Minnesota

Minnesota Socks by That Metzbower Girl Designs

What is Being Made

Minnesota is an intermediate-level knitted sock pattern inspired by the state's natural heritage, including its 10,000+ lakes, bald eagles, loons, and cultural icons like Paul Bunyan. The design features a charted intarsia section that celebrates Minnesota's unique identity. This downloadable PDF pattern offers six size options ranging from Child 5-7 through Women 10½+, with foot circumferences from 5½ inches (13.5cm) to 8½ inches (21.5cm), making it suitable for the entire family.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Minnesota sock pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The socks are primarily worked in the round using stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for sock construction. The pattern incorporates intarsia colorwork for the charted design section, allowing knitters to work with multiple colors (yellow and gray contrast colors alongside the main color) to create a detailed motif. Additional techniques include slipped stitches worked purl-wise for a refined edge, the German Twisted Cast-on method for a secure and elastic foundation, and the M1 (Make One) increase technique for shaping. The pattern notes indicate that all stitches in the charted section are worked in stockinette stitch, maintaining consistency throughout the colorwork design.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (knit in the round and worked flat)
• Slipped stitches (purl-wise)
• M1 (Make One) increases
• Intarsia colorwork stitches

Materials and Specifications

The Minnesota sock pattern is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which provides the appropriate thickness and drape for comfortable, well-fitting socks. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 150 yards (137 meters) for the smallest Child 5-7 size to 308 yards (282 meters) for the largest Women 10½+ size. The main color (MC) comprises the bulk of yardage, while contrast colors CC1 (yellow) and CC2 (gray) each require only 2½ yards (6.5 meters), making this an excellent pattern for using up small amounts of coordinating yarn. Knitters will need US Size 1 [2.25mm] needles to achieve the specified gauge of 30 stitches by 40 rows over a 4-inch (10cm) square in stockinette stitch. This needle size is appropriate for working with 4-ply yarn and creating the fabric density necessary for durable, long-wearing socks.