VKL Memories Socks

Introducing the 9th pattern in our Memories Socks series - the Vogue Knitting LIVE (VKL) Memories socks! The project is a toe-up, all-over stranded colourwork design inspired by our trip to the Vogue Knitting Live event in New York earlier this year. The marbled pattern gives off fancy vibes, just like the feeling we got hanging out at the knitters' palace.

These socks feature a comfy sole gusset, a reinforced slip-stitch heel flap, and a bit of short row shaping at the heel for that nice, rounded look. You can use any sock yarn if you match the stitch gauge. A subtle colour contrast will make a gentle-looking sock, but highly contrasting colours will give you a bold, striking result.

The row gauge is less crucial since you can adjust the foot and leg length easily. Choose your size based on foot circumference, with the recommended ease at zero. However, a bit of positive ease won't hurt since it's stranded colourwork and not as stretchy. Note that the leg has more stitches than the foot to help you get your heel through.

The pattern comes with a detailed tutorial showing all the techniques used and includes charts for both light and dark main colours, so you don't have to do the inversions in your head.

Knitting these socks is a fun experience; the stitch pattern keeps things interesting, and you might even learn some new techniques along the way. Give it a try!

Sizes: 1 (2, 3)

Finished foot circumference:

• 17.5 (20, 22.5) cm

• 7 (8, 9)”

Gauge

Colourwork stockinette in the round, blocked.

Yardage

Fingering or sock weight, allow approximately:

Main colour:

• 255 (275, 325) m

• 275 (300, 355) yds

Contrast colour:

• 110 (110, 130) m

• 120 (120, 140) yds

Yarn in Sample

Yarn used in sample (size 2) is 1 skein of PatricKnits Bis-Sock (85% Superwash Merino; 15% Nylon; 400m [437yds] / 100g) in VKL exclusive colourway as main colour and 1 skein of Louise Robert Design  Super-Sock (75% superwash Merino, 25% Nylon; 400m [437yds] / 100g) in colourway Sesame as contrast colour.

Needles

• 2-2.25 mm (US 0-1), choose the size that achieves the required gauge. These should be circulars or DPNs for small circumference knitting.

Notions

Stitch markers, row counter, tape measure, removable stitch markers or bobby pins, tapestry needle.

Techniques

Judy's magic cast-on, Japanese short rows, lifted increases, stranded colourwork, Tubular bind-off.

Notes

These socks start from the toe-up using Judy's magic cast-on. We shape the toe with lifted increases. When you reach the instep, join to the contrast colour and follow the colourwork chart. Rather than the sides, the gusset increases are at the bottom of the sole. The bottom of the heel is shaped using short rows, then a slip-stitch heel flap is worked back and forth in the main colour. Follow the colourwork chart again for the leg until you reach your preferred length before the cuff. Finish with twisted 1x1 rib and a stretchy tubular bind-off.