Insocknia

Insocknia Knitted Socks by Peri Wilson

What is Being Made

Insocknia is a pair of knitted socks designed by Peri Wilson. These are top-down socks that combine an engaging twist stitch pattern with traditional sock construction techniques. The design is suitable for knitters seeking a project with moderate challenge—complex enough to remain engaging but straightforward enough to knit while watching television or working on the go.

Yarn and Materials

This sock pattern calls for 100g (400 meters) of 4ply or fingering weight sock yarn. The yarn weight and yardage are standard for a single pair of socks. The pattern works well with solid-colored yarns, semi-solid yarns, and lightly speckled yarns, allowing knitters flexibility in color selection. You will need 2.5mm circular needles (80–100cm length) or 2.5mm double-pointed needles, along with stitch markers and a tapestry needle for grafting the toe closure.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Insocknia socks employ several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Twist Pattern: The primary design feature is a twist stitch pattern that is easy to remember and enjoyable to knit repeatedly throughout the leg and foot sections.
• Top-Down Construction: The socks are knit from the cuff downward toward the toe, a popular method that allows for easy fitting adjustments.
• Garter Stitch Short Row Heel: The heel is worked using short rows with the wrap-and-turn (W&T) technique, creating a garter stitch texture. This method involves bringing yarn forward, slipping stitches, and wrapping them to create the heel cup.
• Stocking Stitch Body: The leg and foot are worked in stocking stitch, the standard smooth fabric for sock knitting.
• Traditional Toe: The toe is finished with a classic grafted closure using a tapestry needle, joining live stitches seamlessly.

Stitch Abbreviations and Gauge

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including knit (K), purl (P), knit through the back of the loop (Ktbl), knit two together (K2tog), slip one (sl1), slip-slip-knit (SSK), place marker (PM), slip marker (SM), and wrap-and-turn (W&T). The recommended gauge is 32 stitches over 47 rounds in stocking stitch, measuring 10 centimeters (4 inches). Achieving proper gauge is essential for correct sock fit.

Difficulty Level

Insocknia is rated as an intermediate knitting project. The twist pattern requires attention but remains easy to memorize, making it suitable for knitters with basic sock-knitting experience. The short row heel and grafted toe closure are standard techniques that intermediate knitters should be comfortable executing.