Ember Crochet Socks in West Yorkshire Spinners Signature Sparkle 4ply - Downloadable PDF

Ember Back Loop Double Crochet Socks – Crochet Pattern Summary

The Ember Crochet Socks are a beautifully crafted pair of crochet socks designed by Anna Nikipirowicz, with technical editing by Helen Birch. This pattern is published as a downloadable PDF and is intended for non-commercial, personal use only. The design is worked in the round using a distinctive back loop only double crochet technique, which gives the fabric a subtle ribbed texture and excellent stretch — ideal qualities for a well-fitting, comfortable sock.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of crochet socks worked from the leg downward, complete with heel shaping. The socks are available in three sizes to accommodate a wide range of wearers:

• Small (S): UK shoe size 3–4 / US shoe size 5–6, foot circumference approximately 17.5 cm (7 in), foot length approximately 23 cm (9 in)
• Medium (M): UK shoe size 5–6 / US shoe size 7–8, foot circumference approximately 19 cm (7½ in), foot length approximately 24 cm (9½ in)
• Large (L): UK shoe size 7–8 / US shoe size 9–10, foot circumference approximately 20.5 cm (8 in), foot length approximately 27 cm (10½ in)

The leg length from the top of the heel shaping measures approximately 13.5 cm (5½ in) across all three sizes. Measurements are noted as being before blocking, and the crochet fabric will stretch both length-wise and width-wise once worn or blocked.

Techniques Used

The defining construction technique of these socks is working back loop only (BLO) double crochet throughout the main fabric sections. Working into the back loop only creates a horizontal ridge on the front of the fabric, producing a texture reminiscent of knitted ribbing that is both visually appealing and functionally stretchy — an important property for socks that need to hug the foot and leg securely.

The socks are worked in the round, which is the standard method for seamless sock construction. Crocheting in the round produces a tube of fabric without any seam, making the finished socks more comfortable to wear. The pattern also incorporates heel shaping, using increases and decreases to turn the heel and create a three-dimensional fit around the back of the foot. Stitch markers — specifically two easily removable markers in different colours (the designer suggests green and red) — are used throughout to track rounds and key shaping points.

Stitches Used

The pattern is written in UK crochet terminology, with US conversions provided in the abbreviation list. The core stitches and techniques called upon in this pattern include:

• Double crochet (dc) / US single crochet (sc): The primary stitch used throughout the sock body and leg
• Back loop only (BLO) double crochet: The signature stitch of this design, worked by inserting the hook under only the back loop of each stitch
• Dc2tog (double crochet 2 together): A decrease stitch used in heel and toe shaping
• Increase (inc): Working additional stitches into a single stitch to shape the heel and gusset
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used for joining rounds and finishing
• Chain (ch): Used at the start of rounds or as part of construction

The pattern instructs crafters to omit stitches where noted (referred to as miss in UK terminology, or skip in US terminology), and references both right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) of the fabric where relevant.

Materials and Equipment

The recommended yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Signature Sparkle 4ply, a specialist sock yarn with a sparkling finish. The colourway used in the pattern sample is Yuletide (1208). One 100g ball