Orbits Socks

Orbits Socks by Laura Fahlin Designs

Project Overview

Orbits Socks are an intermediate-level knitted sock pattern designed by Laura Fahlin. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a complete pair of socks in four different sizes, ranging from Small to X-Large, with finished circumferences of approximately 7 to 10 inches (17 to 25 cm) when unstretched.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a pair of fitted socks designed to be worn on the foot. The socks feature a structured cuff, a patterned leg section, and are knitted in the round from the top down. The design includes charted stitch patterns that repeat throughout the cuff and leg sections, creating a cohesive visual design across the finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

Orbits Socks are knitted using fingering weight sock yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size:

• Small: approximately 360 yards (330 meters)
• Medium: approximately 380 yards (350 meters)
• Large: approximately 400 yards (365 meters)
• X-Large: approximately 420 yards (385 meters)

The pattern features a yarn example in Socks that Rock Lightweight in the colorway Purr-fection, which contains 405 yards per 146 grams. Knitters will also need stitch markers to track pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US1 (2.25mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The target gauge is 32 stitches and 48 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for socks to fit correctly, as even small variations can affect the final circumference and overall fit.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Orbits Socks employ several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques appropriate for sock construction:

• In-the-round knitting: The socks are knitted circularly using the Double Start Cast-On method, which creates a seamless, elastic edge ideal for sock cuffs. Knitters must take care not to twist the cast-on stitches when joining to work in the round.
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the pattern, created by knitting all stitches on right-side rounds and purling all stitches on wrong-side rounds (or knitting all rounds when working circularly).
• Charted stitch patterns: Both the cuff and leg sections utilize stitch charts that are repeated multiple times per round (7 to 10 times depending on size). This creates the distinctive "Orbits" pattern design.
• Knit through the back loop (Ktbl): This technique twists stitches and is used selectively within the pattern charts to create texture and visual interest.
• Purl through the back loop (Ptbl): Similar to knitting through the back loop, this variation adds textural dimension to the patterned sections.
• Stitch markers: Used to denote the beginning of each round and to separate pattern repeats, helping knitters track their place within the charted patterns.

Pattern Structure

The sock is constructed in distinct sections. The cuff is worked over 20 rounds using a charted pattern that repeats 7 to 10 times per round depending on the size selected. The leg section follows, worked over 22 rounds with its own charted pattern that also repeats across the round. This modular approach allows knitters to follow clear visual references as they progress through the pattern.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, Orbits Socks require familiarity with circular knitting, reading stitch charts, and basic sock construction techniques. The pattern assumes knitters understand how to cast on, join in the round, and work common abbreviations. The charted patterns add complexity beyond basic stockinette, making this suitable for knitters who have completed several projects and are ready to work with pattern charts.