Pendragon Socks

Pendragon Socks by Fox & Folk

What is Being Made

The Pendragon Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by Fox & Folk, available in three sizes to accommodate different foot measurements. These are classic-style socks constructed from the cuff down using the round knitting method, featuring a ribbed cuff, stockinette ankle and texture sections, and a structured foot. The pattern includes accent color work on the cuff, creating visual interest while maintaining a wearable, everyday sock design.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental sock-making techniques. The socks are worked in the round using double-pointed needles, which is the traditional method for creating seamless, tubular garments like socks. The pattern begins with a cast-on in the accent color, then transitions to the main color yarn for the body of the sock. Knitters will practice gauge management by working to the specified tension before beginning, ensuring proper fit. The construction includes color changes between the accent color cuff and main color body sections, requiring attention to yarn management and tension consistency when switching yarns.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Pendragon Socks utilize several essential knitting stitches:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the pattern
• K1, P1 ribbing creates the elastic cuff, alternating knit and purl stitches in single-stitch intervals to produce vertical columns that stretch and recover
• Stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rounds, purl on wrong-side rows) forms the smooth, classic sock fabric in the ankle and texture portions
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) and Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) are decrease stitches used for shaping
• Slip stitches (S1K) are used for various construction purposes

The pattern includes a marker system using place marker (PM) and slip marker (SM) techniques to track the beginning of rounds, essential for maintaining pattern accuracy in circular knitting.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Pendragon Socks are designed for sport weight yarn, a lightweight option that creates a refined, fitted sock. The pattern requires approximately 190–245 yards (173–224 meters) of main color yarn and 40–55 yards (37–50 meters) of accent color yarn, depending on which of the three sizes you are making. Sport weight yarn knits to a gauge of 14 stitches over 2 inches (5 centimeters) when worked in stockinette stitch and properly blocked.

Needles: This project calls for two sizes of double-pointed needles (DPNs). Size US 2.5/3.0 mm needles are used for the main fabric, while slightly smaller size US 2/2.75 mm needles are used for the ribbed cuff section to create a snug, elastic edge. The pattern notes that you may adjust needle sizes as needed to achieve the correct gauge for your specific yarn.

One stitch marker is required to track the beginning of each round as you work in the round.

Sizing and Gauge

The Pendragon Socks are offered in three sizes with corresponding stitch counts of 44, 48, and 52 stitches cast on. The cuff length varies by size, ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 centimeters). Achieving the correct gauge of 14 stitches per 2 inches in blocked stockinette is essential for obtaining proper sock fit and ensuring the finished socks will be comfortable and durable.