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This pattern will be released on September 9, 2025.

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When I released by Summer Shorty Socks pattern earlier this year, my friend Julie—an accomplished knitter and the owner of My Sister Knits in Fort Collins, Colorado—told me she’d bought the pattern but planned to knit them top-down. (The original was written for toe-up socks with a fleegle heel.)

I had no doubt she could rework it herself, but then more knitters started asking for a top-down version, too…

And here’s the truth: even though I love experimenting with all kinds of techniques, I personally prefer knitting socks top-down, as well!

So here it is—the top-down Summer Shorty Socks, fondly renamed Julie’s Summer Shorty Socks in honor of the friend who sparked the idea.

NOTES
Design & Construction: Julie’s Top Down Summer Shorty Socks are top-down socks featuring a traditional heel flap and gusset construction. The mid-foot is worked in a slip stitch pattern for added cushioning and support, and the leg features a small band of stranded colorwork for a touch of visual interest.

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)(4, 5, 6)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
The circumference as measured around the foot is as follows.
(6, 7, 8)(9, 10, 11) in.
(15, 17.5, 20)(22.5, 25, 27.5) 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 3 with 1 in. (2.5 cm) of negative ease.

YARN
Light fingering weight
MC: (30, 35, 45)(60, 70, 85) g/(120, 140, 180)(240, 280, 340) yds or (110, 130, 165)(220, 255, 310) m
CC1: (5, 5, 5)(10, 10, 10) g/(20, 20, 20)(40, 40, 40) yds or (20, 20, 20)(35, 35, 35) m
CC2: (10, 10, 15)(15, 20, 25) g/(40, 40, 60)(60, 80, 100) yds or (35, 35, 55)(55, 75, 90) m

SUGGESTED YARN
The Salty Blonde 2-ply Sock (100 g/400 yds (366 m)) – 80% superwash Merino, 20% nylon
MC: 1 skein (all sizes)
CC1: 1 skein or 1 mini skein (20 g/80 yds (73 m)) (all sizes)
CC2: 1 skein (all sizes) or 1 mini skein (sizes 1-5)

The pink sample socks are knit in the colorways Italian Villa (MC), Olive Wood (CC1), and Wilson (CC2). The cream sample socks are knit in a variety of yarns from stash!

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 44 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in stockinette
32 sts and 36 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in stranded colorwork

SKILLS TO USE (OR LEARN!)
German twisted cast-on, chart reading, picking up stitches, grafting stitches together