Product Description
Fool your feet into thinking your socks are more complex than they really are! Frost Asters uses simple techniques to create cables that look difficult but are actually a snap. The ideal showcase for multi-colored yarns--or knit a pair in a solid to really show off the cables.
Construction Notes These socks are worked from the cuff to the toe with small faux cables in the ribbing and wider ones on the sides. The large cables travel down the foot and join in a point over the toe.
Notions US 1 (2.25 mm) needles OR size needed to obtain gauge 5 markers including 1 unique for end of round tapestry needle
Skills Knit and purl k2tog, ssk, p2tog, sk2p faux cables picking up sts short rows grafting
I want to thank Margot Schips (mango on Ravelry) for providing the technical editing.
Frost Aster Socks by BeckyinVT
What is Being Made
Frost Aster is a downloadable knitting pattern for socks designed by Becky Herrick and published by Sugar Tree Designs. These are cuff-to-toe socks featuring decorative faux cable elements that create the illusion of complexity while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters. The pattern is available in three sizes: 7.5"/19 cm, 8.5"/21.5 cm, and 9.5"/24 cm leg circumference, with corresponding foot lengths of 9, 10, and 11 inches (23, 25.5, and 28 cm).
Design and Construction Techniques
Frost Aster employs a top-down construction method, beginning at the cuff and working downward to the toe. The design features small faux cables integrated into the ribbing at the cuff, with wider cable motifs running along the sides of the leg and foot. The distinguishing design element is the convergence of these larger cables, which travel down the foot and meet in a point over the toe area. This creates a visually striking focal point while the faux cable technique simplifies the actual knitting process, making the finished socks appear more intricate than the construction requires.
Stitches and Stitch Techniques
The primary stitch used in Frost Aster is stockinette stitch, which forms the base fabric. The pattern incorporates faux cable ribbing at the cuff and faux cables on the leg and foot. Faux cables create the appearance of twisted stitches without the complexity of traditional cable crossing techniques. The gauge for stockinette sections is 32 stitches and 46 rows per 4-inch (10 cm) square. The faux cable rib gauge is variable depending on how the fabric is stretched, but remains comparable to stockinette gauge.
Materials: Yarn and Needles
The pattern recommends Cephalopod Yarns Skinny Bugga in the colorway Ghost Moth. This yarn is composed of 80% superwash merino wool, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon, providing durability and softness. Each 4-ounce skein contains 424 yards. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 1 skein (380 yards), while the two larger sizes each require 2 skeins (503 yards and 645 yards respectively).
Knitting needles should be US 1 (2.25 mm) or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern also requires five stitch markers, including one unique marker to denote the end of round, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Sizing and Fit
The pattern suggests a negative ease of 0 to 0.5 inches (1 cm) for optimal fit. This means the finished sock circumference should be slightly smaller than the wearer's actual leg measurement, allowing the ribbed cuff to hug the leg comfortably without slipping.
Skill Level
Frost Aster is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. While the faux cable technique simplifies cable knitting, knitters should be comfortable with basic sock construction, working in the round with multiple needles or circular needles, and reading pattern instructions.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Designer: | BeckyinVT |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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