Twinflowers

Twinflowers Knitted Socks by Phyll Lagerman

What Is Being Made

Twinflowers is a downloadable knitting pattern for women's socks designed by Phyll Lagerman. This intermediate-level project creates a pair of socks with a stretchy, accommodating fit that adapts to different foot widths and ankle sizes through strategic needle sizing. The pattern is inspired by the Wildflowers of Michigan collection and is sized for women's medium feet.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Twinflowers pattern employs multiple needle sizes to create intentional differences in fabric tension and stretch throughout the sock. The leg portion is worked on larger needles to create a looser, more comfortable fit around the calf and ankle, while the foot transitions to smaller needles for a more snug, supportive gauge. This technique allows the pattern to accommodate various ankle and foot widths without requiring multiple size variations. The use of yarn overs and decreases creates the stitch pattern detail that gives these socks their distinctive appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques including:

• Knit (K) – the basic knit stitch forming stockinette stitch fabric
• Purl (P) – used for texture variation and pattern detail
• Yarn over (YO) – creates decorative openings and lace elements within the sock design
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog for balanced shaping
• Slip stitches (Sl) – used for joining rounds and managing stitch transitions

The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic sock appearance.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Twinflowers pattern calls for 100 grams (437 yards) of Heritage Silk by Cascade Yarns in color 5648, a soft pink shade. This yarn is composed of 85% superwash merino wool and 15% mulberry silk, combining the durability and easy-care properties of merino with the luxurious sheen and smooth texture of silk. This fiber blend creates socks with natural elasticity, moisture-wicking properties, and a refined appearance suitable for special occasions or everyday wear.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires a set of double-pointed needles in three sizes: US 2 (2.75 mm), US 1½ (2.5 mm), and US 1 (2.25 mm). The smallest needles are used for the foot where the gauge is most critical, while the larger needles accommodate the leg section. Knitters should select needle sizes based on their individual gauge; the pattern notes that needle size may be adjusted to achieve the correct gauge. A row counter is recommended to track progress through the pattern.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 9 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch on the smallest needles. Sizing is provided for women's medium feet. The innovative multi-needle-size approach allows knitters with narrower or wider feet to adjust the pattern by going up or down a needle size without requiring a completely different pattern version, making this design accessible and adaptable to various foot shapes and sizes.