Blue Sky Fibers Sanborn Socks PDF

Blue Sky Fibers Sanborn Socks by Virginia Sattler-Reimer

What is Being Made

The Sanborn Socks are a classic pair of knitted socks designed for both women's and men's sizes. This pattern offers multiple finished measurements to accommodate different foot circumferences, ranging from 8 inches to 11¼ inches, with corresponding sock lengths from 8½ inches to 11½ inches. The design is versatile enough to suit various foot sizes while maintaining consistent construction methods throughout.

Craft and Project Type

This is a knitting project specifically designed for creating functional, wearable socks. The pattern is classified as intermediate level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The design accommodates both women's and men's sizing options, allowing crafters to customize their finished socks based on intended wearer.

Knitting Techniques

The Sanborn Socks are knit from the top down, a popular sock construction method that begins at the cuff and progresses toward the toe. The socks are worked in the round, meaning stitches are distributed on needles and knitted continuously in circular rows rather than flat pieces that require seaming. This technique creates seamless socks with a smooth, comfortable fit against the skin.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern. Stockinette creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric commonly seen in traditional socks. This fundamental stitch pattern provides an excellent canvas for showcasing the yarn's color and texture while offering durability for a frequently-worn garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Sanborn Socks are designed to be knitted using Woolstok Worsted, a 100% Fine Highland Peruvian Wool yarn in worsted weight. This yarn choice provides exceptional softness and warmth, making the finished socks comfortable for everyday wear. The pattern specifies yardage requirements based on size: 2 hanks of color A and 1 hank of color B for the smallest size, increasing to 4 hanks of color A and 1 hank of color B for the largest size. Each hank contains 123 yards, allowing crafters to select two favorite colors for a custom two-color design. The pattern shown features Gravel Road (color A) and Spun Gold (color B) as the color combination example.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires size 4 (3.5mm) double pointed needles as the primary needles for knitting the socks to the correct gauge. The pattern also calls for size 3 (3.25mm) double pointed needles, which are optional and used for picking up stitches during construction. Double pointed needles are essential for working in the round on smaller circumferences like socks, distributing stitches across multiple needles to maintain the circular knitting method.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 31 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the largest needles (size 4). Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern offers four size options with foot circumferences of 8, 9¼, 10, and 11¼ inches, accommodating a wide range of foot sizes from children through adults.