Pattern Scout
Pattern Scout: Textured Socks
I wonder what proportion of the world’s knitters have a sock on their needles right now? I’m going to guess that it’s pretty high!
I almost always have a pair of socks on the go. Someone somewhere always needs a new pair, and for me they are the perfect mindless knitting.
However, they don’t have to be mindless, so today’s Pattern Scout is a round-up of textured sock patterns, with just the right amount of concentration required to keep you interested. Happy sock knitting!
Goldenrod Socks. External Link. Opens in new window. by Justine Chenel Designs
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Justine Chenel. External Link. Opens in new window.’s wonderful Goldenrod Socks are worked from the toe upwards, and feature a striking cable motif on the leg. They are knitted in a squishy textured rib pattern which won’t require too much focus for most of the project. So pretty!
Spring in Paris. External Link. Opens in new window. by Jo Shaw
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These fresh green Spring in Paris socks were designed by Jo Shaw. External Link. Opens in new window. and are also worked from the toe up—this time starting with Judy’s Magic Cast On. The stitch patterns are inspired by the Eiffel Tower and the heel is worked with German Short Rows. I can imagine myself knitting them while bingeing Call My Agent or another French series on Netflix.
Floret. External Link. Opens in new window. by Makenzie Alvarez
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For something a bit more lacey, how about Floret by Makenzie Alvarez. External Link. Opens in new window.? These charming cuff-down socks are worked with a heel flap and gusset. A flower-like lace motif is showcased at the top, followed by a repeating faux cable down the leg and foot.
V Formation Socks. External Link. Opens in new window. by Katie Herrod
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For some customizable options, what about Katie Herrod. External Link. Opens in new window.’s V Formation Socks? The pattern is available in both fingering and DK weight options and whichever you choose will include instructions for both a simple ribbed or a picot cuff.
These are worked from the toe up using a Turkish heel construction, which includes a heel flap but no gusset. Plus the lace pattern is given in both written and charted formats which is a nice touch.
Rib It Socks. External Link. Opens in new window. (Kite Heel) by Celine Feyten
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Celine Feyten. External Link. Opens in new window.’s Rib It Socks also include instructions for working at different gauges, along with links to video tutorials an information on special techniques.
These clever socks use a ribbed pattern to highlight the unusual construction of the socks—they are worked from the cuff down with a kite heel. The kite heel has all the benefits of a heel flap and gusset, but with no need to pick up stitches and just a small section worked flat.
There is also information on how to customize the fit depending on the height of your instep. Nifty!
Sandown Socks. External Link. Opens in new window. by Maya Macdonald
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There is something about Maya Macdonald. External Link. Opens in new window.’s Sandown Socks that leaves me itching to cast on. I think it’s the combination of a very squishy-looking yarn and the use of simple knit and purl stitch patterns that is both elegant and very pleasing. These socks use a classic cuff-down construction, with an eye of the partridge heel, and would be a relaxing knit.
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Wow, beautiful socks! Thanks Jen. (Eye of the partridge heel?! – must try this one!)
I use eye of the partridge for my toes (I always do toe-up, short row toes) because that is the part of a sock I wear out first. Makes it sturdier, and fits in perfectly with short row shaping.
I love the pattern on those V- formation socks!
Thank you for these lovely selections, Jen! I’ll be casting on for several of these in the next few months, starting with the Rib Its.
Thanks, Jen, for the lovely sock suggestions. I see Sandown (so many appealing featuress) and V-Formation (for the birds!) in my future.
I’ve never seen a kite heel, it looks beautiful. THANKS for sharing, I’m going to cast on today!
Lovely assortment, I’m getting inspired to try something besides stockinette!
Thank you for this pattern scout! I enjoyed checking out the patterns and also seeing the designers’ other designs too.
Such a wonderful selection of beautiful sock patterns. Thank you.
Great to hear from you, Jen, I do so love your “work”!
YOU ARE GREAT!!!
That kite heel looks fun! Thanks for the roundup, Jen!
This is a great selection of socks and so many that I want to knit. Thanks to the introduction of new to me sock designers in particular Maya McDonald’s elegant and sleek designs. Thank you Jen!
Gorgeous! I just wish I was so accomplished!
These are all lovely picks! Thanks for sharing 😀
Looking at these sock patterns boosts my courage for making socks for the first time…! Thank you!
I love seeing the different heel options!
I’ve knit Heel Toe Do Si Do and Rhinebeck Roomies by The Crazy Sock Lady, Cuff Down Socks (MDK Guide No 11), and On The Fence by Anna Lange. Fun patterns, not overly complicated and I’ve always subbed out the heel for a short row heel bc a heel flap and gusset has never made sense to me when I’ve tried to knit it. I’ve also written my own vanilla sock pattern bc I’d pieced together parts from various patterns to knit my favorite sock and when a friend wanted me to teach her I wrote all the notes down on one piece of paper instead of all my scraps I’d folded together My favorite toe is one that I found here on MDK. I don’t recall who wrote the article but it’s the only toe I’ve tried accolades having a longer second toe.
I love the look of some of the heels shared here, I’ll have to give them a try and see if I can make sense of them.
Fantastic. I said to myself, Like you need another sock pattern.” Three to be exact.