Take Heart

Take Heart Socks by Tracey Lee

What is Being Made

Take Heart socks are a beginner-friendly knitting project designed to provide comfort and inspiration during difficult times. These socks feature decorative moss stitch (also called seed stitch) heart motifs worked into the leg, serving as a meaningful reminder of the wearer's love of life. The design accommodates multiple sizes and allows for creative customization, as knitters are not required to make matching pairs—each sock can feature different heart placements or quantities of motifs.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Take Heart socks are worked in the round using small circumference knitting, a fundamental technique for sock construction. The primary stitch used is stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for everyday wear. Moss stitch (also known as seed stitch) is used to create the heart motifs, producing a textured, bumpy surface through alternating knit and purl stitches. This contrast between the smooth stocking stitch background and the textured heart details adds visual and tactile interest to the finished socks.

The pattern includes multiple sized heart motif charts, allowing knitters to choose their preferred heart size and decide on placement—either on the back or front of the leg, or on the side. This flexibility means each crafter can personalize their socks according to preference and skill level.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Take Heart socks are worked with 4 ply (fingering weight) yarn, which is the standard choice for sock knitting due to its durability and comfortable fit. Yarn yardage requirements vary based on sock size and desired leg length:

• Total yarn needed: Approximately 120–400 metres (130–440 yards)
• For two-colour designs: Colour A requires 90–300 metres (125–330 yards), and Colour B requires 30–100 metres (35–110 yards)

The sample socks shown in the pattern were knitted using Knit Picks Hawthorne yarn. Additional materials required include 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge when working in the round on a small circumference. A tapestry needle is necessary for weaving in yarn ends, and stitch markers (with the option to use multiple markers in contrasting colours) help track pattern repeats and motif placement throughout the sock leg.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 32 stitches and 38 rounds over 10 centimetres (4 inches) in stocking stitch, measured in a relaxed state. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit and is particularly important when working with fingering weight yarn on small needles.