Flower Socks in Novita Venla - Downloadable PDF

Flower Socks in Novita Venla – A Midsummer Night's Dream Knitting Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern, designed by Sari Nordlund for Novita, guides knitters through creating a pair of beautifully detailed floral socks named A Midsummer Night's Dream. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is available as a free downloadable PDF. The finished socks are worked in a combination of colourwork and textured stitch patterns, making them a rewarding project for knitters ready to move beyond basic sock construction.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is written for three sizes based on European shoe sizing:

• Shoe size 38 (EUR)
• Shoe size 40 (EUR)
• Shoe size 44 (EUR)

Instructions for each size are presented throughout the pattern in the format 38(40)44, allowing knitters to follow their chosen size consistently from cast-on to bind-off.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern uses Novita Venla, a 4-ply weight yarn, worked in multiple colours to achieve the floral colourwork design. The recommended yarn quantities and colours are:

• Novita Venla (010) Off White – 100(150)150 g, the primary background colour
• Novita Venla (372) Mugwort – under 50(50)50 g
• Novita Venla (539) Willowherb – a small amount used for floral detail
• Novita Venla (285) Saffron – a small amount used for floral detail
• Novita Venla (505) Apple Blossom – a small amount used for floral detail
• Novita Venla (764) Lupine – a small amount used for floral detail

The use of multiple accent colours alongside the Off White base creates the characteristic midsummer floral palette that gives these socks their name and visual appeal.

Needles

Two needle sizes are called for in this pattern:

• Novita 2½ mm (US 1½) – used for stockinette stitch sections
• 3 mm (UK 11 / US 2½) – used for colourwork sections to maintain correct tension

Knitters may use either double-pointed needles or a circular needle (80 cm / 32 in) suitable for the Magic Loop technique. Both methods are supported by the pattern, and tutorial links are referenced within the PDF for those newer to these approaches.

Construction Method

These socks are worked toe-up, beginning at the toe with the Magic Cast On method. This technique involves casting stitches onto two needles simultaneously, creating a seamless, closed toe without the need for grafting or seaming at the end. The pattern casts on 24(24)28 stitches across two needles, with 12(12)14 stitches on each needle.

After the initial cast-on, stitches are increased using the kfb (knit front and back) method to shape the toe. Increases are worked on alternating rounds until the total stitch count reaches 60(64)68 stitches. This gradual shaping creates a smooth, rounded toe that fits comfortably within a shoe.

Foot and Leg

Once the toe shaping is complete, the foot is worked in stockinette stitch in the round until the sock reaches the appropriate length – approximately 19(20.5)23 cm, or 5 cm short of the desired total foot length. This section provides the foundation over which the colourwork floral motifs are placed, giving the socks their decorative character.

Heel Construction

The heel is worked using the Hourglass heel method, a short-row heel technique