Footnote - Argyll Socks
Socks created in two colours with the fair isle technique. Less common these days, now that we can create such exciting coloured socks with self-patterning yarns. Nonetheless quite satisfying since space dyed skeins cannot produce this lovely traditional Argyll pattern.
Instructions.Each sock is worked in three (attached) sections - leg, upper foot, and
lower foot - and mostly using only 2 needles, but these needles need to
be double points (that is, pointed at both ends). Leg and instepStarting at the top leg, using 2 needles and Main Shade (MS), cast on 78 stitches and work in k1/p1 rib for 4 inches, decreasing 1 stitch at the end of the last row : 77 stitches. Start with a knit row, working in stocking stitch in pattern from chart, joining in Contrast (C), reading odd rows knit from right to left and even rows purl from left to right, until 75 rows have been worked. Next row: pattern 18, increase in
the next stitch, pattern to last 19 stitches, increase in the next stitch,
pattern to end : 79 stitches. Slip first and last 20 stitches on spare needles for heel. Continue in MS and stocking stitch (1 row knit one row purl), starting with a knit row, until foot is required length, allowing 2½ inches for toe shaping and ending with a purl row. Leave stitches on a spare needle. Heel and sole:Slip the 2 groups of 20 stitches on to one needle....
1st row: k19, k2tog, k19. Turn heel as follows: Continue in this way until all the stitches have been worked : 21 stitches. Next row: p21 stitches, then pick
up and purl 18 stitches down side of heel piece, turn. Continue straight until work matches the patterned instep piece, ending with a purl row. Toe:Next row: k18 and now (finally) arrange
the stitches on 3 needles for working the toe in the round as follows: Work in rounds shape toe as follows: Making upOmitting ribbing, press parts lightly on wrong side following instructions on the ball band. Sew seams down back of leg, and on each side of the sole, using a flat seam technique (not mattress stitch for example). Sew in all ends. Make a second sock to match. |
Materials3 x 25g balls of 3 ply yarn in main shade and 1 in lighter contrast. Set of four No 13 (2¼mm) needles, pointed at both ends.
Tension36 sts x 44 rows to 4 inches Size mattersLength from top to base of heel: 13½ inches (34 cm); AbbreviationsMS is main shade (Lovat Heather). sl1: slip the next stitch k2tog or p2tog: work 2 sts together to decrease. psso: pass the slipped stitch over, ("sl1, k1, psso" also known as "ssk") A Word on the Wool.Original yarn was Patons Nylox 3ply in colours Lovat Heather (2002) and Snow White (504). Disclaimer (well...almost)In transposing any pattern it is always a risk that errors will be introduced, in spite of dedicated proof reading. If you have any problems with this pattern, please and I will try and assist. |