A gyre (pronounced jīr) is a system of currents in the ocean that spirals around a central point.

The gyre that these socks are named after is the North Pacific Gyre, the largest ecosystem on Earth. As well as being home to different marine creatures, the North Pacific Gyre is home to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The garbage patch was created by debris and chemicals swept along by the currents of the gyre and accumulating in the center, where the waste is trapped.

Gyre is an almost-purless pattern made using Cat Bordhi’s Afterthought Leg method. A “footprint” is made with no conceivable way in or out, and then steeks are performed and the leg is knit as usual in a toe-up sock. The socks feature a section of ebbing lace over the instep: a tessellating variation of the common feather and fan pattern. The star toe and heel add to the flow, and clean stockinette holds these elements together. The photographs were taken at Larrabee State Park in Bellingham, Washington, amongst the eroded sandstone created by the tides of the Pacific Ocean.

This pattern is part of the Sustain the Sea initiative, in hopes that awareness will be raised about the harmful practices and dreadful littering happening in our naturally splendid oceans. This pattern is free, but I want you to consider raising awareness or doing something as simple as picking up a piece of trash the next time you visit the beach. Even something so simple will make a difference.

Pattern Specs

SIZE
S (M, L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Foot Circumference: 6.75 (8, 9.25) inches
Foot Length: Adjustable to fit

MATERIALS

• Quince and Co. Finch (100% wool; 221 yd/202 m per 50g skein); color: 107 River; 2 (2, 2-3) skeins

• US #1/2.25mm needles for working in the round (DPNs, 2 short circulars, or 1 long circular for the magic loop method)

• Stitch markers

• Tapestry needle

• Sharp scissors

GAUGE
32 sts/48 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch, worked in the round

Thank you for supporting the Sustain the Sea initiative! Please consider looking at the other patterns in this amazing collection and supporting one of the marvelous contributors by purchasing one of their patterns.