Rio Grande Socken in Regia 4 Ply 50g - 4530DE - Downloadable PDF

Rio Grande Socken – Knitted Colorwork Socks Pattern by REGIA Designteam

The Rio Grande Socken is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern published by the REGIA Designteam and originally released in August 1999. It is a free pattern for a pair of colorwork socks worked in the round using a set of double-pointed needles. The design features bold, repeating stranded colorwork motifs inspired by the vivid palette of the Rio Grande region, making these socks a striking and wearable accessory for intermediate knitters who want to develop their Fair Isle and Jacquard knitting skills.

Sizes Available

The pattern is written for two size ranges: 26/27 and 38/39. Instructions for each size are presented side by side throughout the pattern, with the smallest size listed first and the largest size following. Where only a single instruction appears, it applies to both sizes equally.

Materials Required

• Yarn: REGIA 4-fädig (REGIA 4-ply), sold in 50 g balls. Four colorways are required:
  • Fb 02002 (kirsche / cherry red) – 1 ball
  • Fb 01968 (hellgrau / light grey) – 1 ball
  • Fb 02740 (indigo) – 1 ball
  • Fb 00522 (anthrazit meliert / anthracite marl) – 1 ball
• Needles: 1 set of double-pointed needles (Nadelspiel), size 2.0–3.0 mm
• Finishing tool: 1 tapestry needle (Wollnadel) for weaving in ends

Yarn Weight and Craft

REGIA 4-fädig is a 4-ply sock yarn, a fine-weight yarn traditionally used for hand-knitted socks. Its fine gauge allows for detailed colorwork patterns and a close-fitting, durable fabric that holds up well to everyday wear. The four-ply construction provides excellent stitch definition, which is particularly important when working stranded colorwork motifs where clean, crisp pattern lines are essential to the finished look.

Techniques Used

This pattern draws on several classic sock-knitting and colorwork techniques, making it an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills:

• Bündchenmuster (Ribbing): The cuff is worked in a simple 1×1 rib – alternating one knit stitch and one purl stitch – which creates a stretchy, snug-fitting top edge that holds the sock securely in place around the leg.
• Jacquardmuster (Stranded Colorwork / Fair Isle): The main body of the sock is worked entirely in stockinette stitch in the round (every round knitted) following a charted colorwork design. The pattern repeat is 6 stitches wide and 14 rounds tall, and this repeat is worked continuously throughout the colorwork section. Knitters carry multiple yarn colors across the back of the work, a technique known as stranded or Fair Isle knitting, creating a double layer of yarn that adds warmth and structure to the fabric.
• Pünktchenmuster (Dot or Spot Pattern): An additional textural or colorwork element is incorporated using stitches worked in the adjacent contrasting color, creating a small dotted or speckled visual effect that complements the main Jacquard motif.
• Knitting in the round: As is standard for sock construction, the entire sock is worked on a set of double-pointed needles in a continuous spiral, eliminating the need for seaming and producing a smooth, seamless fabric against the skin.

Colorwork Chart

The pattern includes a stitch chart (Strickschrift) with a clear symbol key (Zeichenerklärung) identifying each of the four colors used: hellgrau (light grey), indigo, kirsche (cherry), and anth