Löwe II

Löwe II Knitted Socks by N.kaBia

What is Being Made

Löwe II is an intermediate-level knitted sock pattern designed by N.kaBia. The pattern produces a pair of socks in sizes 40/41, 42/43, and 44/45, knitted from the cuff down to the toe. Both the left and right socks are constructed using identical techniques, making this a straightforward two-sock project suitable for knitters with some experience.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This sock pattern employs the classic top-down construction method, beginning at the cuff and progressing toward the foot and toe. The socks are worked in the round using a four-needle circular technique (also called needle set or nadelspiel), a traditional approach that distributes stitches evenly across four needles to create seamless tubular fabric. The pattern includes a charted section for the shaft, requiring knitters to follow a visual stitch diagram to execute the design accurately.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Löwe II pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting stitches:

• Knit stitch (rechte Maschen) — used for smooth stockinette sections and appears in rounds 1, 4, and 17
• Purl stitch (linke Maschen) — featured in rounds 2 and 3 to create textural variation
• Ribbed pattern — a 2x2 alternating rib (2 knit stitches followed by 2 purl stitches) forms the cuff and upper sock sections, providing elasticity and a classic fitted appearance
• Charted stitch pattern — a multi-round motif repeated across rounds 1-24 in the shaft section, creating the distinctive design element of these socks

Materials Required

The Löwe II pattern calls for specific materials to ensure proper fit and finished quality:

• Yarn: 100 grams of 4-ply sock yarn with a yardage of 420 meters — a standard weight and length for adult sock construction
• Needles: A set of 2.5mm needles (nadelspiel/needle set) for working in the round
• Additional tool: A yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The pattern is organized into distinct sections. The cuff (Bündchen) is cast on with 64 stitches distributed evenly across the four needles at 16 stitches per needle. The yarn tail marks the round join and beginning of each new round. The shaft (Schaft) section follows, where knitters repeat the charted pattern for as many rounds as desired to achieve their preferred sock length before moving to the foot and toe sections. Three finished sizes accommodate different foot measurements, allowing customization for the intended wearer.

Note: The pattern includes a playful reference suggesting that warm socks keep a grumpy lion content — a charming touch reflecting the designer's personality and the comfort these socks provide.