West Virginia

West Virginia Socks by Melissa Metzbower

What Is Being Made

West Virginia is an intermediate-level knitted sock pattern designed for women, available in three sizes (S, M, L) corresponding to US women's shoe sizes 5-7, 8-9½, and 10+. This downloadable PDF pattern celebrates the spirit of West Virginia with its windy roads, forests, cozy mountains, and creek-side cabins, inspired by the independent and close-knit culture of the state.

Finished Measurements

The socks are designed with a finished circumference of 8 inches (20.3 cm) for size S, 8½ inches (21.6 cm) for size M, and 9 inches (22.9 cm) for size L, ensuring a comfortable fit across the three size options.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

West Virginia socks are knit in the round, a fundamental technique for sock construction that creates seamless, tubular fabric. The pattern incorporates German Short Rows for the heel, a sophisticated shaping method that creates a smooth, fitted heel without the need for traditional heel flaps or gussets. This technique is particularly valued for its comfort and elegant construction. The pattern also uses Judy's Magic Cast On, a specialized cast-on method that creates two live stitches simultaneously on a single needle, making it ideal for beginning sock projects in the round with minimal setup.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch used throughout the West Virginia socks is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of quality sock knitting. The gauge is established at 30 stitches by 44 rows over a 4-inch (10 cm) square in stockinette stitch, providing the foundation for proper fit and fabric drape.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Audra Sock yarn by Country Roads Yarns, a premium sock yarn blend composed of 75% merino wool and 25% nylon. This fiber composition combines the breathability and temperature-regulating properties of merino wool with the durability and elasticity of nylon, making it ideal for hardwearing socks. One skein of the yarn in Silver Gray (the main color, abbreviated as MC) provides 462 yards (422 meters) of yardage in a 3.53-ounce (100-gram) skein, which is sufficient for completing the socks. The yarn is a 4-ply weight, a standard for sock knitting that provides excellent stitch definition and fabric integrity.

Skill Level and Pattern Complexity

Rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, West Virginia socks are suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more advanced construction techniques. The use of German Short Rows and Judy's Magic Cast On requires some experience, though the pattern references external tutorials to support knitters through these techniques.