Spare Time

Spare Time Socks by Shannon Squire

What is Being Made

Spare Time is a pair of fun and funky ribbed socks designed by Shannon Squire. These socks are crafted using the top-down method and are perfect for knitters looking for an engaging project that combines interesting construction techniques with a playful aesthetic. The socks feature a distinctive gusset increase construction that adds visual interest and keeps the knitter engaged throughout the project.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern employs top-down sock construction, which is a traditional method for creating fitted socks from the cuff down to the toe. The most distinctive feature of this design is its interesting and fun gusset increase construction, which sets it apart from basic sock patterns and provides an engaging knitting experience that will keep crafters focused and entertained while filling spare time.

Stitches Used

The Spare Time socks utilize several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch – the foundational stitch used throughout the sock
• Purl stitch – used to create the ribbed texture
• Right twist (rt) – a twisted stitch variation that adds decorative detail
• Make one right leaning (m1r) – an increase technique used in the gusset construction, created by bringing the tip of the left needle under the strand between stitches from back to front and knitting through the front of the resulting loop to twist it
• Knit two stitches together (k2tog) – a decrease technique for shaping

Materials and Specifications

The Spare Time socks are designed to be knitted with fingering-weight yarn, requiring approximately 250 to 350 yards total. The pattern was tested with Knitted Wit Victory Sock yarn in the Kelp Cakes colorway. Knitters will need US 1 / 2.25mm needles for small-circumference knitting, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional notions required include stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Pattern Details

This is a downloadable PDF pattern created by independent designer Shannon Squire and published in 2018. The pattern is intended for personal use only and includes photography by Stefan Lombard. The intermediate difficulty level makes this project suitable for knitters who have completed basic sock patterns and are ready to explore more complex gusset construction techniques.