Diagonal Lines Socks

Diagonal Lines Socks by BiggerthanlifeKnits

What is Being Made

The Diagonal Lines Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by Noma Ndlovu and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. These socks are worked from the cuff down and are offered in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with foot circumferences of 7.5", 8", and 8.5" respectively. The pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate skill level and works up quickly thanks to its straightforward construction and simple stitch pattern.

Techniques Used

The Diagonal Lines Socks employ fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for sock construction. The socks are knit in the round from the cuff downward, which is a common approach for creating seamless, well-fitting hosiery. The pattern utilizes basic knit and purl stitches arranged in a simple repeating pattern to create the diagonal line design. Knitters will work with circular needles to maintain the tubular shape throughout the sock, and the pattern includes techniques such as knitting through the back loop (ktbl) and purling through the back loop (ptbl) for texture variation. Decreasing techniques including knit two together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) are incorporated into the pattern, likely for shaping the foot and heel areas.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – The foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P) – Combined with knit stitches to create the diagonal line texture
• Knit through the back loop (ktbl) – Creates a twisted stitch for added texture
• Purl through the back loop (ptbl) – Twisted purl variation for design detail
• Knit two together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches individually to the right needle, then inserting the left needle through both stitches from left to right and knitting them together
• Stockinette stitch – The base stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic sock fabric

Materials and Tools

The Diagonal Lines Socks are knit using DK weight yarn. The recommended yarn is African Expressions - Joy in Colour 1215, which is a blend of 40% Wool, 15% Mohair, and 45% Acrylic. Two 50-gram balls (109 yards/100 meters each) are required to complete the pair of socks. Knitters will need US 2.5 (3.0 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) in length for working the socks in the round. Additional tools include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and 3 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections. The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 36 rounds to 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in Stockinette stitch, which is important for achieving the correct finished sock size.