Damsel Socks

Damsel Socks by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

Damsel Socks are a pair of knitted socks featuring a mirrored stitch pattern design. The pattern produces two socks that mirror each other, with one sock worked using stitch pattern A and the companion sock worked using stitch pattern B. Available in three finished sizes—Small (7" around unstretched), Medium (8" around unstretched), and Large (9" around unstretched)—these socks are designed to be squishy and comfortable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several key techniques that make it suitable for intermediate knitters. The socks are knit in the round, a fundamental technique for sock construction that creates seamless, tubular fabric. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques to shape the sock, and the stitch pattern itself is described as easily memorized, making it an ideal portable project for knitters who want to work on something engaging without constantly referencing instructions. The mirrored stitch pattern between the two socks adds visual interest and demonstrates understanding of pattern symmetry.

Stitches Used

The Damsel Socks pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and abbreviations including:

• Knit (K) – the basic knit stitch
• Purl (P) – the basic purl stitch
• Slip stitch (Sl) – slipped as if to purl with yarn in back
• Slip marker (SM) – for marking pattern repeats and round beginnings
• Purl two together (P2tog) – a left-leaning decrease
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease

The primary stitch is stockinette stitch, which serves as the base gauge measurement of 8 stitches per inch when knit in the round. The custom stitch pattern, inspired by Corrine Walcher's Damsel sweater design, is woven throughout the sock construction.

Materials

The recommended yarn for Damsel Socks is Dragonfly Fibers Dragon Sock, a 100% Superwash Merino yarn that provides both durability and easy care for frequently-worn socks. Each skein contains 390 yards and weighs 4 ounces, providing ample yardage for a complete pair. The yarn is available in 3-ply and 4-ply weights, offering flexibility for different knitting preferences and finished fabric characteristics. The sample shown was knit in the colorway Purple Haze.

Needles required are a set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) size 1.5 US (2.5 mm) or alternatively two circular needles in the same size. Knitters should select the needle size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge of 8 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch when working in the round.

Pattern Details

Designed by Corrine Walcher and published in 2018, the Damsel Socks pattern demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skills. The easily memorized stitch pattern makes this an excellent project for knitters who want to work on something portable that doesn't require constant pattern reference. The mirrored stitch patterns between the two socks add design sophistication while maintaining the comfort and functionality of everyday socks.