Stacks Socks

Stacks Socks by Janelle Martin

What is Being Made

Stacks Socks are a pair of unisex, toe-up knitted socks designed by Janelle Martin. These intermediate-level socks celebrate the librarian's world, with design elements that pay homage to library stacks and bookshelves. The pattern is available in six sizes ranging from X-Small through XX-Large, making them suitable for a wide range of foot sizes. The finished socks offer a foot circumference of 6 to 11 inches (15 to 27.5 cm) when blocked, accommodating feet up to 12.5 inches in length for the largest size.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

These socks are constructed using the toe-up method, a popular technique that begins at the toe and progresses toward the cuff. This approach allows knitters to try on the socks as they work and easily adjust the leg length to personal preference. The pattern requires working in the round using circular needles, a fundamental technique for sock knitting that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for comfortable, well-fitting hosiery.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Stacks Socks feature a stitch pattern that evokes the appearance of bookshelves, creating visual interest throughout the foot and leg. The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, the foundation of most sock designs, which creates a smooth, V-patterned fabric. The top border incorporates additional stitch work that complements the bookshelf-inspired motif, adding decorative detail to the cuff area.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The pattern calls for 360 to 600 yards (329 to 549 meters) of fingering weight yarn, with the yardage varying by size. The yarn should be an MCN blend (Merino, Cashmere, and Nylon) at 8 stitches per inch, providing the structure and elasticity necessary for durable, stretchy socks. The sample shown was knitted in Pagewood Farm 'Alyeska Hand Dyed Sock Yarn' in the colorway Mississippi Mud. This yarn composition includes 80% merino wool, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon, with each skein weighing 4 ounces (113 grams) and containing 360 yards (329 meters). For the Medium size shown, only one skein is required.

Needles and Gauge

Knitters will need two US #1.5/2.25 mm circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm), or a size adjusted to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern gauge is 32 stitches and 42 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when unblocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished sock dimensions and ensuring a comfortable fit.

Skill Level and Difficulty

Rated as an Intermediate project, the Stacks Socks are suitable for knitters with foundational sock-knitting experience. While toe-up construction and working in the round are standard sock techniques, the stitch pattern and sizing options add complexity beyond beginner-level projects. Knitters should be comfortable with circular needle techniques, reading stitch patterns, and managing multiple sizes before attempting this design.