First Star Socks by Jessica Gore

First Star Socks

Knitting
December 2017
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
32 stitches and 48 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch
US 1 - 2.25 mm
273 - 437 yards (250 - 400 m)
X-Small [Small, Medium, Large, X-Large]
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Pretty and delicate, yet cozy and warm, the First Star Socks are great to wear at any time of year. Each sample was knit using a beautiful non-superwash yarn by WoolUpNorth of Norway, a country from which you can see the pattern inspiring aurora borealis (or Northern Lights). The delicate star motifs feature the same technique of horizontally wrapping stitches as The Sweater Collective’s Winter Dusk Hat pattern – no cabling required!

SIZE
X-Small: 16cm (6 ¼“) circumference, fits approximate foot circumference of 19.5cm (7 ¾”), length of 23.5cm (9 ¼”); women’s EU 37–38/US 6 ½–7 ½

Small: 17cm (6 ¾“) circumference, fits approximate foot circumference of 20.5cm (8”), length of 24.5cm (9 ¾”); women’s EU 38–39/US 7 ½–8 ½

Medium: 18.5cm (7 ¼“) circumference, fits approximate foot circumference of 22cm (8 ¾”), length of 25.5cm (10”); women’s EU 40–41/US 9–9 ½

Large: 19.5cm (7 ¾“) circumference, fits approximate foot circumference of 23cm (9”), length of 26cm (10 ¼”); women’s EU 41–42/US 9 ½–10

X-Large: 20.5cm (8”) circumference, fits approximate foot circumference of 24cm (9 ½”), length of 26.5cm (10 ½“); women’s EU 42–43/US 10–10 ½

Foot circumferences are measured around the ball of the foot at the widest point and should be used to choose your sizing. Please note that the star pattern is inelastic so these socks have a tighter fit than normal at 3.5cm (1 ½“) of negative ease. If you wish for your socks to have less negative ease, it is recommended you go up a size.

Foot lengths are measured from the tip of the toes to centre of back of the heel, and are to be used as a general guide only. For the best fit possible, check all measurements in the pattern by trying the socks on the intended wearer.

YARN
WoolUpNorth Corriedale Sock (75% Corriedale, 25% Nylon; 400m {437yds}/100g), 1 skein Knitting Monet (pink) or Elegant Blue (blue) colourway, OR 100g fingering weight sock yarn

Sample used approximately 80g (320m {350yds}) for Medium Size pair of socks (women’s EU 41/US 9 ½). Please note that the yardage requirements will vary depending on the heel option, sock circumference, foot and leg length, and any differences in gauge.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
2.25mm (US 1), at least 80cm (32”) length circular needle for working Magic Loop method, double-pointed needles or short 23cm (9”) circular needle (see second note below), or size to obtain gauge
2 removable stitch markers (optional during heel turn or for using a different style of needle/method of working in the round)
Tapestry needle
Tape measure
Scissors
Sock blockers (optional)

GAUGE
32 stitches x 48 rounds = 10cm (4”) in stockinette stitch, knit in the round and relaxed after blocking.

Stockinette stitch = knit every round

38 stitches x 48 rounds = 10cm (4”) in Pattern Charts, knit in the round and relaxed after blocking.

NOTES
-This pattern is written for both toe-up and cuff down sock construction methods. A compiled pdf with both methods together in the one document is available to download, as well as separated toe-up and cuff down pdfs for your convenience.

-Instructions are written for the Magic Loop method of working in the round with a long circular needle. They are to be worked from the beginning to end of each round unless specified for stitches on first needle (N1; front of leg/top of foot), and second needle (N2; back of leg/sole of foot), separately. If you are using double-pointed needles or a short circular needle, use markers as needed to designate between what will be the front and back halves of the sock.

-You have the option of working either an eye of partridge heel flap with gusset or a short row heel for these socks. The heel flap and gusset option is great for feet with a high instep, or for those who want a decorative heel, whereas a short row heel is shallower and helps to maintain patterning if you are using a self-striping yarn. You will need to know how to work short rows by wrapping and turning for both options.

VIDEO TUTORIAL LINKS INCLUDED IN THIS PATTERN
-Judy’s magic cast on
-Invisible ribbed bind off
-Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind off
-Alternate cable cast on
-Long tail cast on
-Kitchener stitch
-How to work short rows using the wrap and turn method
-How to horizontally wrap multiple stitches in your knitting

This pattern has been professionally tech edited, and test knit. Instructions are provided in a fully written format, with charts also included where relevant.