Mimi's Bed socks

Mimi's Bed Socks by Kimberly Gintar

Project Overview

Mimi's Bed Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Kimberly Gintar for creating comfortable, durable bed socks. This intermediate-level knitting project was inspired by a request from the designer's mother for warm, snuggly socks suitable for winter wear that could withstand regular machine washing without shrinkage concerns. The pattern is designed to be completed relatively quickly, making it an ideal project for a two-week timeframe.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of bed socks—cozy, non-slip socks designed specifically for wearing around the house or in bed during cold months. Unlike traditional dress socks, bed socks prioritize warmth, comfort, and practicality for everyday loungewear use.

Craft and Techniques

Primary Craft: Knitting

Mimi's Bed Socks is worked using circular knitting techniques. The socks are constructed in the round using a set of four needles, which is a traditional method for creating seamless, tubular garments like socks. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, comfortable fit.

Stitches Used

• Ribbed Pattern: The leg section begins with a k2, p2 (knit 2, purl 2) rib pattern, which is worked over 5 rounds. This classic rib stitch creates elasticity and helps the socks stay securely in place without slipping, addressing the designer's original requirement for non-slip socks.
• Stockinette Stitch: While not explicitly detailed in the provided excerpt, standard sock construction typically incorporates stockinette stitch for the main body of the leg and foot.

Materials and Yarn

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solids & Heathers in colorway #107 blue heather. This yarn choice is central to the design's functionality—it is soft and snuggly for comfort, while remaining easy to care for and machine-washable without risk of excessive shrinkage, fulfilling the designer's mother's practical requirements.

Needles: The pattern uses four needles for circular knitting. The designer selected larger needles to accommodate quick completion of the project within a two-week vacation timeframe.

Pattern Construction Details

Cast On: The pattern begins with casting on 44 stitches, which are then divided evenly across four needles and joined to work in the round. Care must be taken during the join to avoid twisting the stitches, a common consideration in circular knitting.

Leg Section: The leg is worked by knitting 5 rounds in the k2, p2 rib pattern using the blue heather yarn. The stitches are then redistributed across the needles with needle #1 holding 14 stitches, needle #2 holding 8 stitches, and needles #3 and #4 holding the remaining stitches, setting up the structure for the subsequent sections of the sock.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working with circular needles and in-the-round construction techniques.