Jongleurs Socks

Jongleurs Socks by RiotousAssembly

What is Being Made

Jongleurs Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern for lightweight socks designed by Sue Grandfield of RiotousAssembly. The pattern offers four sizes ranging from approximately 6.75 inches to 9.75 inches in circumference (17.25 cm to 24.75 cm), making it suitable for a range of foot sizes from small to extra large. These socks feature a distinctive cuff design combined with a charted leg pattern, creating a visually interesting finished garment.

Techniques and Construction

The Jongleurs Socks employ several key knitting techniques to create their distinctive appearance. The cuff is constructed using a slip stitch rib method, which creates a textured, elastic edge that sits comfortably around the ankle. This technique involves alternating knit and purl stitches while slipping stitches with yarn in back (wyib), creating a neat, refined finish.

The pattern utilizes two-color stranded knitting throughout the cuff and leg sections. Knitters work with two yarn colors simultaneously—designated as color A and color B—switching between them according to the pattern instructions. This creates a multi-colored design without the need for weaving in multiple yarn ends.

The leg features a charted stitch pattern that repeats multiple times around the circumference. Knitters work from a visual chart, following the pattern repeat 6 to 11 times per round depending on the chosen size. This charted approach allows for precise pattern placement and creates the distinctive visual design of the finished socks.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in the slip stitch rib cuff to create texture and elasticity
• Slip stitch (slip 1 wyib) – stitches slipped with yarn held in back, creating the characteristic appearance of the slip stitch rib
• Charted pattern stitches – the leg pattern combines knit and purl stitches according to the provided chart

Materials and Gauge

The Jongleurs Socks pattern calls for lightweight sock yarn in a 3-ply or 4-ply weight. The pattern is shown in Black Trillium "Merilon Sock" yarn in two colorways: Earth (color A) and Granite (color B). Alternative colorways are also demonstrated in the pattern, including Butter Beer and Midnight Emerald combinations, allowing knitters flexibility in color selection.

The pattern requires 2.50mm needles (US size 1) for the main sock construction, with 2.25mm needles available as an alternative for achieving proper gauge. The specified gauge is 37 stitches and 40 rows per 4 inches, which is typical for lightweight sock yarn and creates a durable, well-fitting garment.

Difficulty Level

Classified as intermediate difficulty, the Jongleurs Socks pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle two-color stranded knitting and chart reading. The slip stitch rib cuff requires attention to technique, and the charted leg pattern demands focus and consistency, making this an ideal project for advancing knitters seeking to expand their technical repertoire.