Questing Socks

Who doesn’t love a good quest? Trekking through unfamiliar lands in rain or shine, with a band of friends at your side, facing trials and challenges and dastardly villains, all in pursuit of a single goal--the holy grail, a distressed damsel, a key that will break a curse.

But whether you’re actually embarking on a quest, or curling up in your comfiest armchair to read about one, these socks will be your perfect companion with a distinctive eyelet ribbed cuff that travels down the side of the leg like a meandering path through an enchanted wood. It also breaks up the stockinette just enough to keep you saying “just one more row” again and again.

If you’re looking for something to read/listen to while you knit, the pattern includes a list of books that I love and feel will pair particularly well with this pattern for maximum escapism.

Worked top down, the eyelet cuff adds a romantic touch to a traditional 2x2 ribbing, while still maintaining the stretch and snug fit. A panel of the pattern continues down the side of each leg and seeing the meandering wave of eyelets take shape as you work will make you feel like you’re embarking on a quest of your own. It also breaks up the stockinette just enough to keep you saying “just one more row” again and again.

The construction features a linen stitch heel flap and gusset for extra durability and a customizable fit.

Sizes:
Small - 15.25cm/6in
Medium - 17.75cm/7in
Large - 20.3/8in
To figure out which size to knit, measure around the ball of your foot at the widest part. Most people like their socks to fit a little snug so if you’re between sizes, I recommend knitting the smaller size. The size only refers to the width of the sock, the length can be customized as you knit.

Gauge:
36 stitches x 44 rows per 10cm/4in

Yarn Required:
4 ply/fingering weight – 55(65, 75) grams based on average foot length of 23cm/9in so you may need more or less depending on your measurement.

I used Filcolana Arwetta Classic in 236-Red Clover for the main sock and 807-Boysenberry for the heel and toe.

Needles:
The pattern is written for small (23cm/9in) circular needles, switching to double pointed needles or Magic Loop for the toe decreases, but can be worked using double pointed needles or Magic Loop throughout, according to your preference. I use 2.25mm needles, but use whichever size gets you the above listed gauge.

Notions:
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers (2-4 recommended)
Scissors
Sock blockers (optional)