Citrus Socks

Citrus Socks by Aud Bergo

What is Being Made

Citrus Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of colorwork socks designed by Aud Bergo. The socks feature a vibrant two-color design combining orange and natural tones. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in two sizes to fit European shoe sizes EUR 36-37 and EUR 38-40, with adjustable foot length and a choice between short or long leg options.

Techniques Used

The Citrus Socks pattern employs several fundamental sock-knitting techniques. The socks are constructed from the cuff down, a popular method that allows for easy adjustments to leg length and foot fit. The pattern incorporates a traditional heel flap and gusset construction, which provides durability and a comfortable fit around the heel area. Colorwork patterning is integrated throughout the leg of the sock, requiring knitters to manage two yarn colors simultaneously. The pattern is written to accommodate multiple needle techniques, including the magic loop method on a single long circular needle, two small circular needles, or five double-pointed needles, giving knitters flexibility in their preferred working style.

Stitches Used

The Citrus Socks pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch as the foundation, with colorwork stitches creating the decorative pattern. Decreases are worked on each side of the leg to shape the sock appropriately. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters who have experience with circular knitting and basic colorwork methods.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Citrus Socks requires fingering weight yarn, typically measuring 175-200 meters per 50 grams. For the largest size, approximately 55 grams of Color 1 (orange) and 45 grams of Color 2 (natural) are needed. The pattern accommodates standard fingering weight yardage, making it accessible with most commercial sock yarns in this weight category.

Needles: The pattern calls for needles in two sizes to achieve proper gauge and fit. Size 2.5 mm needles are used for the smallest needle size, while 3.0 mm needles serve as the largest needle size. Knitters should use one long circular needle for the magic loop technique, two small circular needles, or alternatively five double-pointed needles. Needle size adjustment may be necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

The gauge for Citrus Socks is 32 stitches and 36 rounds equal 10 centimeters when worked in the colorwork pattern on the largest needle. The pattern is written for two sizes: 64 stitches on the round with a 20 centimeter circumference, and 74 stitches on the round with a 23 centimeter circumference. The leg length, including cuff and heel, features decreases on each side and offers flexibility with a short leg option measuring 19.5 centimeters in pattern or a long leg option measuring 22.5 centimeters. The foot length is adjustable, ranging from 22 to 25 centimeters.