Blathan Socks by Fay Dashper-Hughes

Blathan Socks

Knitting
September 2023
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
30 stitches and 41 rows = 4 inches
in Stocking stitch
US 1 - 2.25 mm
219 - 437 yards (200 - 400 m)
48 - 82 st sock UK3/EU 36 to UK10/ EU 45
English
This pattern is available from provenancecraft.com for £5.00.

Blàthan (pronounced blah-han) means small blossom or bloom in Scots Gaelic, so what better name for a sock pattern inspired by the delicate, low-growing flowers I remember from my childhood?

The pattern uses bobble stitches to create the stamens of the flowers. Petals are then embroidered around the bobbles using a lazy daisy stitch. The socks are knitted from the cuff down, with a heel flap and gusset, and rounded toe shaping.

The pattern has a photo tutorial on how and where to embroider the flowers onto the socks.

If you make these socks, it would be great to see them on Instagram - #BlathanSocks #FayDHDesigns @faydhdesigns

Yarn: John Arbon Textiles Exmoor Sock
Example 1
MC: Fuzzpig; 2 x 50g skeins (this covers all sizes listed below)
CC: Fairy Thimble 6g (24m) or any similar weight scrap yarn

Example 2
MC: Mizzle; 2 x 50g skeins (this covers all sizes listed below)
CC: Mohair lace weight scrap yarn held quadruple 6g (24m)

Sizes: Pattern is written for a 48 through to 72 stitch sock. The yarn amounts given above cover a 48 to 72 st sock from size UK 3/ EU 36 to a size UK 10/ EU 45

Ease: Designed to be worn with about 10% negative ease around circumference at ball of foot and no ease for length of foot.

Gauge: Unblocked tension/gauge of 32 and 40 rnds over 10cm/ 4” in stocking stitch pattern. Blocked tension/gauge of 30 sts and 41 rnds over 10cm/ 4” in stocking stitch pattern.

Needles: 2.25mm (US Size 1) knitting needles. Either use:
3 short circular needles,
1 short circular needle and DPNs for heel flap and toes,
1 long circular needle for magic loop, or
DPNs
The pattern is written as if you are using three short circular needles.

Yarn substitutes: Something with the same or very similar meterage. It can be a different blend but be aware that meterage requirements will change if you substitute yarns. For sock knitting, you ideally want a yarn with a very high twist and/or some nylon or nettle content. These three elements bring durability. Superwash makes them machine washable. That said, I happily machine wash my 100% Corriedale (non-superwash), high twist socks.

Pattern format
Blàthan is a ten-page document. If you are purchasing a printed copy, it is A4 sized with large, clear text.