Tootsie Socks in Spud & Chloe Stripey Fine - 201622 - Downloadable PDF

Tootsie Socks in Spud & Chloe Stripey Fine – Toddler Knitting Pattern by Kate Oates

The Tootsie Socks (Pattern No. 201622) are an adorable pair of toddler socks designed by Kate Oates as part of the Spud & Chloë Tiny Tots Collection. Sized for toddlers aged 18 months through 4T, these socks are worked in a classic cuff-down construction and are designed to be worn either pulled up over the knee or slouched down for a relaxed, playful look. This is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern ideal for knitters at the advanced beginner level, making it an excellent next step for anyone who has mastered basic knitting and is ready to tackle their first pair of socks.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of toddler socks with a foot circumference of approximately 5¼ to 6½ inches depending on size. The socks are designed to keep little feet toasty warm while looking charming whether worn tall or slouched. The five sizes — 18M, 24M, 2T, 3T, and 4T — ensure a great fit across a range of toddler ages. Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes given in parentheses throughout the pattern.

Construction and Techniques

The socks are knit cuff-down, a traditional and beginner-friendly sock construction method that begins at the top of the leg and works downward toward the toe. This approach gives knitters a clear, logical progression through the sock and makes it easy to try the sock on as you go. Key construction techniques used in this pattern include:

• Short-row heel shaping – A method of turning the heel that uses short rows to build the heel cup without picking up stitches, resulting in a neat, comfortable fit.
• Short-row toe shaping – The toe is shaped in the same manner as the heel, maintaining a consistent and tidy finish.
• Kitchener stitch – The toe stitches are grafted together invisibly using Kitchener stitch, a technique that joins live stitches seamlessly without a visible seam, giving the finished sock a professional, polished look.
• Working in the round on double pointed needles (dpns) – The socks are knit entirely in the round, which eliminates side seams and creates a smooth, tube-like fabric ideal for socks.

Stitches Used

This pattern draws on a focused set of knitting stitches and techniques that are well-suited to an advanced beginner learning to knit socks. These include:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) – The foundational stitches used throughout the cuff and body of the sock.
• K2tog (knit two together) – A right-leaning decrease used in shaping the heel and toe sections.
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) – A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog to create symmetrical shaping.
• M1L and M1R (make one left / make one right) – Paired increase stitches that add stitches neatly and directionally, used in the sock's shaping sections.
• Kitchener stitch – A grafting technique worked with a tapestry needle to join the live toe stitches invisibly.
• Slip stitches knitwise and purlwise – Used as part of decrease and short-row techniques throughout the pattern.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern is specifically designed for use with Spud & Chloë Stripey Fine (Sock) yarn, a luxurious 4-ply / sock-weight yarn composed of 80% Superwash Wool and 20% Silk. This blend is described as having the softness of silk while remaining fully washable — a practical and important feature for toddler garments that will inevitably need frequent laundering. Each 50g hank contains approximately 191 yards, and the pattern calls for 2 hanks per pair across all sizes.