Cataphyll by Hunter Hammersen

Cataphyll

Knitting
April 2013
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
32 stitches = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch, blocked
US 1 - 2.25 mm
350 - 425 yards (320 - 389 m)
written in three sizes and three gauges to fit most anyone, at 8spi, fits a foot or leg of 7.75 [8.75, 10] inches
English Additional languages which are not in the download: German
This pattern is available in print for $8.00.

This pattern (along with most of my earlier work) was retired in the summer of 2022. However, it may be available for a few days once or twice a year. Read on for details!




In the summer of 2022, I realized that maintaining a back catalog of hundreds of patterns was kind of overwhelming. I couldn’t do it and still release new things. So I took my old patterns down so I could keep doing new work.

Since then, a handful of my favorites have come back, and lovely new things have come out. But the vast majority of the old patterns are retired and will no longer be generally available.

However, enough folks have asked about some old favorites that I’m planning to make many of the retired patterns available for a few days once or twice a year (most likely in late spring and then again in the fall around Thanksgiving).

  • If you see the buy buttons on this page, you’ve caught it on one of the days it’s available, and you’re welcome to grab it!
  • If you don’t see the buy buttons on this page, then it’s not currently available.
  • If you want to hear when the retired patterns will be available, subscribe to the mailing list or patreon, or keep an eye on my instagram.



Cataphyll noun a specialized leaf whose main job is not photosynthesis




I sort of adore these. Most of the leg is nice easy ribbing (which means they’ll fit beautifully), but you’ve also got a column of lovely leaves down the outside of your ankle to keep you occupied. The column splits apart, and half continues down your heel while the other half goes skimming across the top of your foot.

The result is utterly charming. It’s just the right mix of fun to knit and ridiculously impressive looking. On the right feet, they might even qualify as dainty!




The pattern comes in four sizes (58, 66, and 74 stitch cast on) to fit most anyone. And of course you should feel free to adjust your gauge a bit to fine tune the fit of the sock. Just be sure that you’re working at a gauge that gives you a sturdy sock fabric with your chosen yarn. I recommend working at something around 7, 8, or 9 stitches per inch, and I’ve included a table to help you figure out what gauge you’ll want to use for the size you need.




These are perfect for you if:

  • You want to do something special with your next pair of socks
  • You love mirrored socks

They’re not for you if:

  • You don’t like charts (the pattern uses charts)
  • You hate swatching (you need to swatch to check your needle size)