Introducing the “Sprout Socks” knitting pattern, a versatile design that is perfect for showcasing the beauty of hand-dyed yarn. The shifting hues and unique tonal qualities of indie-dyed yarn will add an extra layer of visual interest to your finished socks, making them truly one-of-a-kind. These socks are designed to bring comfort and style to feet of all sizes, from adorable baby feet to the feet of men with larger sizes.

The Sprout Socks feature a delightful combination of textures, combining a classic 3x1 rib pattern on the leg and top of the foot with smooth stockinette stitch on the bottom of the foot. This construction ensures a secure fit that stays in place, while the smooth stockinette sole provides a soft and comfortable feel as you walk.

This cuff-down sock begins with a basic Long Tail Cast-on followed by a stretchy, yet snug, 1x1 rib. After a few rounds, the rest of the leg is worked in a 3x1 rib pattern. The heel is made with Shadow Wrap short rows. This method does not require picking up any stitches for a gusset. The foot combines the 3x1 rib for the instep stitches and the stockinette stitch for the sole stitches. This pattern is repeated down to the toe which is worked with paired decreases and the remaining stitches are grafted together with a Kitchener Stitch.

With their versatile design, these socks are perfect for everyday wear, lounging at home, or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Discover the joy of creating beautifully textured socks that perfectly showcase your favorite hand-dyed yarn while keeping feet cozy and stylish, one stitch at a time.

Techniques Used
Long-Tail Cast-on, joining and working in the round, rib stitch, stockinette, shadow wrap short rows, knit 2 together, slip, slip, knit, Kitchener Stitch

Sizes
Baby (6-18 mo), (Toddler 2-3 yrs, Youth S 4-5 yrs, Youth M 5-9 yrs, Youth L 10-13 yrs/Women’s S, Women’s M/Men’s S, Women’s L/Men’s M, Men’s L)

Difficulty
Intermediate Beginner

Gauge
4” (10cm) = 29 sts x 39 rnds with larger size needles after blocking in stockinette

Needle Size
9” (23cm) or 32-40” (80-100cm) circulars or 4-5 DPNs in US 1 (2.25mm) and US 2 (2.75mm), or whichever size needed to obtain gauge

Suggested Yarn
Approximately 84(108, 132, 151, 171, 175, 206, 226)yds / 77(99, 121, 139, 157, 161, 189, 207)m in the Fiber Seed’s Sprout Sock (fingering weight): 90% Merino, 10% nylon, (136g/510yds) / (4.8oz/465m)
Sample A: Cinnamon Chai
Sample B: Harvest Moon

Other Materials
2-3 stitch markers
measuring tape
scissors
darning needle
scrap yarn or stitch holder

Finished Measurements
Foot circumference (with calculated negative ease): 3.5(4.5, 5, 5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5) in / 9(11.5, 12.5, 12.5, 14, 16.5, 19, 21.5) cm

Note finished foot circumference:
Baby-Youth S sizes were designed to have approx 1” (2.5cm) of negative ease while Youth M-Men’s L have approx 1.5-2” (4-5cm) negative ease. For best fit, choose the size which is closest to your foot circumference minus the appropriate negative ease.

Note on total foot length:
This pattern requires you to measure your total foot length. The total foot length was designed to have 0.25(0.25, 0.25, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5) in / 1(1, 1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) cm of negative ease. Therefore, you will be asked to knit to your desired foot length minus the respective toe length and negative ease.