Bas sors pas

Bas Sors Pas Knitted Socks by Maude L. Baril

What Is Being Made

The Bas Sors Pas is a pair of knitted socks designed by independent designer Maude L. Baril. The name, which means "don't go out socks" in French, reflects the pattern's origins during pandemic confinement. These are calf-length socks sized to fit feet measuring 18 to 24 cm (7" to 9") in circumference, with easily adaptable length. The socks are constructed using a traditional top-down approach, beginning at the ankle and working downward to the toes.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Bas Sors Pas employs a classic sock construction technique featuring a heel flap and grafted toe closure. The pattern is specifically designed to be easy to memorize, making it suitable for working during meetings or other activities requiring partial attention. The sock features two cable elements that are worked only every 12 rows, keeping the pattern simple and rhythmic without requiring constant concentration on complex stitch sequences.

The socks are worked in the round using either small circular needles or four double-pointed needles, depending on personal preference. This method allows for seamless construction and even tension throughout the leg and foot.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch work in the Bas Sors Pas involves cable knitting, which creates decorative twisted rope-like textures running down the leg of the sock. The cables are spaced at 12-row intervals, making them manageable for knitters of intermediate skill level. The heel flap uses traditional short-row shaping techniques, while the toe closure employs grafting (also known as Kitchener stitch), a method that joins two sets of live stitches seamlessly for a professional finish.

Yarn and Materials

The Bas Sors Pas pattern calls for one skein of 4-ply sock yarn weighing 100 grams. The designer used Hedgehog Fibres yarn in the colorway merlot, which consists of a blend of merino wool and nylon. This particular yarn provides 400 meters of yardage per 100-gram skein, offering excellent durability and elasticity for sock wear. The nylon content adds strength and longevity to the finished socks.

Needles required are 2.25mm (or the size needed to achieve proper gauge), available in either small circular or double-pointed needle formats. A cable needle is listed as optional, as knitters may substitute a double-pointed needle of similar size for cable manipulation.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the cable techniques and heel flap construction require some prior knitting experience, the simplified cable repeat every 12 rows and straightforward stitch patterns make it accessible to knitters who have completed basic sock projects. The pattern's design prioritizes ease of memorization over complex stitch work, making it an excellent choice for knitters seeking a project that remains engaging without demanding constant pattern reference.