This simple pattern is free, so that all of you lovely knitters can get to know my style. Hope to see you on my Ravelry designer page or Instagram @Tarasova_Marusya again!
(Please note: I typically don’t make different sizes using gauge - this is special about this pattern due to large print repeat)

Pattern inspiration
Sometimes you just want simple cozy socks, that let the yarn take the spotlight. A print that is timeless and suits anyone’s taste: for big and strong, for gentle and tender, and even for the sweet tiny feet of our loved ones.
To me Mont Blanc (French for ‘white mountain’) Socks with their simple texture are exactly that kind of design. And it’s up to you to decide who and what each pair is about.

For more inspiration and yarn ideas, find many more projects from this pattern on Instagram under #Mont_Blanc_Socks hashtag!

Construction
Mont Blanc Socks are knit cuff-down in the round with knit-and-purl chevron texture on the leg and top of the foot. They have a classic heel flap, but with a texture that flows seamlessly from the main print. Instead of a classic gusset, this pair has instep decreases on the sole to let the print flow uninterrupted (don’t worry, you won’t notice it in wear). I offer two different toe constructions in the pattern – star-shaped, or classic – depending on your preference.
If you weave in the ends carefully, you will get a pair of reversible socks – shake things up by choosing to wear them with purl (in photos) or knit side out, or even as ‘fraternal twins’.

Sizing
The pattern includes 4 sizes: two of them (S and L) worked with fingering weight yarn, and the other two (M and XL) - with sport of light DK weight yarn.
Therefore, you work different sizes at different gauge, so that you get a well-fitting sock with a large pattern repeat.

Yarn
For this design I would suggest rather dense and round yarn (3 or more plies) to really show off the texture. A bit of extra fuzz (alpaca, yak, cashmere, etc.) are perfectly fine too!
As for the color and dye method, I would recommend solid, tonal or slow gradients in natural and relatively light colors. Dark, heavily variegated / speckled / striped yearns will ‘muddy up’ the print.
You will need a total of
Sizes S (L): ~70 (85) g / 2.5 (3) oz of fingering weight, I’ve knit samples in

• Regia ‘Premium Merino Yak’;
• Regia ‘Premium Cashmere’;
• Gedifra ‘Lana Mia’

Sizes M(XL): 115 (130) g / 4 (4.5) oz of sport weight, I’ve knit samples in

• Sandnes Garn ‘Klompelompe Spøt’;
• Novita ‘Nalle’

Needles
I’ve knit all my samples using 5 wooden Lykke DPNs (2.25 mm/ US 1 for fingering-weight yarn and 2.5 mm / US 1.5 for sport-weight yarn).
You can use your preferred method: magic loop (circular needles on ~60-100 cm / 24-40” cable), three needles, or short circulars (~25cm/9-10” circulars).
Swatch until you get gauge for your size!

Gauge
Sizes S (L) - fingering: 35 sts by 45 rounds
Sizes M(XL) - sport: 30 sts by 40 rounds

Techniques used

• Elastic cast on: e.g. classic long-tail on larger needles, German Twisted/Old Norwegian cast on
• (Half-)twisted rib
• Basic decreases (k2tog, p2tog, ssk)
• Reading charted instructions (optional)
• Grafting with Kitchener stitch (for Classic Toe only)

Pattern tech-edited and translated into English by Olga Barshai GingerHandcrafts