Summer solstice

Summer Solstice Socks by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren

Project Overview

Summer Solstice is a downloadable knitting pattern for socks designed by independent designer Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren. These socks celebrate the long days of summer with a thematic design that can be worn year-round. The pattern features sun ray motifs flowing from a single flame up to a textured standing stone design, creating a visually striking sock that combines seasonal symbolism with wearable craftsmanship.

Construction Method

These socks are worked from the toe up, a popular construction method that allows for easy fitting adjustments and eliminates the need to graft stitches at the toe. The pattern incorporates a short row heel, a technique that creates a fitted, comfortable heel cup by using wrap and turn methods to shape the heel without decreasing all stitches at once.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern requires a solid foundation in fundamental knitting skills as well as several intermediate techniques:

• Cast On: Judy's magic cast on is used to begin the socks, a method that creates a seamless toe and allows for two-way knitting
• Basic Stitches: Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the stocking stitch fabric
• Circular Knitting: The socks are worked in the round using either double pointed needles or circular needles
• Shaping Techniques: Increasing stitches, yarn overs, and decreasing stitches are used to shape the sock throughout the pattern
• Heel Construction: Wrap and turn short rows create the shaped heel
• Bind Off: Jeny's surprisingly stretchy bind off provides flexibility at the cuff for comfortable wear
• Finishing: Weaving in ends completes the project

Materials Required

Yarn: 100g of 4 ply sock yarn with a yardage of 400m per 100g. This weight and yardage is standard for sock knitting and provides the durability and drape necessary for comfortable, long-wearing socks.

Needles: 2.5mm needles, available in either double pointed needle (dpn) or circular needle options, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for working in the round.

Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 32 stitches and 44 rows over 10 centimeters in stocking stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit. The pattern provides stitch counts for multiple sizes: extra small, small, medium, and large, allowing knitters of different foot sizes to customize the fit.

Skill Level

This pattern is suited for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with in-the-round knitting and have experience with shaping techniques. The combination of Judy's magic cast on, short row shaping, yarn overs for the sun ray motif, and Jeny's stretchy bind off indicates a pattern with moderate complexity that will appeal to knitters seeking to expand their technical skills.