Boone

Boone Socks by Katherine Vaughan

What is Being Made

Boone is a women's sock pattern designed by Katherine Vaughan, available in three sizes: Small (foot circumference 7 inches / 18 cm), Medium (8 inches / 20.5 cm), and Large (9 inches / 23 cm). These are toe-up socks that combine two distinct knitting techniques—cable twists and ribbing—in a single cohesive design.

Design and Construction Techniques

The Boone pattern solves the challenge of pairing cable patterns with ribbed socks, which can be technically demanding. The design features a simple cable twist pattern that flows vertically up the sides of the sock from toe to cuff, while ribbing fills the instep and sole of the foot. This strategic placement allows the cable detail to be prominent on the visible outer sides while the ribbed sections provide structure and comfort where needed. The pattern is maintained over short-row shaping, a technique that allows the sock to conform to the heel and foot contours while preserving the stitch pattern integrity.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several essential sock-knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (K): The foundational stitch used throughout the sock
• Knit two stitches together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Knit two stitches together through the back loops (K2tog-tbl): A left-leaning decrease for balanced decreases
• Make one right (M1R): An increase worked by lifting the bar before the next stitch from back to front and knitting through the back loop, used for shaping the foot
• Cable twists: The signature pattern element that creates texture on the sock sides
• 4x4 ribbing: The stitch pattern used on the instep and sole for structure and stretch
• Short-row shaping: Used to construct the heel and ensure proper fit
• Toe-up construction: The socks are knit beginning at the toe and working upward to the cuff

Materials and Tools

The pattern requires 2 (2, 3) skeins of LanaMundi Yarns SilverSpun, a specialty yarn composed of 87% combed cotton, 11% silver, and 2% Lycra. Each skein contains 173 yards (158 meters) and weighs 1.7 ounces (50 grams). The silver content adds a subtle sheen and the Lycra provides stretch and recovery for comfortable wear.

Knitting tools needed include one set of US 3 / 3.25 mm double-pointed needles (or the knitter's preferred needles for sock knitting), 5 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work.

Gauge

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 32 stitches and 50 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in 4x4 ribbing. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit, particularly in the foot circumference measurements.

Difficulty Level

Boone is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While basic sock construction techniques are required, the combination of cable patterns with ribbing and the use of short-row shaping add complexity beyond beginner-level sock patterns. Knitters should be comfortable with decreases, increases, stitch markers, and working on double-pointed needles before attempting this design.