Spinning Wheel

Spinning Wheel Socks by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

The Spinning Wheel socks are a knitted sock design created by independent designer Corrine Walcher, specifically designed as a gift for a friend who is a new spinner. These socks feature a distinctive visual motif inspired by spinning wheels, making them a thematic choice for fiber artists. The design is available in three sizes: Small (7" around), Medium (8" around), and Large (9" around) when measured unstretched.

Design Features and Stitch Work

The primary design element consists of spoked wheels that are interspersed throughout the sock with columns of reverse stockinette stitch. This creates visual interest and texture variation across the leg of the sock. The cuff is finished with a 1x1 ribbed pattern, which Walcher notes continues a feminine line through the design. The combination of stockinette wheels against reverse stockinette columns produces a striking contrast that highlights the spinning wheel motif.

Knitting Techniques Used

This is an intermediate-level knitting project worked in the round, which is the traditional method for sock construction. The pattern employs several fundamental sock-knitting techniques:

• Circular knitting: Socks can be knit using either a set of 5 double-pointed needles or two circular needles, both methods producing seamless, tubular fabric
• Decreasing techniques: The pattern uses K2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases to shape the sock
• Yarn overs: YO (yarn over) stitches are incorporated, likely to create the openwork or textured elements of the wheel design
• Marker placement: Stitch markers help track pattern repeats and construction points throughout the round

Stitches Included in Pattern

The Spinning Wheel pattern utilizes standard knitting abbreviations and stitches including: K (knit), P (purl), Sl (slip as if to purl with yarn in back), PM (place marker), SM (slip marker), K2tog (knit two together), P2tog (purl two together), SSK (slip, slip, knit), and YO (yarn over). These stitches combine to create the textured wheels and ribbed elements characteristic of the design.

Yarn and Needle Specifications

The pattern calls for Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sock yarn, which is composed of 100% superwash Merino wool blended with 20% nylon. This blend provides durability and elasticity essential for sock wear, with the nylon reinforcement extending the life of the finished garment. The yarn is available in 400-yard skeins at 100 grams. The sample sock shown in the pattern was knit in the colorway Victorian Village.

Socks are knit on US size 1 (2.5 mm) needles, either as a set of 5 double-pointed needles or using two circular needles. The recommended gauge is 8 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch when knit in the round. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished sock dimensions.

Yarn Weight Compatibility

This pattern is designed for use with 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, which are typical sock yarn constructions. These lighter weights create fabric with the appropriate drape and elasticity for comfortable, well-fitting socks that are not bulky.

Pattern copyright 2016 by Corrine Walcher. This is a downloadable PDF format pattern intended for personal use only.