While browsing a very old stitch pattern dictionary that had once belonged to my mother, I found this lovely and delicate flower pattern. It was just perfect for a pair of ladies socks, but as it is a directional pattern, the sock would have to be toe-up. I haven’t had much luck with the techniques for toe-up I have seen in the past, so I decided to try a provisional cast-on. This pattern is the result of several experiments.

Cornflower is a textured pattern toe-up sock, beginning with a provisional cast-on, short-row toe and heel, and small hem at top edge. No fiddly cast-on with very few stitches, no grafting, and just a fold at the eyelet row and a quick tack down to finish the top edge.

Sample shown was made with 395 yards of Zwerger Garn Opal 4-fach, and 2.5 mm set of 4 needles. To make larger or smaller sizes, use a different needle size or yarn weight. This sock was designed to fit foot measuring 8.5” diameter at ball of foot, women’s size large, or US shoe size 8.

A cable needle or stitch holder is needed for the cornflower stitch pattern.

This pattern is rated for the intermediate knitter, but has enough interest to keep the experienced knitter’s attention, too.

As always, great care has been taken with these instructions to eliminate errors, but if you do find one, please let me know.