Rio Grande Socks in Regia 4 Ply 50g - 4530 - Downloadable PDF

Rio Grande Socks in Regia 4 Ply 50g – Pattern 4530 by REGIA Designteam

The Rio Grande Socks (Pattern 4530) are a pair of knitted socks designed by the REGIA Designteam and originally published in August 1999. This downloadable PDF pattern is available free of charge and is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with basic sock construction and are ready to explore colourwork techniques. The design is worked in the round on double pointed needles using Regia 4-ply yarn, and it features a striking combination of geometric Jacquard patterning and textured dot work that gives these socks their bold, characterful appearance.

Sizes Available

The pattern is written for two sizes: a children's size 26/27 and an adult size 38/39. Instructions are given for the smallest size first, with changes for the larger size noted separately throughout the pattern. Where only one figure is given, it applies to both sizes.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Regia 4-ply, 50 g balls, in four colours:
  • Col. 02002 – Kirsche (cherry red), 1 ball
  • Col. 01968 – Hellgrau (light grey), 1 ball
  • Col. 02740 – Indigo, 1 ball
  • Col. 00522 – Anthrazit Meliert (heathered charcoal), 1 ball
• Needles: Double pointed needles (DPNs) in sizes 2.0–3.0 mm (US 1–3)
• Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Yarn and Weight

Regia 4-ply is a fingering-weight sock yarn well known for its durability and stitch definition, making it an ideal choice for socks that need to withstand regular wear. The four-colour palette used in the Rio Grande Socks — kirsche, hellgrau, indigo, and anthrazit meliert — creates a vivid, high-contrast colourwork effect that is characteristic of traditional folk-inspired sock designs. Using separate 50 g balls of each colour gives the knitter full control over the colourwork sections.

Techniques and Construction

These socks are knitted entirely in the round using double pointed needles, which is the traditional method for small-circumference knitting such as socks, gloves, and mittens. The pattern employs three distinct stitch patterns and techniques:

• Rib Pattern: A classic 1×1 rib (alternating knit 1, purl 1) is used, most typically at the cuff, to create a stretchy, snug-fitting edge that keeps the sock securely in place on the leg.
• Jacquard Pattern: All rounds in the Jacquard section are worked in stocking stitch (knit every round when working in the round), following a colour chart. The motif repeat is 6 stitches wide and 14 rounds tall, and is repeated across all stitches and throughout the length of the patterned section. This type of stranded colourwork, often referred to as Fair Isle or two-colour knitting, involves carrying the yarn not in use loosely across the back of the work to create a double-layered, warm fabric.
• Dot Pattern: This technique alternates single stitches between two colours — either hellgrau and indigo or hellgrau and anthrazit meliert — with the colours staggered on each successive round. The result is a subtle, textured spotted effect that adds visual interest between the more structured Jacquard sections and provides a pleasing contrast to the bold geometric motifs.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the foundation stitch for stocking stitch and rib