Thulite Light

The Thulite Light socks are the fingering-weight version of Thulite, a DK-weight sock pattern originally published in Pom Pom Quarterly.

Inspired by Milton Avery’s March in Red and the idea of making socks for the barefoot subject of this painting, these color-blocked socks play with shades of color as on an artist’s palette, like a painter mixing, dabbing soft blobs, blending.

Thulite Light socks are worked from the top down in allover stranded colorwork, with large, bold blocks of color on the front and back. The background color changes once per side, which creates a dramatic patchwork effect when viewed from the side. The socks also feature half-twisted ribbing and a mock short-row heel.

These socks are great for using scrap yarn. A coloring sheet is included in this pattern for you to try out different color combinations and play around!

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4)

Finished circumference (unstretched), approx:
7 (7¾, 8¾, 9¾)” / 18 (19.5, 22, 25) cm

Designed to fit with approx. 0-½” / 0-1 cm negative ease. Leg length: 6” / 15 cm

YARN
3-color version (approx)
Yarn A (for cuffs, heels, and toes): 85 (95, 105, 120) yds / 80 (85, 95, 110) m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn B: 130 (150, 170, 190) yds / 120 (135, 155, 175) m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn C: 125 (140, 160, 175) yds / 115 (130, 145, 160) m of fingering-weight yarn

7-color version (approx)
Yarn A (for cuffs, heels, and toes): 85 (95, 105, 120) yds / 80 (85, 95, 110) m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn B: 40 (45, 55, 60) yds / 35 (40, 50, 55) m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn C: 30 (35, 40, 45) yds / 25 (30, 35, 40) m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn D: 30 (35, 40, 45) yds / 25 (30, 35, 40) m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn E: 30 (35, 40, 45) yds / 25 (30, 35, 40) m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn F: 60 (70, 80, 90) yds / 55 (65, 75, 80) m of fingering-weight yarn

Yarn G: 70 (80, 90, 100) yds / 65 (75, 80, 90) m of fingering-weight yarn

Samples are shown in Size 2 in Kelbourne Woolens Perennial (497 yds 454 meters / 100 grams; 60% superwash Merino, 25% Suri alpaca, 15% nylon). Sample 1 (3-color version) used Cantaloupe (yarn A), Pineapple (yarn B), and Neon Pink (yarn C). Sample 1 is knit with yarn B held dominant throughout all colorwork sections. Sample 2 (7-color version) used Sea Spray, Pastel Green, Caribbean, Teal Green, Cantaloupe, Neon Coral, and Vermillion. For Sample 2 I switched the color placement on my second sock.

Yarn estimates are based on a sock foot length of 9” / 23 cm. You may need more or less yarn depending on foot length. For the best fit, knit socks ½” / 1 cm shorter than actual foot length.

GAUGE
34 sts / 42 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette and colorwork chart, after blocking

NEEDLES AND NOTIONS
US Size 1 (2.25 mm) knitting needles (OR size needed to achieve gauge) suitable for working small circumferences in the round (e.g., small circular needle and DPNs, long circular needle for magic loop, OR two circular needles)

Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking.

Stitch markers (4, including two unique markers for beginning of round marker and midpoint marker), scrap yarn, tapestry needle