Aperture Socks

Aperture Socks by Jordan Prouty

What is Being Made

Aperture Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by Jordan Prouty, featuring a decorative eyelet pattern throughout. These socks are constructed using the cuff-down method, beginning at the top of the sock and working downward toward the foot. The design showcases contrasting color work, with the main color used for the leg and foot sections, while a contrasting color is reserved for the heel and toe details. Available in three sizes with finished circumferences of 7", 8", and 9", these socks accommodate various foot widths and are classified as an intermediate-level knitting project.

Techniques Used

The primary construction technique for Aperture Socks is the magic loop method, a circular knitting technique that allows knitters to work small circumferences like socks using a single long circular needle. The pattern is written specifically for magic loop but can be adapted to alternative methods such as double-pointed needles or two-circular-needle techniques if preferred by the knitter.

The socks feature German short row heels and toes, a construction method that creates shaped, fitted heel and toe sections through strategic increases and decreases. This technique ensures a comfortable, contoured fit in these high-wear areas of the sock. The contrasting color used in the heels and toes provides both visual interest and structural definition.

The eyelet pattern adorning the socks adds decorative texture and is a hallmark of intermediate-level sock knitting, requiring attention to yarn-over and decrease placement to create the characteristic small openings.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the sock, creating a smooth, flat fabric with a characteristic V-pattern appearance
• Yarn-overs – used in the eyelet pattern to create decorative openings
• Double stitch (abbreviated as ds) – a slip stitch worked from left to right needle purlwise with yarn in front, then pulled over the needle, used for shaping and construction details
• Cast-on and bind-off stitches – used to begin and finish the sock

Materials

Aperture Socks are knit using fingering weight yarn in two colors: a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (CC). Yardage requirements vary by size. For the ankle version, approximately 150–220 yards of main color and 50–75 yards of contrasting color are needed. For the tall version, approximately 185–270 yards of main color and 85–120 yards of contrasting color are required.

The pattern calls for Size 1 (2.25 mm) circular needles measuring 40" (100 cm) in length, sized to achieve the specified gauge. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and finishing. One stitch marker is used to track the beginning of each round during magic loop construction.

The gauge for Aperture Socks is 32 stitches and 40 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, worked with fingering weight yarn on the specified needle size. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit and finished measurements.