Jazbo Street

Jazbo Street Socks by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

Jazbo Street is a knitted sock pattern designed by independent designer Corrine Walcher. The pattern is named after the historic nickname for Jasper Street in Baltimore, Maryland, a location near the Neighborhood Fiber Company dye studio and shop that earned its "Jazbo Street" moniker during the Jazz age when a Speakeasy operated in the area. This sock pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is suitable for knitters with intermediate-level skills.

Finished Dimensions

The Jazbo Street socks are offered in three sizes with the following finished circumferences when unstretched:

• Small: 7 inches around
• Medium: 8 inches around
• Large: 9 inches around

Important Note: This pattern creates a very stretchy sock. Designers and knitters should note that the finished fabric stretches considerably, so sizing down one size from your typical sock size may be appropriate for an optimal fit.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn for Jazbo Street is Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sock, which is composed of 100% Superwash Merino wool. Each skein provides 400 yards per 4 ounces of yarn. The sample sock shown in the pattern was knit in the Rosemont colorway. The yarn weight is classified as 3-ply and 4-ply, making it an ideal weight for sock knitting with excellent stitch definition and durability.

Needles required are a set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) or two circular needles in size 1 US (2.5 mm), or whatever needle size is necessary to obtain the correct gauge for your knitting tension.

Gauge and Knitting Techniques

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 8 stitches per inch when knitting stockinette stitch in the round. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit and finished dimensions. The socks are constructed using circular knitting methods, allowing for seamless construction typical of traditional sock patterns.

Stitches and Abbreviations Used

Jazbo Street employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern utilizes the following stitches and abbreviations:

• K: Knit stitch
• P: Purl stitch
• Sl: Slip as if to purl with yarn in back
• SM: Slip marker
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• P2tog: Purl two stitches together
• SSK: Slip as if to knit, slip next stitch as if to knit, knit these two stitches together (left-leaning decrease)
• YO: Yarn over (creates an eyelet or lace element)

Pattern Structure

The Jazbo Street pattern features distinct instructions for the cuff and leg sections, allowing for customization and shaping in these areas. The use of decreases (K2tog and SSK) combined with yarn overs suggests the pattern may incorporate lace or textured elements in the sock design, adding visual interest beyond basic stockinette construction.