Forest Park Socks

Forest Park Socks by Chrissy Gardiner

What is Being Made

Forest Park Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by Chrissy Gardiner and inspired by Portland's urban nature park. These socks feature decorative branches, vines, and cables throughout the leg, making them a stylish choice for those who enjoy nature-inspired knitwear. The design is available in three sizes to fit Adult M, L, and XL foot circumferences ranging from approximately 8.5 to 9.5 inches.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. Cable knitting is a primary design element, creating the decorative branches and vine motifs that give these socks their forest-inspired aesthetic. The socks are worked in the round using either a set of five double-pointed needles or two circular needles, both measuring size 1 (2.25mm). The pattern requires knitters to divide stitches across needles strategically, with the instep stitches held on needles 1 and 2 while working the leg and foot sections. A cable needle is essential for manipulating stitches to create the twisted cable effects.

Stitches Used

The Forest Park Socks pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary base fabric, which provides a smooth, classic sock foundation. The cable stitches are worked over this stockinette background to create visual interest and texture. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 64, 72, or 80 stitches depending on size, distributed across the needles for seamless in-the-round construction.

Materials and Gauge

These socks are knitted using fingering-weight yarn, also known as 4-ply weight, which is the traditional choice for sock knitting. The pictured sample uses Lavender Sheep Panda Sock yarn in the Moss colorway. Approximately 400 yards of yarn is required to complete one pair. The pattern calls for a gauge of 32 stitches and 40 rounds per 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on size 1 (2.25mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished foot circumference.