Pitter Patter Pinkies

Pitter Patter Pinkies Socks by Bronagh Miskelly

What is Being Made

Pitter Patter Pinkies is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of socks featuring a distinctive raindrop lace pattern throughout the leg. Designed by independent designer Bronagh Miskelly, these socks are available in three sizes to fit UK shoe sizes 4-6, 7-8, and 9-10, with corresponding leg circumferences of 18cm, 20cm, and 22cm respectively. The cuff length varies by size from 16cm to 18cm, while the foot length is fully adjustable to accommodate individual preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level sock pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create both visual interest and structural integrity. The raindrop lace pattern forms the primary design element, worked in the round using double-pointed needles or a circular needle. The heel is constructed using the short row method combined with ribbing, a technique that creates a fitted, comfortable heel without the need for traditional heel flaps. The use of yarn overs and various decrease techniques creates the characteristic lace openwork that gives these socks their distinctive appearance.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates a range of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches to achieve its design:

• Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the pattern
• Yarn overs (Yo) create the openings characteristic of lace patterns
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and slip, slip, purl (ssp) for paired decreases
• Slip, slip, slip, knit (sssk) and slip, slip, slip, purl (sssp) for triple decreases
• Make one (M1) increases worked into the space before the next stitch
• Knit two together through back of loop (k2tog tbl) for twisted decreases
• Purl two together through back of loop (p2tog tbl) for twisted purl decreases
• Ribbing used in the heel construction and cuff areas

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Pitter Patter Pinkies is designed for 4-ply weight yarn, requiring one 100g ball providing approximately 400 meters of yardage. The sample garment was knitted using WYS Signature 4ply, a yarn blend of 75% wool and 25% nylon that provides both warmth and durability for sock wear. The nylon content adds strength to withstand the friction and stretching that socks experience during regular use.

The pattern calls for 2.25mm needles, available in either double-pointed needle or circular needle format, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for working in the round. Additional notions include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and stitch holders for managing stitches during heel construction.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 38 stitches and 46 rows to 10cm measured over the raindrop lace pattern in its unstretched state. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit, particularly in the leg circumference measurements that determine whether the finished socks will fit comfortably.