Ticklish

Ticklish Socks by Nicola Diggins

Project Overview

Ticklish is a luxuriously soft and squishy pair of socks designed by independent knitwear designer Nicola Diggins. These cozy house socks are crafted using a two-yarn held-together technique that creates a plush, comfortable fabric perfect for padding around the house. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of fitted socks with three size options to accommodate different foot sizes. The socks are designed to fit foot circumferences of 19.5cm (7¾"), 23cm (9"), or 27cm (10¾"), with actual blocked circumferences of 17cm (6¾"), 20.5cm (8"), or 24.5cm (9½") respectively. The sample shown is knit to UK size 6 length in the medium size.

Craft and Techniques

Ticklish is a knitting project worked in the round using circular needles. The primary technique involves holding two yarns together throughout the construction, which creates the characteristic soft, squishy texture. This two-yarn method adds volume and cushioning to the finished fabric, making these socks exceptionally comfortable for extended wear.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• 2 x 2 Rib: The foundational stitch pattern used throughout the socks, worked over 2 x 2 rib (alternating knit and purl stitches in groups of two)
• Knit (k): Basic knit stitch
• Purl (p): Basic purl stitch
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog): Decrease stitch used for shaping
• Purl 2 Together (p2tog): Purl decrease for shaping
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): Left-leaning decrease stitch
• Slip Stitch (Sl): Used for various construction techniques
• Slip Marker (Slm): Technique for moving stitch markers as you work in the round
• Purl-wise Slip (pwise): Slipping stitches as if to purl to maintain stitch orientation

Yarn and Materials

The Ticklish socks are worked using two yarns held together simultaneously. The sample is knit using Mohair and Silk lace weight yarn. The medium size requires just under 1 skein of the mohair and silk blend, though smaller foot sizes may require only 1 skein of mohair. The yarn weights specified for this pattern include 4-ply, DK (double knit), and lace weight options, allowing for flexibility based on yarn availability and desired drape.

Needles and Tension

The pattern is worked on 3.75mm (US 5) circular needles. The tension is 23 stitches and 32 rounds to 10cm (4") when worked over 2 x 2 rib, measured slightly stretched and after blocking. Knitters should note that tension should be measured after blocking to ensure accurate sizing, and needle adjustments may be necessary to achieve the correct gauge depending on individual knitting style and yarn choice.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience in circular knitting and basic shaping techniques. The combination of working in the round with two yarns held together and managing stitch decreases requires solid foundational skills.