Eight legs, two socks

Eight Legs, Two Socks

What is Being Made

Eight Legs, Two Socks is an advanced knitting pattern for a pair of socks featuring a distinctive stitch pattern that creates little spiders working up the foot and leg. Designed by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren, this pattern offers creative flexibility by allowing knitters to work the spiders in a contrasting colour and embellish them with beads if desired. The pattern accommodates two different construction methods, providing instructions for both toe-up and top-down approaches to suit individual knitting preferences.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This advanced sock pattern incorporates a comprehensive range of knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The construction begins with either Judy's magic cast on for toe-up construction or a long-tail cast on for top-down construction. Knitters will work in the round using either double-pointed needles or circular needles, employing stockinette stitch as the foundation fabric. The spider stitch pattern is created through a combination of knit and purl stitches, with increases and decreases shaping the sock structure. Advanced techniques include wrap and turn short rows for heel shaping, picking up wraps to close gaps, knitting through the back loop for twisted stitches, and slipped stitches for stitch definition. The pattern concludes with grafting to join the toe seamlessly and a surprisingly stretchy bind off to ensure comfortable cuff elasticity. Optional colourwork and beading techniques allow for further customization and embellishment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base
• Knit and purl stitches for the spider stitch pattern
• Slipped stitches for pattern definition
• Knit through back loop for twisted stitch variations
• Increasing stitches for shaping
• Decreasing stitches for sock tapering
• Wrap and turn short rows for heel construction
• Grafting stitch for seamless toe closure
• Optional colourwork stitches for spider contrast

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern requires 100g of 4ply (fingering) weight yarn. The sample shown uses Regia silk in burgundy, paired with King Cole merino blend 4ply in grey and purple for optional colourwork on the spiders.

Needles: Two sizes of needles are required: 2.5mm needles for the main sock fabric and 2.25mm needles for ribbing or cuff work. Knitters may choose between double-pointed needles or circular needles for working in the round, depending on personal preference.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle is essential for weaving in yarn ends and grafting the toe. Stitch markers help track pattern repeats and construction points. A thin crochet hook is optional but useful for picking up wraps during short-row shaping. Beads are entirely optional for embellishing the spider motifs.

Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 32 stitches and 44 rows per 10 centimetres in stockinette stitch using the larger 2.5mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for correct sizing and fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters with solid foundational skills. The combination of techniques including short-row shaping, grafting, and optional colourwork requires confidence and precision. Knitters new to sock construction or advanced techniques may benefit from prior experience before attempting this project.