Shetland Fir Cone Socks

Shetland Fir Cone Socks by RiotousAssembly

Project Overview

Shetland Fir Cone Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Sue Grandfield for RiotousAssembly. This intermediate-level sock project features a distinctive fir cone stitch pattern worked in the round, creating an elegant textured design suitable for knitters with some experience in sock construction and chart reading.

What Is Being Made

These are knitted socks designed to be worked from the cuff down using circular needles. The pattern includes three size options—Small/Medium/Large—with corresponding stitch counts and finished circumference measurements. The socks feature a garter stitch cuff transition, a charted fir cone pattern repeat for the leg section, and shaping details that progress through multiple pattern rounds.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Circular knitting: Socks are worked in the round using appropriate needle sizes to maintain consistent fabric
• Chart reading: The fir cone pattern is worked from a stitch chart with a 10-stitch pattern repeat
• Decreasing: Purl two together (P2tog) decreases are used in the cast-on round to establish the correct stitch count
• Yarn overs: Yarn overs (yo) are incorporated into the pattern shaping, creating decorative eyelets or lace elements
• Marker placement and movement: Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and are repositioned as the pattern progresses
• Gauge management: Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished circumference

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Garter stitch: Used for the cuff, worked over 5 rows by alternating knit and purl rounds
• Fir cone pattern: A charted 10-stitch repeat worked across the leg section, repeated multiple times per round depending on size
• Knit stitch: Forms the base fabric throughout
• Purl stitch: Creates texture contrast in the cuff and within the pattern
• Purl two together (P2tog): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Yarn over (yo): Creates decorative increases and openwork elements within the fir cone motif

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for 1 x 100g skein of Black Trillium Merilon Sock yarn, which is a high-quality sock yarn suitable for durable, comfortable footwear. This yarn weight falls within the 3-ply to 4-ply range, providing the appropriate thickness for sock construction. Two needle sizes are required: 2.25mm needles and 2.50mm needles, or sizes as needed to obtain the specified gauge. The 2.50mm needles are used for the majority of the sock, while the 2.25mm needles may be reserved for ribbing or other sections requiring a tighter gauge.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is available in three sizes with the following finished leg circumferences when blocked:

• Small/Medium: 7.0 inches / 18 cm circumference
• Medium/Large: 8.25 inches / 21.5 cm circumference
• Large: 9.5 inches / 24 cm circumference

The leg length is approximately 6.25 inches (16 cm) from cast-on before the fir cone pattern begins, with additional length available by working additional pattern repeats as desired.

Pattern Structure and Difficulty

This is an intermediate-level pattern suitable for knitters who have experience with sock construction, circular needles, and chart reading. The pattern requires attention to detail for marker placement, understanding how markers shift during pattern progression, and the ability to work from a stitch chart. The combination of garter stitch foundation, charted pattern work, and strategic shaping makes this an engaging project for developing knitters seeking to expand their skills beyond basic sock patterns.