Novita Trail Runner Socks in Novita Viola - Downloadable PDF

Novita Trail Runner Socks in Novita Viola – Knitting Pattern Summary

Designed by Sari Nordlund for Novita, the Trail Runner Socks are a pair of sporty, everyday knitted socks worked in the versatile Novita Viola yarn. This is a free, downloadable PDF pattern rated at medium (intermediate) difficulty, making it a satisfying project for knitters who are comfortable with basic sock construction and ready to explore a few more advanced shaping techniques. The pattern is available in three sizes: 38, 40, and 44 (EUR), covering a broad range of adult foot sizes.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a pair of knitted socks designed for an active, trail-inspired aesthetic. The socks feature a two-colour design — a main colour body with contrast colour toe and cuff — giving them a clean, modern look. They are practical and wearable, with a well-fitted toe, a sculpted hourglass heel, and a comfortable ribbed cuff finish.

Materials Used

Yarn

• Novita Viola – a 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn used throughout the pattern
• Main colour (MC): shade 010 Off White — approximately 50 g (size 38), under 100 g (sizes 40 and 44)
• Contrast colour (CC): shade 663 Bolete — under 50 g across all sizes, used for the toe cast-on and the ribbed cuff

Needles

• Double-pointed needles or a circular needle (80 cm / 32 in) suitable for the Magic Loop technique
• Recommended needle size: Novita 2½–3 mm (UK 11–12½ / US 1½–2½), or the size needed to achieve gauge

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 36 rows in stockinette stitch = 10 cm / 4 in. Achieving the correct gauge is especially important in sock knitting, where fit is critical. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed before beginning.

Construction Method

These socks are knitted from the toe up, a popular construction method that allows knitters to try the sock on as they go and easily adjust the foot and leg length to suit personal preference. The toe-up approach also makes it straightforward to use yarn efficiently across both socks.

Techniques Used

Cast-On: Magic Cast On

The socks begin with the Magic Cast On technique, worked in the contrast colour (663 Bolete). This specialist cast-on method is specifically designed for toe-up socks and creates a seamless, rounded toe by placing stitches on two needles simultaneously — 12(12)14 stitches per needle for a starting total of 24(24)28 stitches. The result is a tidy, gap-free toe with no visible seam.

Toe Shaping: Increases with kfb

After the cast-on, the toe is shaped using kfb (knit front and back) increases worked every other round. Specifically, increases are placed at either side of a round marker, adding 4 stitches every increase round. This is repeated 8(9)9 additional times after the first increase round, bringing the total stitch count to 60(64)68 stitches. This gradual shaping creates a smooth, well-rounded toe that fits naturally against the foot.

Magic Loop Technique

The socks are worked in the round using either double-pointed needles or the Magic Loop technique on a long circular needle. Magic Loop is a method of knitting small circumferences on a long circular needle by pulling a loop of cable out at the sides, dividing the stitches into two groups. It is a popular alternative to double-pointed needles for sock knitting.