Palliser

Palliser Socks by Corrine Walcher

Project Overview

Palliser Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by independent designer Corrine Walcher. This intermediate-level sock pattern draws inspiration from Palliser Mountain Range, located in the Southeastern corner of Banff National Park, Alberta. The design celebrates one of nature's most scenic destinations through a sophisticated cable motif worked in the round.

What Is Being Made

These are hand-knitted socks featuring a distinctive double diamond cable design. The pattern offers customization options, allowing knitters to work the cable pattern on the front of the sock only, or on both the front and back for a more elaborate appearance. The socks are available in three sizes: Small (7" around), Medium (8" around), and Large (9" around) when measured unstretched.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Knitting in the round: The socks are constructed using circular construction methods, which creates seamless fabric and is the traditional approach for sock knitting
• Cable knitting: The double diamond cable motif requires crossing stitches over one another to create dimensional, twisted patterns
• Stockinette stitch: The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth, classic finish
• Decreasing techniques: The pattern includes stitch decreases such as SSK (slip, slip, knit) and P2tog (purl two together) for shaping
• Marker placement: Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and construction sections

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches including knit, purl, slip stitches, and decreases. Specific abbreviations employed are: K (knit), P (purl), Sl (slip as if to purl with yarn in back), PM (place marker), SM (slip marker), P2tog (purl two together), and SSK (slip as if to knit, slip next stitch as if to knit, knit these two stitches together).

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock yarn, which is 100% Superwash Merino wool. This yarn weight is suitable for 3-ply and 4-ply applications and provides 400 yards per 4 ounces. The sample socks featured in the pattern were knit in the Columbus Circle colorway.

Needles: Knitters may choose between a set of 5 double-pointed needles or two circular needles, both in size 1 US (2.5 mm), or a size that achieves the correct gauge for the individual knitter.

Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 8 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch, measured when knitting in the round. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished sock size.

Pattern Details

This downloadable PDF pattern includes complete instructions for creating finished socks with professional construction. The intermediate difficulty level makes this pattern suitable for knitters who have experience with basic sock construction and cable techniques but may still be developing advanced skills. The customizable cable placement allows knitters to adjust the visual impact of the design based on personal preference and skill level.