Cornicette Socks

Cornicette Socks by Laura Penrose

What is Being Made

Cornicette Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by Laura Penrose under the Penrose Knits label. These socks feature colorwork patterning and are available in five size options ranging from extra small to extra large, with circumferences from 18cm to 24cm when unstretched. The design accommodates different leg lengths, offering shorties, regular leg, and long leg variations, allowing knitters to customize the finished sock length to their preference.

Construction Technique

The Cornicette Socks are constructed using the cuff-down method, knit in the round as one continuous tube. The socks are finished with a wedge toe and incorporate an afterthought heel, which is added after the main sock body is complete. This construction approach allows for flexibility in heel placement and positioning. The colorwork pattern is integrated throughout the sock design, with built-in placement options that accommodate different leg length choices, enabling knitters to decide on shortie, regular, or long leg versions before beginning.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch used in Cornicette Socks is stockinette stitch, worked in the round. The pattern incorporates colorwork as a central design element, with the color pattern integrated into the overall construction. The gauge for stockinette stitch in the round, when blocked, is 32 stitches by 42 rows per 10cm by 10cm. Knitters will use stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points throughout the project.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Cornicette Socks are designed for 4-ply or fingering weight yarn. The suggested yarn is Filcolana Arwetta Classic, a blend of 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon with a yardage of 210 meters per 50 grams. The pattern uses equal amounts of main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) throughout. Recommended yarn quantities for a complete pair vary by size: 60g total for sizes XS and S, 80g for size M, 80g for size L, and 90g for size XL. Knitters working shorties will require less yardage, while those choosing long legs will need additional yarn beyond the suggested amounts.

Needles and Equipment

The pattern recommends 2.25mm, 2.5mm, or 2.75mm needles depending on individual gauge and yarn choice, or any suitable needle size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The sample sock was knit using the magic loop method, though knitters may use any needle preference that allows for knitting in the round. Additional equipment needed includes 2 stitch markers, scissors, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Difficulty Level

Cornicette Socks are rated as an intermediate difficulty project. This difficulty level reflects the combination of techniques involved: working in the round with a small circumference, managing colorwork patterning, executing the afterthought heel method, and achieving proper gauge with fingering weight yarn. Knitters should have foundational skills in circular knitting and be comfortable following colorwork charts before beginning this project.