Genia

Genia Socks by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

Genia is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of socks designed by independent designer Corrine Walcher. Named after the designer's sample knitter, these socks feature elegant mirrored cable panels as the primary design element, complemented by simple stockinette stitch sections. The pattern is available in three finished sizes: Small (7" around unstretched), Medium (8" around unstretched), and Large (9" around unstretched).

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level sock pattern incorporates several key knitting techniques that make it suitable for knitters with some experience. The socks are constructed using the in-the-round method, which is the traditional approach for seamless sock knitting. Mirrored cable panels form the visual centerpiece of the design, requiring careful attention to cable placement and symmetry. The cables are balanced with sections of straightforward stockinette stitch, creating visual contrast and allowing knitters to develop rhythm in their work. The pattern also includes basic shaping techniques such as decreases for sock construction.

Stitches Used

The Genia sock pattern employs the following stitches and abbreviations:

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout the stockinette sections
• Purl (P): Used in cable panel construction and texture variation
• Slip stitch (Sl): Slipped as if to purl with yarn in back
• Purl two together (P2tog): A left-leaning decrease used in shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A right-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches as if to knit, then knitting them together
• 2/2 Left Purl Cable (2/2 LPC): The signature stitch of this pattern, created by slipping 2 stitches to a cable needle and holding in front, purling the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle

Materials and Tools

The Genia sock pattern is designed to work with 3-ply and 4-ply weight yarn. The sample was knit using Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock yarn in the colorway Lauraville. This yarn is 100% Superwash Merino wool, providing durability and easy care for everyday sock wear. One skein contains 400 yards per 4 ounces, which is sufficient yardage for a complete pair of socks.

Needles required are a set of 5 double-pointed needles or two circular needles in size 2 US (2.75 mm), or whatever size is needed to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern recommends that each knitter verify their own gauge, as individual tension varies.

Gauge

The target gauge for Genia socks is 8 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch, knit in the round. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished sock dimensions and ensuring a proper fit. Knitters should knit a gauge swatch in the round before beginning the project to verify their personal gauge with their chosen yarn and needles.