Tyng Street Socks

Tyng Street Socks by Mary Jane Mucklestone

What Is Being Made

Tyng Street Socks are a pair of short, colorful knitted socks designed by Mary Jane Mucklestone. These socks feature a charming peerie pattern that circles the ankle twice in opposite colorways, creating visual interest and texture around the ankle area. The heels and toes are worked in bold contrast colors that stand out distinctly from the main body of the sock, making them an eye-catching accessory. The socks are available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with circumferences ranging from 8 to 10 inches and an ankle length to heel flap of 3 inches.

Design and Pattern Features

The defining characteristic of Tyng Street Socks is the peerie pattern, a traditional Fair Isle-inspired motif that encircles the ankle region twice using contrasting colorways. This pattern adds both visual appeal and a touch of traditional knitting heritage to the design. The contrast heel and toe construction creates a bold visual statement, making these socks ideal for showcasing multiple colors within a single project. The design philosophy encourages creativity and stash-busting, as the socks do not require matching colors throughout—they can be "the same only different," allowing knitters to use oddments and leftover yarn from their collections.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Tyng Street Socks are worked using fundamental sock knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The project employs stranded colorwork, also known as Fair Isle knitting, to create the peerie pattern around the ankle. This technique involves carrying multiple colors of yarn across the row and selecting the appropriate color for each stitch to form the pattern. The socks are constructed in the round using small circumference needles, which is the traditional method for sock knitting. The heel and toe are worked separately using contrast colors, likely employing standard heel flap and gusset construction or a similar heel-turning technique, followed by a grafted or kitchener-stitched toe closure for a seamless finish.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Tyng Street Socks are designed to be knitted with Elemental Affects Shetland yarn, a 4-ply weight yarn made from 100% North American Shetland wool. This yarn is supplied in 1-ounce skeins, each containing approximately 118 yards. The yardage requirements vary by size: Size Small requires 2 skeins of the main color (28 Yellow) plus small quantities of contrast colors; Sizes Medium and Large each require 3 skeins of the main color plus slightly larger quantities of the contrast colors. The specific contrast colors called for are 40 Watermelon, White, and 31 Azure, with yardage requirements ranging from 20 to 75 yards depending on the sock size and color.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US 2 (2.75mm) double-pointed needles or preferred needles for working in small circumferences, as well as US 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles or alternative small circumference needles to achieve the correct gauge. Knitters may substitute their preferred method for working in the round, such as circular needles or magic loop techniques, provided they can maintain the required gauge. The target gauge is 14 stitches and 16 rounds per 4 inches, which is typical for 4-ply weight yarn and ensures the socks will fit properly at the specified circumferences.

Skill Level and Project Suitability

Tyng Street Socks are classified as an intermediate knitting project, making them suitable for knitters who have completed basic sock patterns and are comfortable with stranded colorwork techniques. The peerie pattern introduces Fair Isle knitting, which requires managing multiple colors and maintaining even tension across color changes. This project is particularly well-suited for knitters looking to use up yarn scraps and oddments from their stash, as the design celebrates color variation and does not require perfectly matched colors throughout the pair.