Stephanie

Stephanie Socks by rhyFlower Knits

What is Being Made

Stephanie is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of socks designed by rhyFlower Knits. This intermediate-level project creates fitted socks with a finished circumference measuring 7.5, 8, 8.5, or 9 inches (19, 20.5, 21.5, or 23 centimeters) around the ball of the foot. The pattern accommodates multiple sizes and offers flexibility in construction method, including a toe-up version as demonstrated in the sample.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Stephanie sock pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create texture and visual interest. Cable techniques are central to the design, utilizing cable stitches that require a cable needle to manipulate stitch placement. The pattern incorporates both left-leaning and right-leaning cable crosses, which are worked by slipping stitches to a cable needle and repositioning them relative to the main work. These cable techniques add structural definition and decorative patterning to the sock fabric.

The pattern is worked using the circular knitting method on circular needles, which allows for seamless construction in the round—a standard approach for sock knitting that eliminates the need for seaming. Knitters can choose to work from the toe up or use alternative construction methods depending on their preference and experience level.

Stitches Used

The Stephanie pattern incorporates the following cable and knit stitches:

• 1/1 LC (Left Cable): Slip one stitch to cable needle and hold at front of work, knit one stitch, then knit one stitch from cable needle
• 1/1 LPC (Left Purl Cable): Slip one stitch to cable needle and hold at front of work, purl one stitch, then knit one stitch from cable needle
• 1/1 RC (Right Cable): Slip one stitch to cable needle and hold at back of work, knit one stitch, then knit one stitch from cable needle

These cable variations create textured columns and twisted effects throughout the sock leg and foot.

Materials and Yarn

The Stephanie sock pattern requires 300 to 500 yards of fingering weight yarn (274 to 458 meters), with the yardage varying based on the knitter's foot length and desired leg height. Fingering weight yarn, also classified as 4-ply, is the standard choice for sock knitting, providing durability and a refined finished fabric.

The suggested yarn for this pattern is Turtlepurl Yarns Striped Turtle Toes, a fingering weight option containing 75% Superwash Merino and 25% Nylon. This particular yarn comes in 450-yard (411-meter) skeins weighing 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and is shown in the Octopus's Garden colorway in the pattern sample.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need US1 (2.25 mm) circular needles measuring 32 to 40 inches (82 to 102 centimeters) in length, or the size required to achieve the pattern's specified gauge. Circular needles of this length allow for comfortable in-the-round knitting while accommodating the full circumference of the sock.

Additional notions required include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, a cable needle for executing the cable stitches, scrap yarn for holding stitches or provisional cast-ons, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction sections.