Thestral Socks

Thestral Socks by Laura Fahlin Designs

What is Being Made

Thestral Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted sock design available in three sizes: Small (approximately 7.5 inches / 19 cm circumference), Medium (approximately 8.25 inches / 21 cm circumference), and Large (approximately 9 inches / 23 cm circumference) when measured unstretched. This intermediate-level project is designed by Laura Fahlin Designs and creates a classic sock suitable for everyday wear.

Craft and Primary Techniques

Thestral Socks is a knitting project worked primarily in the round using circular or double-pointed needles. The pattern employs fundamental sock construction techniques, beginning with a cuff section that establishes the foundation for the sock. The design uses in-the-round knitting, which creates a seamless, tubular fabric ideal for sock construction. The pattern requires careful attention to joining stitches without twisting to ensure a properly constructed sock.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The Thestral Socks pattern utilizes several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette stitch — the primary stitch used throughout the sock, created by alternating knit and purl rows when working in the round
• Garter stitch — formed by knitting every row, used in the cuff section for texture and elasticity
• Ribbing — a combination of knit and purl stitches (K1, P1) worked repeatedly to create stretch and recovery in the cuff
• Decreases — including K2tog (knit 2 together) and P2tog (purl 2 together) for shaping
• Slip stitches — Sl1 (slip 1 purl-wise) used for various construction purposes
• Pass slipped stitch over (PSSO) — a decrease technique used for shaping

Materials and Tools

Thestral Socks requires approximately 360 yards (330 meters) for Small, 380 yards (350 meters) for Medium, or 400 yards (365 meters) for Large. The pattern calls for fingering weight sock yarn, which is a 4-ply yarn weight that provides the appropriate density and elasticity for sock construction. The pattern sample was created using Socks that Rock Lightweight in the colorway Secrets (405 yards per 146 grams).

Essential tools include US 1 (2.25mm) needles or the size required to achieve the specified gauge, stitch markers for tracking rounds and pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work. The gauge for this pattern is 32 stitches and 48 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, which is typical for fingering weight sock yarn and ensures proper fit and fabric characteristics.

Difficulty Level

Thestral Socks is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle in-the-round construction and basic sock shaping techniques.