Saanich Socks

Saanich Socks by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

Saanich Socks is a textured sock design created by independent designer Corrine Walcher. This pattern produces a pair of squishy, warm socks designed to showcase variegated sock yarn without overwhelming the yarn's natural beauty with complex stitch patterns. The socks are available in three sizes: Small (7" around unstretched), Medium (8" around unstretched), and Large (9" around unstretched).

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental sock construction techniques. The socks are knit in the round using either a set of five double-pointed needles or two circular needles, both sized US 1 (2.5 mm). The pattern incorporates standard decreasing methods including K2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) to shape the sock structure. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and construction points throughout the project.

Stitches Used

The Saanich Socks pattern utilizes basic knitting stitches to create its textured appearance:

• Knit (K) – the primary stitch creating the fabric base
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to develop texture
• Slip stitches (Sl) – slipped as if to purl with yarn in back for seamless transitions
• K2tog – knit two stitches together for decreasing
• P2tog – purl two stitches together for decreasing
• SSK – slip, slip, knit decrease method for left-leaning decreases

The simple stitch pattern approach allows the variegated yarn to remain the visual focal point while still creating the desired squishy texture.

Materials

Yarn: The pattern recommends Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sock yarn, a blend of 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon, providing durability and easy care. Each 100-gram skein contains 400 yards of yarn. The sample shown was knit in the colorway Shami. The yarn weight is suitable for 3-ply and 4-ply applications.

Needles: Knitters may choose between a set of five US 1 (2.5 mm) double-pointed needles or two US 1 (2.5 mm) circular needles, depending on personal preference for small circumference knitting.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 stitches per inch when working stockinette stitch knit in the round, which is essential for achieving the correct finished sock dimensions.