These socks were nearly without a name until I suddenly remembered a photograph print of footprints in the snow that I had given to my Mum when I was small.
“Do not follow where the path may lead … go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
In that instant, remembering my Mum who was never one for following the well-worn path, these socks had a name – Trailblazer Socks!
I think it’s the perfect name for anyone who knits socks as we have stepped away from the well-worn path of shop-bought socks to blaze our own trails of colours and patterns, knitting for anyone we choose to and in the process, developing our knitting skills and talents and somehow, magically, gaining a confidence for anything in life that we want to turn our hand to.
We are all trail blazers.
The Trailblazer Socks are constructed as top down socks with a heel flap and gusset. There are two versions of the cuff so you can choose which you like best. The “path” is created through increase and decrease stitches, and the pattern is easily memorised. The heel is knitted in heel stitch which creates a durable, cushioned heel. This pattern is written for four sizes, and the length of the sock is easily adjusted for any foot.
Useful to know
Size
To fit ball of foot circumference 8 [8.5:9:9.5] inches ; 20 [22:23:24] cm
Yarn
1 x 100g ball West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply in Winter Icicle (Cuff 1) OR
1 x 100g ball West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply in Spring Green (Cuff 2)
For WYS yarn stockists, click here.
Materials
2.5mm needles – short circular needle, DPNs (double pointed needles) or 80cm circular for magic loop
1 set DPNs size 3.0mm (optional for a looser cuff)
1 set DPNs size 2.5mm (not required for magic loop)
Stitch holder (optional)
Stitch markers
Wool needle
Tension
30 sts to 10 cm (4 ins) in stocking stitch (worked in the round) on 2.5mm needles.
This pattern is for:
- Knitters who can confidently cast on, knit and purl. (I’ll help you with the rest!)
- Knitters who are ready for the next step of an increase/decrease pattern and working with a chart
- People who like to knit and wear socks that look more complicated than they actually are!
This pattern is based on my Basic 4ply Socks pattern, which means that you can find photo and video help in the Winwick Mum Sockalong tutorials.
Printing info:
The pattern is 13 pages long.
- 11 pages of pattern including written instructions and charts
- 2 pages of additional information at the end
The errata for these socks is here. The current version of the pattern is Trailblazer Socks 02.pdf.
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