Note: The Flower Gathering Socks pattern is now available as a pdf pattern! The download includes both the original magazine version and a new edition. The original and new edition have different gauge and sizing, as well as different yardage requirements (see notes below). The original version features larger colorwork motifs, and the new edition has smaller motifs and includes instructions for ankle- and calf-length versions.

To prolong the enjoyment of seasonal flowers, I designed these socks that celebrate the beauty of the entire growing process: the seeds, rain, roots, and blooms. Flower Gathering Socks capture the joy of carrying home a carnation, dreaming of what seeds to plant each spring, seeing peonies bud after a drenching rain, and cutting candy-colored zinnias in the summer heat. This top-down sock pattern features botanical colorwork and heel-flap-and-gusset construction. To keep the knitting interesting, it includes an “eye of partridge” heel flap with garter stitch edges, a half-handkerchief heel, and bobble centers for the flowers.

ORIGINAL
Sizing:
To fit: child (adult small, medium, large)
Circumference: 5½ (7, 8½, 10)” / 14 (18, 21.5, 25.5) cm

Note on sizing: Colorwork socks have less give than other socks, so choose the size closest to your foot circumference for the best fit. If you’re between sizes, size up.

Yarn:
Lapidary by Echoview Fiber Mill (50% American merino, 50% tencel; 400 yards 366 meters / 100 grams): 2 skeins in contrasting colors

Depicted in Pink Tourmaline (MC) and Howlite (CC): 224 yards 205 meters / 56 grams of MC56 yards 52 meters / 14 grams of CC (adult medium)

Also depicted in Chrysocolla (MC) and Howlite (CC): 136 yards 125 meters / 34 grams of MC 40 yards 37 meters / 10 grams of CC (child)

OR up to about 400 yards 366 meters and 100 yards 92 meters of fingering-weight yarn of your choice in two contrasting colors

NEW EDITION
SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4)

Finished Circumference (unstretched):
6½ (7½, 8½, 9½)” / 16.5 (19, 21.5, 24) cm

Designed to fit with about ½” / 1 cm negative ease. Leg length: 2½” / 6.5 cm (ankle length); 5½” / 14 cm (calf length)

GAUGE
34 sts / 40 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette and colorwork chart, after blocking

Note: You may need to go up a needle size to achieve gauge for the colorwork section.

YARN
Ankle-length version (approx)
MC yarn: 210 (240, 270, 300) yds / 195 (220, 250, 275)m of fingering weight yarn
CC yarn: 35 (40, 45, 50) yds / 30 (35, 40, 45)m of fingering weight yarn

Calf-length version (approx)
MC yarn: 270 (305, 345, 385) yds / 250 (280, 320, 355)m of fingering weight yarn
CC yarn: 40 (45, 55, 60) yds / 35 (40, 50, 55)m of fingering weight yarn

Yarn estimates are based on a sock foot length of 9” / 23 cm. You may need more or less yarn depending on foot length. For the best fit, knit socks ½” / 1 cm shorter than actual foot length.

Samples are shown in Size 1 ankle length (green and pink) using Green Letter Day Sock (473 yds 430m / 100g; 75% SW Merino / 25% nylon) in Locksley (MC yarn) and All the Way Mae (CC yarn) and Size 2 calf length (purple and pink) using Green Letter Day Sock in Megara (MC yarn) and Beach Read (CC yarn).

Note: The samples were knit with CC yarn held as the dominant yarn.

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS
US Size 1 (2.25 mm) knitting needles (OR size needed to achieve gauge) suitable for working small circumferences in the round (e.g., small circular needle and DPNs, long circular needle for magic loop, OR two circular needles)

Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking.

Stitch markers (3, including one unique for beginning of round marker), scrap yarn or stitch holder, tapestry needle