Astrid

Astrid Socks by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

Astrid is a pair of knitted socks featuring elegant mirrored zig-zag lace patterns combined with twisted stitches. Designed by Corrine Walcher and named after an artist at Neighborhood Fiber Company, these socks offer a sophisticated construction suitable for intermediate knitters. The pattern is available in three finished sizes: Small (7" around unstretched), Medium (8" around unstretched), and Large (9" around unstretched).

Techniques Used

This sock pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture. The primary technique is mirrored zig-zag lace, which creates symmetrical diagonal patterns across the sock. Twisted stitches are incorporated throughout to add dimension and prevent the lace from appearing too delicate. The socks are constructed in the round, a standard method for sock knitting that eliminates the need for seaming. Knitters will work with either a set of five double-pointed needles or two circular needles, both common approaches for circular sock construction.

Stitches Used

The Astrid pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways to achieve the lace and textured effects:

• Knit (K): The basic stitch forming the foundation of stockinette sections
• Purl (P): Used to create texture and definition within the pattern
• Knit through the back loop (Ktbl): Creates twisted stitches that add visual interest and structural integrity to the lace
• Yarn over (YO): Essential for creating the openwork lace holes that define the zig-zag pattern
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and shape the lace
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog to create the mirrored zig-zag effect
• Purl two together (P2tog): A decrease worked on purl rows
• Slip stitches (Sl): Used for pattern transitions and shaping

Materials

The Astrid socks are designed to showcase Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sock yarn, a high-quality sock yarn composed of 80% superwash merino wool and 20% nylon. This blend combines the softness and breathability of merino with the durability and elasticity that nylon provides, making it ideal for socks that will withstand regular wear and frequent washing. The yarn is available in 400-yard, 100-gram skeins, providing sufficient yardage to complete a pair of socks in any of the three sizes. The sample shown was knit in the colorway Olde Towne East.

Knitters will need a set of size 1 US (2.5 mm) needles—either five double-pointed needles or two circular needles—to achieve the required gauge of 8 stitches per inch when working stockinette stitch in the round. The smaller needle size is typical for sock knitting and works in harmony with the yarn weight to create a dense, durable fabric suitable for foot wear.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty Level

Astrid is worked with 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, which are standard for sock construction and provide the appropriate thickness for comfortable, long-lasting socks. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle lace patterns and more complex stitch combinations. The combination of lace, twisted stitches, and circular construction requires attention to pattern reading and stitch manipulation, but the rewards are socks with sophisticated visual appeal.