Malabar

Malabar Socks by Daniela Mühlbauer

What is Being Made

Malabar is a downloadable knitting pattern for hand-knitted socks designed by independent designer Daniela Mühlbauer. The pattern offers four size options (S/M/L/XL) with customizable foot length and a consistent leg measurement of 72 stitches across all sizes. This intermediate-level project produces a pair of colorwork socks featuring a three-color design.

Techniques Used

The Malabar sock pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The construction begins with a tubular cast-on using a hemmed edge, created by working a twisted knit and purl rib in the first color. The pattern utilizes circular knitting in the round, a standard method for sock construction that eliminates the need for seaming. Knitters work the leg and foot sections using stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, refined finish ideal for sock wear. The design incorporates three-color stranded colorwork, requiring knitters to manage multiple yarn colors simultaneously while maintaining even tension. The pattern includes increases during the transition from the leg to the foot section, and the construction method divides stitches between the front leg and instep on one needle or needle pair, with the back leg and sole on a separate needle or needle pair, allowing for customizable foot length while maintaining consistent leg proportions.

Stitches Used

• Twisted knit stitch (k1tbl) — used in the hemmed edge ribbing
• Purl stitch (p1) — alternated with twisted knit in the hem rib
• Stockinette stitch — the primary fabric stitch for the leg and foot sections
• Increases — worked during the transition from leg to foot shaping
• Stranded colorwork — managing three colors to create the pattern design

Materials

The Malabar pattern calls for sock yarn in 4-ply weight, a standard choice for fine, durable socks. Total yardage required is 75–100 grams depending on individual foot and leg length. For the specified EUR 40 size with a 17 cm leg length from cast-on to heel, the recommended yardage breakdown is: Color 1 (C1) 20g, Color 2 (C2) 40g, and Color 3 (C3) 30g. Knitters will need double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles in US1 (2.25mm) and US1½ (2.5mm) sizes to achieve the specified gauge of 34 stitches and 42 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and three stitch markers (optional) to track pattern sections.

Pattern Sizing and Customization

The Malabar pattern provides flexibility in sizing through customizable foot length while maintaining a consistent leg width. Cast-on stitch counts are S: 60 stitches, M: 64 stitches, L: 68 stitches, and XL: 72 stitches. All sizes maintain 72 stitches in the leg section, allowing knitters to adjust the foot length independently based on individual measurements. This design approach makes the pattern adaptable to various foot sizes and proportions.