Lemon Drop Socks

Lemon Drop Socks by Char Kohl

Project Overview

Lemon Drop Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by independent designer Char Kohl for creating charming infant socks in two sizes: newborn and 3-6 months. This intermediate-level knitting project combines classic sock construction with decorative stitch work, making it an engaging pattern for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle small-circumference circular knitting and heel shaping.

What is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of fitted infant socks featuring a decorative leg with textured stitch patterns and a traditional heel flap construction. The socks are designed to fit newborns or babies aged 3-6 months, making them ideal for gift-giving or personal projects for young children.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Small-circumference circular knitting: Socks are worked in the round using double-pointed needles (dpns), a fundamental technique for creating seamless tubular garments
• Cuff construction: The sock begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a simple knit-purl pattern for elasticity and fit
• Heel flap: A traditional heel flap is incorporated to create durability and proper shaping at the foot's heel area
• Stitch manipulation: The pattern employs the Right Twist stitch, a decorative technique that adds visual interest to the leg
• Stitch distribution: Stitches are divided evenly across three needles to maintain consistent tension and ease of working

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch creating the fabric's basic structure
• Purl stitch (P): Used in ribbing and pattern sections for textural contrast
• Right Twist stitch (RT): A two-stitch manipulation where two stitches are knitted together without dropping them from the needle, then the first stitch is knitted again, creating a twisted decorative element

Pattern Structure

The sock pattern follows a logical progression beginning with cast-on and cuff, moving into the leg with a repeating four-round pattern, and concluding with heel flap construction. The leg pattern uses a six-stitch multiple repeat that alternates between rows featuring the Right Twist stitch and simpler knit-purl rows, creating a balanced visual rhythm. The pattern is worked for three complete four-round cycles before transitioning to the heel.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Newborn Size: Requires approximately 90 yards (82 meters) of fingering-weight yarn. The pattern specifically suggests Crystal Palace Panda Soy, a fine fingering yarn, though any comparable fingering yarn may be substituted. Needles required are US #1 (2.25 mm) double-pointed needles, with a gauge of 9 stitches per inch.

3-6 Months Size: Requires approximately 95 yards (87 meters) of fingering-weight yarn. Crystal Palace Maizy or other fingering-weight yarns work well for this size. Needles required are US #1 1/2 (2.50 mm) double-pointed needles, with a gauge of 8 stitches per inch.

Both sizes require a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working in the round with double-pointed needles. The Right Twist stitch requires attention to stitch manipulation, and the heel flap construction adds complexity beyond beginner patterns, making this an appropriate challenge for developing knitters.