Winding Stream Socks

Winding Stream Socks by Kerry Bullock-Ozkan

What is Being Made

Winding Stream Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern for hand-knitted socks designed by Kerry Bullock-Ozkan. The pattern offers seven size options ranging from Toddler through Adult XL, making it suitable for the entire family. Finished circumferences range from 5 inches (12.5 cm) for toddlers to 9¼ inches (23.5 cm) for adult extra-large, with corresponding foot lengths from 5 inches (12.5 cm) to 11½ inches (29 cm).

Design Philosophy and Pattern Features

The designer created these socks with a specific intention: to showcase beautiful variegated yarn without overwhelming it with complex stitch patterns. The pattern incorporates a simple cable design that is easily memorized, allowing knitters to work the cables without requiring a cable needle—a feature that simplifies the knitting process and makes the project more accessible for intermediate-level knitters.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Winding Stream Socks employs fundamental sock knitting techniques combined with cable stitch work. The pattern uses a straightforward cable pattern as its primary stitch element, which is worked in the round as is typical for sock construction. The cable pattern is designed to be simple enough to memorize, making it ideal for knitters who want to work without constantly referring to written instructions. The gauge for this pattern is 34 stitches and 50 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in the main stitch pattern, which is characteristic of fingering-weight yarn knitting.

Yarn and Materials

Winding Stream Socks is designed to be knitted with fingering-weight yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 134 yards (123 meters) for the toddler size to 512 yards (468 meters) for the adult extra-large size. The pattern samples showcase the versatility of the design with two different yarn options. The blue and purple sample was knitted using MJ Yarns Simple Sock, which is composed of 75% superwash Corriedale wool and 25% nylon, offering durability and easy care. This yarn is available in 380-yard (340-meter) skeins weighing 100 grams or 3.5 ounces, with the sample using the colorway Cerulean Twilight. The white and light blue sample was created using Ninja Chickens Eco Printed Sock Blank, made from 100% organic wool, available as a pre-wound sock blank weighing 115 grams with 405 yards (370 meters) of yardage. Knitters will need appropriate needles for working with fingering-weight yarn in the round, typically double-pointed needles or circular needles suitable for small circumference knitting.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have progressed beyond basic sock construction but may still be developing their cable knitting skills. The straightforward cable pattern and the option to work cables without a cable needle make this an excellent intermediate project that does not require advanced technical skills.