Missouri

Missouri Socks by Melissa Metzbower

What Is Being Made

Missouri is an advanced-level knitted sock pattern inspired by Elizabeth Zimmerman's Moccasin Sock construction method. This design features a unique build sequence that differs from traditional sock knitting: the leg and top of the foot are worked first, followed by the toe, heel, and finally the sole of the foot. The pattern is available in four women's sizes (sizes 5–6½, 7–8½, 9–10½, and 11+) with finished circumferences ranging from 7 to 8¾ inches. The design incorporates colorwork elements representing Missouri's geographical and architectural landmarks, including hills, lakes, and the iconic Gateway Arch.

Construction Technique

Missouri employs an unconventional sock construction method that sets it apart from standard top-down or toe-up approaches. Rather than working the leg continuously into the foot, this pattern uses the Moccasin Sock technique, which involves working the leg and foot top as a flat piece before adding the toe shaping, heel, and sole. This method requires grafting to join sections together, creating a distinctive construction that is well-suited to advanced knitters comfortable with non-traditional sock assembly and seaming techniques.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes two primary stitch patterns. Garter stitch is worked flat and establishes a gauge of 32 stitches by 64 rows over a 4-inch square. Stockinette stitch, also worked flat, provides a second gauge measurement of 30 stitches by 40 rows over a 4-inch square. The combination of these fundamental stitches creates texture and structure appropriate for the sock's various sections. Grafting is employed to seamlessly join completed sections, a technique essential for the Moccasin Sock method.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Missouri is designed for fingering weight yarn (4-ply), which is the traditional choice for fine, fitted socks. The pattern uses three yarn colors to create the geographical design:

• Main Color (MC) in green: 152–202 yards (139–184.7 meters) depending on size
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) in blue: 101–134 yards (92.4–122.5 meters) depending on size
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) in gray: 42–55.5 yards (38.4–50.7 meters) depending on size

Total yardage requirements range from approximately 295 yards for the smallest size to 391.5 yards for the largest size.

Needles and Tools

The pattern recommends US Size 1 (2.25 mm) needles or the size required to achieve proper gauge. Knitters have flexibility in needle style and may use straight needles, circular needles, or double-pointed needles according to personal preference. A 16-inch circular needle in the gauge size is specifically recommended for working the sole section. Proper needle selection is critical for achieving the specified gauge and ensuring the finished socks fit correctly across all four size options.

Skill Level Considerations

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, reflecting the non-traditional construction method and the grafting techniques required. Knitters should be comfortable with the Moccasin Sock approach, working flat sections, managing multiple yarn colors, and executing grafting to join pieces seamlessly. The colorwork elements representing Missouri's landscape features add visual interest and complexity to the finished socks.