Kestra Socks by Vanessa Smith

Kestra Socks

Knitting
May 2022
DK (11 wpi) ?
27 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches
in stranded colorwork worked in the round using larger needles, after blocking
US 5 - 3.75 mm
US 3 - 3.25 mm
282 - 332 yards (258 - 304 m)
1 (2) / 7.5 (9)” / 19 (22.5) cm circumference, unstretched
English
This pattern is available for $8.00 USD buy it now

The Kestra socks are the third pattern in a mini collection of quick, stranded knits featuring a geometric chevron pattern and speckled colorwork or twisted rib accents. Worked from the toe up in a DK weight yarn, these socks are delightfully squishy and warm to wear. The forethought, peasant heel—paired with instep gussets—fits the foot nicely and does not call for cutting your knitting!

Sizes
1 (2)

Finished Measurements
7.5 (9)” / 19 (22.5) cm circumference, unstretched

YARN
Approximately 282 (332) yards / 258 (304) meters plied, Sport/DK weight yarn, with some nylon content:

  • 141 (166) yards / 129 (152) meters main color
  • 143 (168) yards / 131 (154) meters contrasting color

Actual amount needed will depend on foot and cuff length. Yarn estimates provided based on 9.25” (23 cm) foot length and 5.5” (14 cm) cuff length.

Socks pictured used Midknit Cravings Comfort Sport Sport/DK weight; 85% superwash merino wool, 15% nylon in colorways ‘Shiraz’ (main color) and ‘Petal’ (contrasting color).

NEEDLES
32” (80 cm) circular needles for magic loop (or appropriate needles for your preferred method of knitting small circumferences in the round) in the following sizes:

  • US 5 (3.75 mm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge for stranded colorwork
  • US 3 (3.25 mm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge for stockinette stitch

GAUGE
Stranded Colorwork: 27 sts and 29 rnds = 4” (10 cm), worked in the round using larger needles, after blocking
Stockinette Stitch: 27 sts and 34 rnds = 4” (10 cm), worked in the round using smaller needles, after blocking

NOTIONS

  • (1) Locking stitch marker for beginning of round
  • Waste yarn (same weight as working yarn; in a third, high‑contrasting color; and smooth), for heel placement
  • (2) 10” (25 cm) strands of fingering weight yarn (different color from working yarns and waste yarn), for lifelines
  • Tapestry needle