The Wild Bees Socks are the 3rd design in The Handmade Sock Society 4.

Where would we be without bees? Every inch of the landscape owes them something. Their contented hum keeps us company in the garden, their hard work in the hives sweetens our tea, and both wild and tamed fruits and flowers depend on their pollination. All bees are precious, but the native bees hold very specific roles in the ecosystem. Australia’s native bees are a charismatic bunch, including the heavenly Blue Banded Bees, our fluffy Teddy Bear Bees, and the tiny stingless bees who hide their tangy honey in hollowed-out trees.

The Wild Bees Socks celebrate the busy little creatures who keep our countryside blooming and buzzing. These are top-down socks which start with a 1x1 rib cuff. A bee-inspired lace panel travels down the front of the leg and the top of the sock, ending with a pretty eye of partridge heel and a round toe. The Wild Bees Socks pattern features three sizes to help you find a perfect fit.

Finished measurements:
To fit approx. foot circumference of
7 (8, 9)” /17.5 (20, 22.5) cm

Yarn:
Lay Family Yarn 4ply
75% superwash merino, 25% nylon; 100g = 425m/465yds
1 x 100g skein (depending on foot length - 2 skeins for Large size),
Colourway: Tiger’s eye

Medium Size sample with size UK4/US5.5/EU37, 23cm/9” foot length used approximately 55g, 234m/256yds of fingering weight sock yarn

Needles:
2.25mm (US 1), 100cm (40”) long circular needles (or size to obtain gauge) for magic loop method or DPNs if preferred

Notions:
Tapestry needle
1 stitch marker

Gauge:
32 sts/46 rounds = 10 cm (4”) in stockinette stitch