Two Medicine Socks

Two Medicine Socks by Shannon Larson

What is Being Made

Two Medicine Socks are a pair of top-down knitted socks designed by Shannon Larson of Justlivin Designs. These socks feature a traditional heel flap construction and are worked using the magic loop method on circular needles. The design showcases a dual faux cable stitch pattern that is specifically crafted to highlight the visual characteristics of the yarn's colorway.

Design Inspiration and Naming

The socks are named after Two Medicine Lake located in Glacier National Park. The name references the two medicine lodges that were historically located on the creek, which became known as Two Medicine Lodge Creek. The pattern was created to complement the August colorway from The Farmer's Daughter Fibers, with the dual faux cable design chosen to make the color variations in the yarn truly shine.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Magic Loop Method: The socks are worked using the magic loop technique, a method that allows knitters to work small circumference projects like socks using a single long circular needle rather than double-pointed needles. In this pattern, needle 1 works the front of the foot, instep, and leg, while needle 2 works the back of the foot, leg, and heel.
• Top-Down Construction: The socks are knitted from the cuff down toward the toe, allowing for easy adjustments to fit and the ability to try on the sock as you work.
• Traditional Heel Flap: A classic heel flap construction is used, which creates a reinforced heel area that is both durable and comfortable for everyday wear.
• Faux Cable Stitch: A dual faux cable pattern is incorporated into the design, creating the visual interest that complements the yarn's colorway without requiring the complexity of true cable stitches.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern employs stockinette stitch as the primary stitch base, worked in the round. The dual faux cable design is integrated into this stockinette foundation to create texture and visual interest. Faux cables are created through strategic yarn overs and decreases rather than true cable crossing, making them an elegant yet accessible technique for beginner-level knitters.

Yarn and Materials

The sample socks shown use The Farmer's Daughter Fibers August Sock yarn in the colorway "Two Medicine." This yarn is a sport weight blend composed of 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon, providing both softness and durability. Each 100-gram skein yields 328 yards, offering ample yardage for a complete pair of socks. The nylon content adds strength and longevity to the finished socks, making them suitable for regular wear.

Needles and Tools

• US #1.5/2.5mm circular needle: A 32-inch or longer circular needle in this size is required, or a size needed to obtain the specified gauge. The longer length accommodates the magic loop method of working.
• Stitch marker: Used to mark the beginning of rounds and other pattern sections.
• Darning needle: Essential for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the socks.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 36 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch when worked in the round on US #1.5/2.5mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is important for ensuring the socks fit properly and that the faux cable design displays as intended.

Skill Level

Two Medicine Socks are rated as a beginner difficulty project. While the pattern involves foundational sock construction techniques including top-down shaping, heel flap work, and the magic loop method, these are all fundamental skills within the sock-knitting genre. The use of faux cables rather than true cables keeps the pattern accessible to knitters who are new to sock construction.

Pattern Format

Two Medicine Socks are available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making them immediately accessible for digital devices or printing. The pattern is designed by independent designer Shannon Larson and can be found through Justlivin Designs.