Conifer

Conifer Socks by Meghan Jackson

What is Being Made

Conifer is an advanced knitted sock pattern designed by Meghan Jackson. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a pair of socks with a finished cuff circumference of 8 inches unstretched (11 inches stretched), a leg length of 7 inches, and a foot length of 8 inches unstretched (9 inches stretched). The pattern is written for a standard adult sock size and can be customized by adjusting needle size or adding stitches in multiples of 11 to the cuff and leg sections.

Techniques Used

The Conifer sock pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced knitters. The construction begins with a cast-on of 66 stitches worked in the round using double-pointed needles. The pattern features a charted lace design in the cuff and leg sections, with written row-by-row directions provided as an alternative to chart reading. Key techniques include working decreases and yarn overs to create the lace motif, knitting through the back loop (ktbl) for twisted stitches, and maintaining gauge consistency throughout the sock construction. The pattern allows for customization through needle size adjustment or by adding stitches in multiples of 11 to accommodate different foot sizes.

Stitches Used

The Conifer pattern utilizes a variety of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches. The primary stitch base is stockinette stitch, which provides the smooth fabric foundation for the sock. Lace patterning is created through strategic use of yarn overs (yo) to create openwork eyelets and decreases including slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) to balance the yarn overs. Knit through the back loop (ktbl) stitches are incorporated into the lace pattern to create twisted stitches that add visual interest and texture. The pattern is worked in the round, which requires continuous knitting without turning the work.

Materials

The Conifer sock pattern requires 2 skeins of Apple Laine yarn in the colorway Apple Pie, with each skein weighing 56 grams and providing approximately 200 yards (182 meters) of yarn. This yarn is a 4-ply weight, suitable for creating socks with appropriate drape and durability. The pattern calls for a set of 5 double-pointed needles in size 2.5 mm (US 1), which work in conjunction with the yarn weight to achieve the specified gauge of 8 stitches per inch and 10 to 11 rows per inch in stockinette stitch. A darning needle is also required for weaving in yarn ends upon completion of the socks.