Grape Juice

Grape Juice Socks by Christina Loman

What Is Being Made

Grape Juice is an advanced knitting pattern for custom-dyed socks inspired by the whimsical imagery of grape stomping. The designer, Christina Loman, conceptualizes these socks as if they were dyed by the natural juices of grapes, resulting in rich blue and wine colorways. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a finished pair of socks in three size options: small, medium, and large.

Sock Specifications and Sizing

The pattern offers three finished circumference measurements to accommodate different foot sizes:

• Small: 8.3 inches circumference
• Medium: 10 inches circumference
• Large: 11.6 inches circumference

The designer notes that wool is naturally stretchy and forgiving, recommending that knitters uncertain between sizes choose the smaller option. For those with longer calves, the pattern allows for additional repeats of the five-grape chart rows to achieve desired length.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This advanced sock pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques. The socks are constructed using a toe-up method, beginning with a provisional cast-on at the toe and working upward toward the calf. The pattern incorporates cable work, as evidenced by the inclusion of a cable needle in the required notions. The main stitch pattern features reverse stockinette stitch as the base fabric, which creates a textured, recessed background that allows patterned elements to stand out visually.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Grape Juice pattern utilizes a charted design featuring grape motifs, with a five-grape row repeat that can be extended for custom calf lengths. The primary stitch used throughout is reverse stockinette stitch, which is worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 38 rows per 4 inches. This relatively tight gauge creates a durable, well-fitting sock fabric. Cable techniques are incorporated for textural interest and structural definition within the overall sock design.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Grape Juice pattern calls for Jojoland Melody Superwash, a superwash-treated 100% wool yarn. This yarn is offered in two coordinating colors: Blue and Wine, which together create the grape-inspired colorway. Each size requires 2 skeins of yarn, with each skein containing 220 yards (201.2 meters) of yardage per 50-gram weight. The superwash treatment makes these socks suitable for machine washing, adding practical durability to the finished garment.

Tools and Notions

Construction requires a set of US #1/2.5 millimeter double-point needles, which are the standard tool for sock knitting and allow for working in the round without seaming. Additional notions include a cable needle for executing cable stitches, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work, and an optional stitch marker to help track pattern repeats and round beginnings.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an advanced pattern, Grape Juice is designed for experienced knitters comfortable with techniques such as working in the round on double-point needles, reading and following charted patterns, executing cable techniques, and managing gauge consistency throughout a fitted garment. The combination of cable work, stitch patterns, and the precision required for well-fitting socks makes this pattern suitable for knitters with solid foundational skills.