Over and Holes

Over and Holes 4ply Socks Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

Over and Holes is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of socks designed by Cutterly Knitted. This intermediate-level project creates decorative socks featuring an openwork stitch pattern combined with strategic yarn overs and decreases that form visual holes throughout the leg of the sock.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern is worked using the knitting craft with circular knitting techniques. The socks are constructed in the round using double pointed needles, which allows for seamless construction and even stitch development. The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in Knit 2, Purl 2 ribbing to provide stretch and a secure fit around the ankle.

The main design features an openwork stitch pattern that repeats over six rounds. This pattern incorporates yarn overs (YO) to create intentional holes and eyelets, combined with decreases to maintain stitch count and create visual interest. The heel is worked separately using a subset of needles, a common technique in sock construction that allows the foot to be shaped independently from the leg.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in the ribbed cuff for texture and elasticity
• Yarn over (YO) – creates decorative holes and increases stitches within the pattern repeat
• Slip stitch (Slip a stitch) – used in combination with knit stitches for a specific decrease technique
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a standard decrease that reduces stitch count while maintaining pattern balance
• Pass slipped stitch over (PSSO) – a decrease method used in conjunction with slipped stitches to create the openwork effect

Materials Required

This pattern requires 5 size 2.75mm double pointed needles for working in the round. The yarn specification is 4ply weight yarn in a single 100g ball, which provides sufficient yardage for a complete pair of socks. Additional materials include stitch markers to denote the beginning of rounds and pattern repeats, and a needle suitable for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

The recommended gauge is 9 stitches and 10 rows per inch, which is typical for 4ply yarn worked on size 2.75mm needles. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the correct sock dimensions and ensuring the openwork pattern displays as intended.

Pattern Structure

The sock begins with a cast-on of 60 stitches joined in the round. After 16 rounds of ribbed cuff, the six-round openwork pattern repeat is introduced. This repeat features alternating rounds of stockinette stitch (knit rounds) and patterned rounds that include the yarn overs and decreases creating the signature holes. The pattern is repeated multiple times to achieve the desired sock length before transitioning to the heel construction, which uses a traditional method working back and forth on a subset of stitches.