New Mexico

New Mexico Socks by Melissa Metzbower

What Is Being Made

New Mexico is a pair of women's socks designed by Melissa Metzbower, inspired by the vibrant landscape and culinary traditions of New Mexico. The socks feature a striking two-color colorwork design that celebrates the state's iconic red and green chili peppers, with the cuffs, heel, and toes worked in green yarn and the main body in a bright, bold contrasting color. Available in three sizes to fit women's US shoe sizes 5-7½ (S), 8-10 (M), and 10½+ (L), with corresponding foot circumferences of 7½, 8, and 8½ inches.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

These intermediate-level socks are constructed using a toe-up cast-on method, allowing knitters to start from the toe and work toward the cuff. The pattern employs mosaic stitch colorwork in combination with stockinette stitch to create the vibrant two-color design. Mosaic stitch is a slip-stitch technique that produces bold, graphic color patterns while using only one color per row, making it more manageable than traditional stranded colorwork. The socks are knit in the round, a standard construction method for seamless socks that provides a comfortable, fitted finish.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch for the main body sections, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Mosaic stitch – a slip-stitch colorwork technique used to create the two-tone pattern without managing multiple colors simultaneously
• Toe-up cast-on – a specialized cast-on method designed specifically for toe-up sock construction
• Stretchy bind-off – a finishing technique that ensures the cuff remains elastic and comfortable

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 ply yarn, a high-quality sock yarn composed of 75% wool and 25% nylon. The nylon content provides durability and stretch, essential for socks that will receive regular wear. Each 100-gram skein yields 437 yards (400 meters) of yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 75 yards (69 meters) of main color (MC), Medium requires 83 yards (76 meters), and Large requires 91 yards (83 meters). The 4-ply weight produces a fine, closely-knit fabric suitable for everyday socks.

Knitters should select a bright, bold yarn for the main color to capture the vibrant spirit of New Mexico's colorful landscape, architecture, and cultural celebrations. A strong solid green yarn is recommended for the contrasting color in the cuffs, heel, and toes, representing New Mexico's famous green chili peppers. The interplay between these two colors creates the signature visual impact of the design.

Gauge and Sizing Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. Stockinette stitch knit in the round should measure 28 stitches and 40 rows per 4-inch (10-centimeter) square. Mosaic stitch knit in the round should measure 32 stitches and 50 rows per 4-inch (10-centimeter) square. The difference in gauge between these two stitches reflects the nature of mosaic work, which creates a slightly denser fabric due to the slip stitches. Knitters should swatch both stitch patterns to ensure accurate sizing and a well-fitting finished pair of socks.