The Mesotherm Socks are inspired by the thermoregulation of dinosaurs. Vertebrates alive today are either endotherms (warm-blooded) or ectotherms (cold-blooded). Scientists studying fossil oxygen isotopes now believe non-avian dinosaurs were somewhere in between — so they coined the term “mesotherm”. These socks represent an abstract interpretation of a thermal camera image of both cold and warm blood vessels in a single organism.

Pattern Description

These socks use slipped stitches and simple cables to create the effect of one colour flowing over the other as the two colours are alternated every row in jogless helical stripes. Elongating the stitches to be slipped helps keep the socks stretchy and comfortable. Both socks are worked identically; fraternal socks are made simply by swapping Colour A and Colour B.

Both toe-up and cuff-down instructions are provided. They feature a rounded short-row heel and a twisted-rib cuff. Corresponding written instructions are provided for the chart.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (the pattern is method-neutral to suit your preferred technique for socks) and clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, yarn over short rows, cables, and elongated stitches. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is accessible to an intermediate sock knitter.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

There are three sizes available: Adult Small (Medium, Large) corresponding to foot circumferences of 18 (20.5, 23) cm / 7 (8, 9) inches — 56 (64, 72) st — with adjustable foot lengths and leg heights.

The socks require approximately 300 (325, 350) m / 325 (350, 375) yards of fingering weight yarn, divided evenly between two colours that contrast well.

These socks are rated 4/5 — Adventurous — on my sock pattern difficulty scale. This is because they have a wide chart with a long pattern repeat, and they require making elongated stitches with both colours to create the slipped-stitch colourwork pattern.