Bica

Bica Socks by Anne Michelle Phelan

What Is Being Made

Bica Socks are a pair of knitted socks inspired by the perfect little Portuguese coffee. These are fitted socks designed to flatter the foot with three size options available: Small (to fit women's US sizes 4-6, EU 35-37), Medium (US 7-9, EU 38-40), and Large (US 10-12, EU 41-43). The finished socks feature a foot circumference of 7 inches for Small, 8 inches for Medium, and 9 inches for Large, with a consistent leg length of 6 inches measured from cuff to the base of the heel.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques that create visual interest and texture in the finished socks. The pattern incorporates circular knitting using a 32-inch circular needle, which allows for seamless construction in the round. The design features decorative stitch work that requires attention to detail and understanding of how stitches interact when worked in different directions.

The socks are constructed using traditional sock architecture, including shaping at the heel and foot. Knitters will work through increases and decreases to achieve proper fit, and the pattern requires familiarity with working in the round and managing stitches across multiple needles or a circular needle.

Stitches Used

• Double Stitch (mds): Created by slipping one stitch purlwise with yarn in front, then bringing the yarn up, over, and back while pulling on the slipped stitch until it slides around to show two legs. This creates a distinctive textured effect.
• Bobble (MB): A decorative raised stitch formed by knitting into the front of a stitch, then the back, then the front again. The stitch is then worked back and forth in rows (purl 3, knit 3, purl 3) before being decreased together using a slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (SK2P) decrease.
• Knit (k): The fundamental knit stitch used throughout the sock construction.
• Purl (p): Used in combination with knit stitches and as part of bobble construction.
• Knit into front and back (kfb): An increase stitch that creates additional stitches for shaping.
• Slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (SK2P): A centered double decrease used to shape the sock and complete bobbles.

Materials and Yarn

The Bica Socks pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, specifically a 4-ply construction. The yardage requirement is approximately 300 to 400 yards (274 to 366 metres), with one ball of yarn being sufficient to complete the project. The socks shown in the pattern are knitted in Retrosaria Mondim, a 100% wool yarn available in 421 yards (385 metres) per 100-gram ball, shown here in colorway #302.

Needles required include one 32-inch (80-centimeter) long circular needle in US size 1.5 (2.4mm). The use of a circular needle allows for seamless sock knitting in the round, which is the preferred method for creating fitted, comfortable socks without seams.