Perge

Perge Socks by Allison Janocha

What Is Being Made

Perge is an advanced knitted sock pattern designed by independent designer Allison Janocha. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a pair of socks with a customizable fit, featuring a finished foot circumference of 8 inches (20 cm). The foot length and leg height can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, making this pattern versatile for different sock lengths and calf heights.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs the Magic Loop method for sock construction, allowing knitters to work on a single circular needle rather than using double-pointed needles or two circular needles. The pattern is written to accommodate Magic Loop knitting as the primary technique, though it can also be worked using two circular needles as an alternative approach. This advanced technique is ideal for knitters seeking to eliminate the gaps that can occur between needles when working small circumference projects in the round.

The construction method requires careful stitch management and marker placement to track pattern repeats and shaping throughout the sock. Knitters will need to maintain awareness of their working yarn position and needle transitions when using the Magic Loop technique.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Perge pattern incorporates several key knitting stitches and abbreviations:

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round
• Knit stitches (k) worked knitwise throughout the pattern
• Purl stitches (p) for textural variation
• Yarn overs (yo) worked from back to front to create deliberate openings and lace elements
• Decreases including knit two together (k2tog) and purl two together (p2tog) for shaping
• Central double decrease (cdd) created by slipping two stitches together, knitting the next stitch, then passing the two slipped stitches over the knit stitch for a centered decrease
• Left Lifted Increase (lli) worked by inserting the left needle into a stitch two rows below the stitch on the right needle and knitting through the back loop to create an increase

Yarn and Needles

The Perge pattern calls for Madelinetosh Pashmina yarn, with one skein (360 yards total) sufficient for most sock sizes. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in the Calligraphy colorway. This yarn choice provides a luxurious fiber blend suitable for the advanced techniques used in this sock design.

Knitting needles required are US 1.5 (2.5 mm) circular needles in the appropriate length needed for Magic Loop construction. Knitters should select needle size based on achieving the specified gauge rather than following the suggested size if their individual tension differs.

Additional Materials and Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, knitters will need:

• Stitch markers: a minimum of 2 markers, with the option to use additional markers for tracking pattern repeats
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion
• Elastic thread (optional): may be knitted into the pattern or sewn into the finished sock for added elasticity and secure fit around the leg

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Knitters should work a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their needle size produces the correct stitch and row gauge, as variations will affect the final sock dimensions and fit.

The pattern provides a 8-inch (20 cm) foot circumference as the base finished dimension, with customizable options for adjusting foot length and leg height to create a personalized fit.