Double lucky socks

Double Lucky Socks by Corrina Ferguson

What Is Being Made

Double Lucky Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by Corrina Ferguson featuring decorative patterning inspired by symbols of good fortune. The socks showcase alternating columns of horseshoes and four-leaf clovers worked into the fabric, creating both visual interest and symbolic meaning. These are functional yet decorative socks intended to combine comfort with lucky charm symbolism, making them suitable as gifts or personal keepsakes.

Craft and Techniques

This project uses knitting as the primary craft method. The socks are worked in the round using circular needles, which is the standard construction method for seamless sock knitting. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork or intarsia techniques to create the horseshoe and four-leaf clover motifs within columns running vertically along the sock shaft. Advanced knitters will appreciate the technical challenge of maintaining pattern accuracy while managing the cylindrical construction and shaping required for proper sock fit.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping decreases:

• Knit (k) – The basic knit stitch forming the foundation of stockinette stitch fabric
• Purl (p) – Used to create texture variations and pattern definition
• Yarn Over (yo) – Creates decorative eyelets or lace elements within the design
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping the sock
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches knitwise individually to the right needle, then inserting the left needle through the front of both stitches and knitting them together
• Purl 2 Together (p2tog) – A decrease worked on purl rows
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sk2p) – A centered double decrease for more pronounced shaping

The stockinette stitch base (knit on round, purl on flat) creates a smooth, classic sock fabric that showcases the colorwork patterns effectively.

Materials and Specifications

The recommended yarn for Double Lucky Socks is Politically Incorrect Merino Silk Sock in the Unfinished Business Colorway. One skein of 100 grams containing 440 yards is sufficient to complete the project. This merino and silk blend provides softness, breathability, and a luxurious feel against the skin while offering the durability needed for sock wear.

Construction requires Size 2 (3.0mm) Addi Circular Needles in a 40-inch length, which allows for working the socks in the round without using double-pointed needles. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing.

Sizing and Gauge

The pattern is offered in two sizes: Small/Medium (S/M) and Medium/Large (M/L). The S/M size produces socks measuring approximately 7.5 inches unstretched around the foot, while the M/L size measures approximately 9.5 inches unstretched. The stitch counts vary between sizes, with S/M numbers listed first and M/L numbers shown in parentheses throughout the pattern.

The recommended gauge is approximately 30 stitches and 44 rows per 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished socks fit correctly and that the colorwork patterns align as intended.

Difficulty Level

Double Lucky Socks is classified as an advanced knitting project. This difficulty rating reflects the combination of circular sock knitting construction, colorwork pattern execution, and the precision required to maintain both stitch count and pattern accuracy throughout the project. Knitters should be comfortable with in-the-round knitting, reading charts, managing multiple colors, and executing various decrease stitches before attempting this design.