ZigZags

ZigZags Socks by Alison Payne

What is Being Made

ZigZags is a downloadable knitting pattern for socks designed by independent designer Alison Payne. This pattern offers multiple size options to accommodate children and adults, ranging from UK Child 10-12 through UK Adult 10-12, with corresponding US and European sizing. The socks are knitted in the round using double pointed needles, creating a classic fitted sock construction suitable for everyday wear.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project classified as intermediate difficulty. The socks are worked in the round using the traditional method with double pointed needles, which allows for seamless construction and even stitch distribution. The pattern requires basic knitting competency, including understanding of tension, stitch markers, and fundamental shaping techniques.

Stitches and Construction Methods

The ZigZags pattern employs several essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the primary stitch used throughout the socks, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Knit and purl stitches – fundamental stitches that form the basis of the pattern
• Slip stitches – used for shaping and technique variations, including slip one stitch purlwise and slip one stitch knitwise
• Decreases – knit 2 together and purl 2 together techniques for shaping the sock foot and calf
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – an alternative decrease method that creates a left-leaning decrease

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn, specifically Knit craft by Hobbycraft Cotton Blend Plain in Light Blue. This yarn is composed of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, offering a blend of breathability and durability. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 1 to 2 balls of 100g yarn depending on the sock size selected.

Needles required include 3.75 mm (UK 9/US 5) single or double pointed needles for casting on, 3.25 mm (UK 10/US 3) double pointed needles for the main sock body, and 3.00 mm (UK 11) double pointed needles for finer sections. The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm when knitted in the round in stocking stitch using the 3.25 mm needles.

Additional notions required include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, 3 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and size shaping, and a stitch holder or spare needle for holding stitches during construction.