Chelonia

Chelonia Socks by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren

What is Being Made

Chelonia is an advanced knitting pattern for a pair of socks featuring a distinctive tortoise shell cable pattern. The design is worked from the top down using the heel flap and gusset construction method, making it suitable for experienced knitters seeking a visually striking and technically challenging sock project.

Construction Method

These socks are constructed using a top-down approach with a heel flap and gusset technique. This traditional sock construction method begins at the cuff and works downward toward the toe, allowing for easy adjustments to fit and length. The heel flap creates a reinforced, durable heel, while the gusset shaping ensures a comfortable fit around the foot.

Cable Techniques and Stitches

The defining feature of Chelonia socks is the cabling that creates the tortoise shell pattern throughout the design. The pattern employs specialized cable stitches that require a cable needle to manipulate stitches out of their normal working order. Specific cable techniques used include:

• Left Purl Cable (LPC) – a cable cross that leans to the left
• Right Purl Cable (RPC) – a cable cross that leans to the right

Beyond cabling, the pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches including knit, purl, and slip stitch purlwise. Shaping techniques include knit two stitches together (k2tog) and purl two stitches together (p2tog) for decreasing, as well as picking up stitches and grafting stitches for seamless finishing. All work is done knitting in the round using circular or double-pointed needles.

Yarn and Needle Requirements

The pattern requires 100g of 4 ply sock yarn, which is a standard weight for sock knitting that produces a durable, well-fitting garment. The pattern is shown in Babylonglegs SW BFL Sock in the colorway "Medusa," demonstrating how the cable pattern interacts with variegated or solid yarn colors.

Needles specified are 2.5mm, available in either double-pointed needles or circular needles for working in the round. Circular needles can be used with the magic loop technique or as two circulars, offering modern flexibility in needle choice.

Additional Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and grafting, stitch markers (quantity: 10 or 2, depending on marking preference) to track pattern repeats and shaping points, and a cable needle for executing the cable crosses that form the tortoise shell motif.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 32 stitches and 44 rows over 10 centimeters in stocking stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving proper fit and drape. The pattern provides stitch counts for three sizes: small, medium, and large. An important consideration for this design is that the cabling reduces the natural stretch of the fabric, requiring a higher than usual cast-on stitch count for each size to ensure adequate stretch and comfort around the foot.

Required Skills

Chelonia is classified as an advanced knitting pattern and requires proficiency in multiple techniques. Essential skills include:

• Casting on
• Basic stitches (knit and purl)
• Knitting in the round with circular or double-pointed needles
• Cable techniques and cable manipulation
• Decreasing stitches for shaping
• Picking up stitches for heel and gusset construction
• Grafting stitches for seamless toe closure
• Weaving in ends for a finished appearance

Knitters new to cabling or sock construction should gain foundational experience before attempting this pattern, as it combines multiple advanced techniques into a single project.