Neptune High

Neptune High Socks by Glenna C

What is Being Made

Neptune High is a downloadable knitting pattern for socks designed by independent designer Glenna C. The pattern offers two distinct sock styles: knee-high socks and shorter ankle socks, each available in six size options ranging from extra-small to 2XL. These socks are inspired by the character Veronica Mars from the television series of the same name, bringing a pop culture element to a classic sock design. The pattern accommodates various calf and ankle circumferences, making it suitable for a wide range of knitters and foot sizes.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Neptune High socks feature stranded colorwork in an argyle pattern, a classic technique that creates intricate geometric designs through the use of two contrasting yarn colors worked simultaneously. Stranded colorwork requires carrying unused yarn across the back of the work while knitting with the active color, creating a dense, durable fabric ideal for sock construction. The argyle pattern adds visual interest and texture to the finished socks while maintaining the structural integrity needed for everyday wear.

The socks are worked in the round, which is the standard construction method for seamless socks. Knitters can choose to work on double-pointed needles (DPNs) or use the Magic Loop method with a long circular needle, offering flexibility based on personal preference and knitting style.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Neptune High socks are designed to be worked with fingering weight yarn (also known as 4-ply weight), which is the standard choice for sock knitting due to its durability and the fine detail it allows in colorwork patterns. The pattern requires two contrasting colors of fingering weight yarn—a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (CC)—to execute the stranded argyle design effectively.

The pattern calls for 2.75mm needles as the primary needle size to achieve the correct gauge, with 2.25mm needles also required for ribbing or cuff work. Both needle sizes can be used as double-pointed needles or long circulars for the Magic Loop technique, allowing knitters to use their preferred sock knitting method.

Gauge and Sizing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 36 stitches and 38 rounds over 4 inches when working the stranded colorwork argyle pattern on 2.75mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in sock knitting where circumference measurements are critical.

Knee Sock Sizing: Available in six sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL), knee socks are designed to fit upper-calf circumferences ranging from 13 to 18 inches and ankle/foot circumferences from 8 to 10 inches.

Shorter Sock Sizing: Available in five sizes (XS, S, M, XL, 2XL)—note that size L is not offered in the shorter version—these socks fit ankle circumferences from 8 to 10 inches. Both the M and L sizes of the knee socks correspond to the M size in the shorter sock version for the foot portion.

Difficulty Level

Neptune High is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern. This rating reflects the complexity introduced by the stranded colorwork argyle pattern, which requires knitters to manage two yarn colors simultaneously and maintain consistent tension across color changes. While not a beginner project, the pattern is accessible to knitters who have completed basic sock patterns and are comfortable with fundamental colorwork techniques.