This is the Round 1 pattern of Sock Madness 18, and is currently only available to participants. It will be made available to the general public once the competition ends in June.

These may look like simple chevron socks, but they’re hiding a secret: if you look at the crazy zigzags from an angle, you will see wide vertical stripes appear. Like the song, they represent Johnny Cash’s promise to his (first) wife to remain faithful, despite the many temptations that he faced as a musician on the road.

The socks are worked cuff-down with a standard flap and gusset heel. The chevron pattern is worked in 2-row stripes, and borrows from the shadow knitting technique to create the illusion of vertical stripes.

There are 2 sizes: M (L), with 72 (84) stitches per round, to fit a foot circumference of 8.5 (10) inches or 22 (25) cm. The chevron pattern is quite stretchy in both directions, so it will accommodate a larger or smaller foot circumference as needed. Leg and foot length are adjustable. The sample socks are shown in size M.

The leg/instep pattern is charted and written. You may use any technique you prefer for knitting a small circumference in the round.