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This pattern will be released on September 23, 2025.

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After designing the Folk Rabbit Sweater earlier this year, I wanted to explore that same folksy, nature-inspired aesthetic through a new lens—this time, through the shadowy stillness of autumn. These socks blend bats, skulls, owls, and trailing vines in a way that feels more woodland witch than kitschy Halloween. Whether you wear them in October or all year long, I hope these socks bring a little mystery and magic to your needles.

P.S. Sweater knitters, you might also like the Folk Spells Sweater!

NOTES
Design & Construction: The Folk Spells Socks are knit top down with a shadow wrap heel. The cuff is knit in twisted ribbing, and the leg and foot feature autumn-themed motifs worked in stranded colorwork.

Fit: These socks are designed to fit with approximately 0.25 to 1 in. (1 to 2.5 cm) of negative ease for a snug, comfortable fit. To choose your size, measure the circumference of your foot at its fullest point—typically around the ankle where it meets the foot. Then subtract 0.25 to 1 in. (1 to 2.5 cm) from that measurement. Select the size with a finished circumference closest to the result.

Stitch Patterns: The stranded colorwork stitch patterns in this sweater are only charted, so you should be confident in your chart reading skills—or be open to learning!

SIZES
(1, 2, 3)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
The circumference as measured around the foot is as follows.
(7, 8, 9) in.
(17.5, 20, 22.5) cm

These socks are designed to be worn with approximately 0.25 to 1 in. (1 to 2.5 cm) of negative ease. The sample is shown in Size 2 with 1 in. (2.5 cm) of negative ease.

YARN
Light fingering weight
The listed totals below assume a light fingering weight yarn of 100 g/445 yds or 407 m.
MC: (55, 65, 75) g/(245, 290, 335) yds or (225, 265, 305) m
CC1 (vine motifs): 15 g/60 yds or 55 m (all sizes)
If you knit each vine motif in a different color, as in the cream socks pictured in this pattern, you will only need 5 g/20 yds or 20 m of each color.
CC2 (bat, owl, and skull motifs): (10, 10, 15) g/(45, 45, 65) yds or (40, 40, 60) m

SUGGESTED YARN
Your stash!

While I’ve listed the specific yarns I used at the end of this pattern, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into your stash and create a color palette that’s uniquely yours. This design is a perfect opportunity to play with leftovers, mini skeins, or those souvenir skeins you’ve been saving for something special.

NEEDLES
US 1 (2.25 mm)

You will need 32 in. (80 cm) circular needles to work in the round using the magic loop method, or your preferred needles for smaller circumference knitting, such as short circular or double-pointed needles.

GAUGE
Measure gauge knit in the round, after blocking.

32 sts and 42 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in stockinette on Needle A
32 sts and 38 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in stranded colorwork on Needle B

SKILLS TO USE (OR LEARN!)
German twisted cast-on, twisted ribbing, chart reading, twin and triplet stitches, grafting stitches together