Black Flame Candle

Black Flame Candle Socks by Lauren Rose

Project Overview

Black Flame Candle is an intermediate-level knitted sock pattern featuring a striking visual design created through strategically placed slipped stitches. The undulating flame motif travels up the instep of the sock, making this design ideal for knitters seeking a spooky autumn project with visual impact. This pattern was originally released as part of Super Sock Scarefest 2020.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of socks designed to fit multiple sizes. The finished circumferences are available in four options: 7 inches (18 cm), 8 inches (20.5 cm), 9 inches (23 cm), and 10 inches (25.5 cm), accommodating foot sizes from approximately 8 inches to 11 inches (20.5 cm to 28 cm). The socks feature an optional calf-shaping section for a customized fit.

Knitting Techniques

This sock pattern employs several specialized knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive flame effect:

• Slipped Stitches: The primary technique used to create the undulating flame design. Strategic placement of slipped stitches produces the visual illusion of flames licking up the instep.
• Shadow Wrapping: The pattern utilizes both standard knit shadow wrap (KSW) and knit double shadow wrap (KDSW) techniques. The KSW technique involves lifting the right leg stitch directly below the needle, while KDSW works a second shadow wrap with approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) negative ease onto a KSW stitch. These advanced techniques create dimensional texture and pattern definition.
• Helical Knitting: The pattern includes tips for helical knitting, a method commonly used in sock construction to create seamless, continuous rounds without visible jog lines.
• Increases: The pattern incorporates knit front and back (kfb) increases for shaping and sizing adjustments.

Stitches Used

The Black Flame Candle pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with advanced stitch manipulation:

• Knit Stitch (k): The foundation stitch used throughout the sock construction.
• Slipped Stitches: Central to creating the flame pattern effect on the instep.
• Knit Front and Back (kfb): Used for increases during shaping sections.
• Shadow Wrap Stitches (KSW and KDSW): Advanced techniques that create textured, dimensional effects within the pattern.

Pattern Structure

The downloadable PDF includes comprehensive pattern documentation organized into distinct sections. The pattern features a detailed table of contents, abbreviations guide, and references section with helical knitting tips. The core pattern instructions span multiple pages and are presented in two formats: charted instructions with options for dark main color with light contrasting color, or light main color with dark contrasting color. Written instructions are also provided for knitters who prefer line-by-line guidance. An optional calf-shaping section allows knitters to customize the fit around the leg.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Black Flame Candle is designed for 3-ply and 4-ply weight yarn, making it suitable for standard fingering-weight sock yarns commonly used in sock knitting. The pattern requires two yarn colors: a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (CC) to achieve the flame motif effect. Knitters will need appropriate needles for working with 3-ply or 4-ply yarn in the round, typically using either double-pointed needles, circular needles, or the magic loop method.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it assumes foundational knitting knowledge and comfort with sock construction basics, the shadow wrap techniques and strategic stitch placement require attention to detail and familiarity with more advanced stitch manipulations. The pattern's comprehensive instructions, charts, and written guidance support knitters in mastering these techniques.