Dreams of Spring Socks

Knitrino gives you everything you need from cast on to bind off, with all the videos and tutorials built right in–it’s like a workshop & pattern combined. To get this project, click the button below from your phone.

Getting Started with Knitrino

If you're new to Knitrino, check out the Quick Start guide for short videos that show you how to use Knitrino. Those new to chart knitting may wish to review our blog post on Reading Knitting Charts.

Construction

These toe-up socks begin with a modified version of the Magic Cast On that prevents twisted stitches on the sole stitches. The socks are worked in the round one at a time using Magic Loop, though you can easily substitute your favorite sock method. Waste yarn stitches are inserted for a planned "afterthought" heel, and the leg is worked to the cuff. Note that these socks may be knit two at a time, but keep in mind you'll have to manage many balls of yarn.

Those new to reading charts may wish to see How To Read Knitting Charts on our blog.


Measuring Your Foot and Choosing Your Size

How to select your size:

  • If you have access to the foot you’re knitting for, measure foot circumference. If the foot has wide feet, high arches, or large ankles/calves, we suggest adding 0.25” to your foot circumference.

  • Locate your shoe size on one of the charts below. US Men's sizes, add 1 to the values in the US Women's chart. 

  • Find the blob closest to your size. If you're in between sizes or in an area of overlap, it's likely that either size could work for you. If you have wide feet, high arches, wide ankles or calves, pick the larger size. 

If you don't know the details of the foot you're knitting for, you can generally just go from shoe size. If you have questions or need help, get in touch! We’ll be happy to make suggestions.




4 Ways to knit Small Circumferences In The Round

If you’re new to magic loop or want to try some other techniques, this video shows you 4 ways to knit in the round using small circumferences. Jump to 0:54 in the video to get to the good bits.

Checking Gauge

Because swatching for small-circumference colorwork can be tricky, we recommend casting on the first sock toe, knitting a few inches, blocking, and measuring gauge or your sock half-circumference. If your sock is tight or measures less than the listed circumference, try going up a needle size or sizing up.

Knitrino’s Extra Magic Cast On

This cast on is one we use often. It’s based on Judy’s Magic Cast On but the stitches are wrapped differently so you won’t have twisted stitches on the second half of the stitches.

The stitches should be distributed on the long circular with half of the stitches on the front needle, and half on the back needle.

“Yarn Whisperer” - Weave in Ends While Knitting

Because there are a number of colors used in these socks, we recommend weaving in the ends as you go! We call this the Yarn Whisperer Method.

To join a new color: Several stitches before you need the new color (usually 5-8 stitches) join the yarn as shown in the video below.

To weave in the end of an old color: You’ll do the same thing, knitting over and under the old yarn for 5-8 stitches, then cut.

Carrying the Yarn

There are a few places where you can avoid cutting and weaving in a color by carrying it up inside the work. This video shows how to do so without getting holes in your work.

Planned Afterthought Heel

These videos show the set up and start of the full “planned” afterthought heel that is carefully placed either in the center of a solid color section or in between stripes.

The videos below show how to work the afterthought heel.

Grafting Stitch

Once you’ve knit he heel, you’ll close it up with the Grafting Stitch.

We find Grafting Stitch to be really meditative. There’s a quick setup to get started: first draw your tapestry needle through the first stitch on the front needle purlwise, then draw your needle through the first stitch on the back needle knitwise. Then find your rhythm and repeat these 2 steps to the end:

Step 1: On the front needle, slip 1 knitwise, draw through 1 purlwise

Step 2: On the back needle, slip 1 purlwise, draw through one knitwise.

Stretchier Bind Offs

Some knitters struggle to keep their bind offs loose enough so that the sock cuff stays stretchy. This video shows the standard bind off, plus 2 stretchy alternatives.

Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind off is a popular alternative for sock cuffs. While it IS wonderfully stretchy, the look leaves a lot to be desired. So we also share our modified version, which in our opinion looks a lot tidier and still gives you some extra stretch.




Not sure what we’re talking about? It’s the Dreams of Spring Socks, available exclusively in Knitrino. To get the pattern, open Knitrino or click the image below from your phone. 📱Knitrino works on iOS and Android devices only - there’s no PDF associated with this pattern.

 
 




alison yates