Reasons to be Cheerful

Reasons to be Cheerful Socks by Rachel Atkinson

What is Being Made

Reasons to be Cheerful Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern for unisex socks designed by Rachel Atkinson. This toe-up sock pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters and comes in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, accommodating foot widths from 20.5cm to 30.5cm (8 to 12 inches). The pattern is designed to create super stretchy and well-fitting socks with excellent texture and durability.

Knitting Techniques

The socks are worked from the toe upwards, a construction method that allows for easy customization of sock length and efficient yarn usage. This toe-up approach is particularly useful for the two largest sizes, as knitters can weigh their yarn skein midway through to ensure they have enough yardage to complete a matching pair from a single skein. The pattern incorporates garter stitch short-row heels and toes, which add distinctive texture and structure to the finished socks while maintaining their stretchy, comfortable fit.

Stitches Used

The sock pattern features an easy to memorise stitch pattern that uses only knit and purl stitches, making it accessible for intermediate-level knitters. The simplicity of the stitch vocabulary means knitters can focus on the construction technique rather than complex stitch abbreviations. Garter stitch, created by knitting every row, is used strategically for the short-row heel and toe sections, providing reinforcement and visual interest to these high-wear areas.

Materials

The recommended yarn for this pattern is The Uncommon Thread Tough Sock, a 4ply or fingering-weight yarn composed of 80% Blue Faced Leicester wool and 20% nylon. Each 100g skein provides 366 meters or 400 yards of yardage. The shade specified in the pattern is Brassica. Yardage requirements vary by size: sizes XS through L require one skein each, while size XL requires two skeins. The nylon content in this yarn blend contributes to the durability and stretch of the finished socks, while the Blue Faced Leicester wool provides warmth and softness.

The pattern calls for 2.25mm (US 1) knitting needles, which are appropriately sized for working with 4ply fingering-weight yarn and creating the tight gauge necessary for well-fitting, durable socks.

Pattern Sizing and Fit

The five available sizes are designed to fit different foot widths at the widest point. The sizing chart provides measurements in both centimeters and inches for easy reference. The pattern notes that the model wearing size S has a foot width of 23cm and wore the socks with zero ease, meaning the socks fit snugly without extra room. For knitters who prefer more stretch and a looser fit, the pattern recommends knitting the next size up from their actual foot measurement.