These pile machine knit socks are made with 4ply wool (Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury Koala 4ply, shade 353) + a very fine elastic available from DEA Yarns in New Zealand.

They socks are knitted from the top down using a variety of techniques including pile knitting, circular knitting and short rowing. The pattern is intended for people who are used to making socks on the machine. If you have not made socks on a flatbed knitting machine and ribber, please visit Diana Natters where you will find the most comprehensive videos on this technique.

Pile knitting is easy once you get the swing of the process. The technique gives you an incredibly soft set of loops which capture the air around your sock making them extremely toasty. I’ve tested this sock to -6degrees Celsius regularly and I can vouch for its effectiveness as a winter warmer.