Rande Socks

Rande Socks by Estrella Hernandez

What is Being Made

Rande Socks is an intermediate-level knitting pattern for a pair of fitted socks featuring a decorative stitch pattern on the instep. The design offers two size options: Medium (6–8 inches or 15–22 cm circumference) and Large (9–12 inches or 22–30 cm circumference). These socks are constructed using the popular two-needle method, allowing knitters to work both the instep and sole simultaneously on long circular needles or double-pointed needles.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. Judy's Magic Cast On is used to begin the socks, a method that creates a seamless foundation by casting on stitches on two needles at once. The sock is then constructed using the two-at-a-time method, where both the instep and sole are worked in the round simultaneously, reducing finishing time and ensuring both socks match perfectly.

The pattern incorporates increases (make one stitches) worked symmetrically on both needles to shape the foot opening from the cast-on edge. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and round beginnings. The instep features a Broken Lattice stitch pattern, a decorative motif that contrasts with the stockinette stitch worked on the sole.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the foundation stitch used for the sole and between pattern repeats
• Make one (m1) – used during the initial expansion rounds to increase stitches symmetrically
• Left twist (LT) – a cable-like stitch that crosses stitches to the left, used throughout the Broken Lattice pattern
• Right twist (RT) – a cable-like stitch that crosses stitches to the right, used throughout the Broken Lattice pattern

The Broken Lattice pattern is an 8-round repeat that alternates between textured rounds featuring left and right twists and plain knit rounds. This creates a diagonal, interlocking visual effect on the instep while the sole remains in simple stockinette stitch for comfort and durability.

Materials

The pattern calls for 1 skein of Malabrigo Rios yarn, shown in the Sunset colorway. Malabrigo Rios is a worsted-weight merino wool yarn known for its vibrant colors and soft hand, making it ideal for socks. US 6 (4mm) long circular needles or double-pointed needles are required to achieve the specified gauge of 24 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Additional notions include 1 stitch marker to track pattern repeats and a needle for weaving in yarn ends.