since day one.
That's where the inspiration for these socks was gleaned, not from the twisting braids of the shield maiden's hair, or the bloodthirsty lustiness of their king, but from their crazy boat building side-kick of sorts, Floki. He's a brilliant, gifted engineer, a visionary years ahead of his time. I wanted to design something that reflected his personality and personal style. His clothes are tattered, almost lacy, yet completely masculine and fierce.
These socks, just like the man, are streamlined, designed to be impressive yet simple in their execution. The texture pattern is easy to memorize but just difficult enough to keep you entertained and has the added bonus of showcasing even wild variegated yarns with ease.
The leg stretches vertically to extend up just below the knee when worn, despite being much shorter when unworn. The lace gives both vertically and horizontally for increased stretch and flexibility. This design feature partnered with decreases worked throughout the leg creates a truly tapered fit that keeps the sock in place without the need of a ribbed cuff or elastic. The gusset decreases have been moved from their traditional location to the top of the foot, removing all uncomfortable seams and giving a streamlined finish to the foot. Like Floki, these socks are just crazy enough to be a special kind of awesome.
model: Yavanna Reynolds photos: Jeffrey Reynolds and Yavanna Reynolds
Recommended needle size [always use a needle
size that gives you the gauge
listed below — every knitter's
gauge is unique] US #2/2.75 mm needles for small circumference in the round: DPNs, 1 long circular or 2 short circulars
Notions markers yarn needle
GAUGE
28 sts/42 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
23-24 sts/44 rounds = 4 inches in Leg Pattern
PATTERN NOTES [Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]
Wyif: with yarn in front
Yo (Yarn over, wrapping yarn twice):
Extra wrap should be dropped on the following round.
Work Rows 1-10 a total of 1[2, 2, 2] times, then work Rows 1 through 9[1, 3, 5] one more time. Your heel flap should now measure approx. 2[2, 2.25, 2.5] inches long and you should be ready to work a RS row.
Gusset Setup Round 1: K across all 14[16, 18, 20] heel sts. Pick up and knit 15[17, 19, 21] sts along the side of the heel flap. Knit across all 20[24, 28, 32] instep sts. Pick up and knit 15[17, 19, 21] sts along the side of the heel. K7[8, 9, 10]. This is the new start of round. Redistribute sts and place marker as desired. 64[74, 84, 94] sts total.
Setup Round 2: K19[23, 27, 31]; this is the start of the instep (redistribute sts and place marker as desired); k26[28, 30, 32] sts; this is the end of the instep (redistribute sts and place marker as desired); k19[23, 27, 31] to end of round.
Note: Gusset shaping is worked at the ends of the instep, not in the usual place! As these sts are decreased away, you may wish to place markers or rearrange sts to help you keep your place.
Gusset Round 1: K to start of instep; ssk, k to 2 sts before end of instep, k2tog; k to end of round. 2 sts decreased.
Gusset Round 2: K to start of instep; k1, p1, (sl1 wyif, p1) to 2 sts before end of instep, p1, k1. K19[23, 27, 31] to end round.
Gusset Round 3: K to start of instep; ssk, (p1, sl1 wyif) to 2 sts before end of instep, k2tog. K to end of round. 2 sts decreased.
Gusset Round 4: K to start of instep; k1, (sl1 wyif, p1) to 1 st before end of instep, k1. K to end of round.
Gusset Round 5: K to start of instep; ssk, k to 2 sts before end of instep, k2tog. K to end of round. 2 sts decreased.
Gusset Round 6: Knit around.
Gusset Round 7: K to start of instep; ssk, k to 2 sts before end of instep, k2tog. K to end of round. 2 sts decreased.
Gusset Round 8: K to start of instep; k1, p to 1 st before end of instep, k1. K to end of round.
Gusset Round 9: K to start of instep; ssk, k to 2 sts before end of instep, k2tog. K to end of round. 2 sts decreased.
Gusset Round 10: K19[23, 27, 31]; k1, p to 1 st before end of instep, k1. K to end of round.
Work Rounds 1-10 a total of 2[2, 2, 3] times, then work Rounds 1 through 3[5, 7, -] one more time. 40[48, 56, 64] sts total. 2 sts rem on the instep.
Foot Setup: K10[12, 14, 16]. This is the new start of round. Redistribute sts and place marker as desired. The first 20[24, 28, 32] sts form the instep; the rem 20[24, 28, 32] sts form the sole.
Continue working in stockinette st until your foot measures approximately 3 inches shorter than desired final length.
Toe Round 1: P across instep; k to end of round.
Rounds 2-4: K all.
Round 5: (Sl1 wyif, P1) across instep; k to end of round.
Round 6: (p1, sl1 wyif) across instep; k to end of round.
Round 7: Repeat Round 5.
Rounds 8-10: Repeat Rounds 2-4.
Round 11: Repeat Round 1.
Round 12: K1, ssk; k to 3 sts before end of instep; k2tog, k1; k1, ssk, k to 3 sts before end of round, k2tog, k1. 4 sts decreased. Round 13: K all.
Repeat Rounds 12 and 13 4[5, 6, 7] more times, until 20[24, 28, 32] sts remain. Divide sts evenly between two needles, placing 10[12, 14, 16] sole and 10[12, 14, 16] instep sts on one needle each.
Using Kitchener stitch, graft toe closed.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends. Do not block.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Yavanna Reynolds is a part-time designer and full-time mom living and playing in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area with her very own personal Viking and two mischievous imps. When she isn't designing something new, Yavanna enjoys baking, reading, sewing, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
To learn more about her adventures in fiber, fabric, food, and endurance sports, check out her blog. You can also find her on Ravelry in her group: Watch Datenshi Design
Wyif: with yarn in front
