Cor Cinniúnach

Cor Cinniúnach Socks by Ciara Ní Reachtnín

What is Being Made

Cor Cinniúnach are knitted socks designed by Ciara Ní Reachtnín. The name means "Turning Point" in Irish, reflecting the elegant construction of these intermediate-level socks. They are available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL, making them suitable for a wide range of foot sizes. These socks are specifically designed to fit with 1cm negative ease on the leg, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.

Construction and Techniques

These socks are knit in the round from the top down, a popular method that allows for seamless construction and easy customization of length. The design features a distinctive lattice-style cable pattern that wraps around the leg and continues along the foot, creating visual interest and a sophisticated finished appearance. The cable pattern ends in a point at the toe, adding an elegant detail to the overall design.

The sock incorporates several advanced shaping techniques. A slip stitch heel provides durability and comfort in a high-wear area, while a shaped gusset ensures proper fit around the instep. The toe is finished with grafting, a technique that creates an invisible seam for a seamless, professional appearance.

An important technique note for working the cables: to avoid ladders after a cable twist, the pattern instructs knitters to wrap the yarn from bottom to top around the needle when purling the next stitch. This prevents loose stitches and maintains an even fabric appearance. The finished socks should be blocked gently to avoid overstretching and distorting the cable pattern.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (stockinette stitch) as the base fabric
• Cable stitches for the lattice pattern on the leg and foot
• Slip stitch for heel construction
• Twisted stitches throughout the design
• Grafting stitch for the toe closure

Materials

These socks are designed to be knit in West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply yarn, a 4-ply weight yarn that creates a lightweight, durable fabric. The pattern calls for 2.25 mm needles or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. The specified gauge is 36 stitches by 45 rows over a 10 cm (4 inch) square in Stocking Stitch when blocked.

The 4-ply weight and West Yorkshire Spinners yarn choice make these socks ideal for spring and warmer seasons, offering breathability without sacrificing durability. The yarn weight is substantial enough to create a sock that will withstand regular wear while remaining comfortable in transitional weather.

Difficulty Level

Cor Cinniúnach is rated as an intermediate knitting project. Knitters should be comfortable with knitting in the round, working cable patterns, shaping techniques including gusset construction, and grafting. This is not a beginner project but is accessible to knitters with foundational skills and some experience with sock construction.