All it takes is a ‘stitch pattern tile’ of eight stitches in width and eight rows in height and you are all set to create a unique pair of socks in stranded knitting. Use the tile in a random way or create regular patterns with it – the choice is all yours.

The pattern is a take on applied mathematics. The ‘stitch pattern tiles’ are rearranged every 8th round and no matter how many stitches are cast on, with each new 8-round section there are multiple design options. As an example, with 64 sts (i.e. 8 tiles to form the round) there are 2 to the power of 8 options how to arrange them, which gives 256 possibilities what the one 8-rounds segment could look like.

In the sample the tiles are placed at random after each 8-round repeat. Should you prefer a more regular look, there are examples shown on page 4 of the pattern. On the final page of the pattern there are multiple tiles for printing, to either arrange them in the desired pattern or to go with the ‘shuffle the tiles and knit what comes up’ method I used for the sample.

Please note
The sample was worked with a gradient yarn and to not interrupt the colour sequences, the sample was worked with an afterthought heel. This heel is explained in the pattern but it could be replaced with any short-row heel of your choice (instructions for other heel types not included in the pattern).

Size and measurements
Women’s XS, S, M and L with a finished leg circumference of approximately 15.5 (17.75, 20, 22.25) cm 6 (7, 7.75, 8.75)”. Leg and foot length are adjustable.

Material
Approximately 400 m (437 yds) of fingering weight yarn with a yardage of approximately 400 m (437 yds) per 100 g in two contrasting colours
Used in the sample: Online Linie 3 Supersocke 100 (75 % Merino, 25% Nylon; 420 m 459 yds / 100g) in black (MC) and Zwerger Garn Opal 4-fach (75 % Merino, 25% Nylon; 425 m 465 yds / 100g) in Rainbow (CC).

2.5 mm / US size 1 1/2 DPNs or circular needle(s) for your preferred way to knit in the round
Should your tension vary greatly between stranding knitting and knitting with one colour only, you might wish to work the one-coloured cuff, heel and toe on smaller needles.

1 stitch marker, darning needle, waste yarn (for afterthought heel if this heel type is chosen)

Gauge
36 sts /42 rows = 10 cm/4” in stranded knitting after blocking