T-red socksT-red socks

T-red Socks by Marion Knits

What is Being Made

T-red socks are a downloadable knitting pattern designed by independent designer Marion Knits. This project creates fitted socks with lace detailing, available in three sizes: S, M, and L. The finished foot circumference ranges from 7½ to 9¾ inches (19 to 25 cm), accommodating a range of foot sizes. These socks are knitted in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles, making them a complete sock construction project suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

The T-red socks employ several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create both structure and decorative elements. The primary construction method is knitting in the round, which creates seamless socks with continuous circular rows. The pattern incorporates lace work, which requires careful attention to yarn overs and decreases to create openwork patterns. Additionally, the pattern uses make-one increases (both m1r and m1l variations) for shaping, and slip-slip-knit decreases (ssk) for decreasing stitches while maintaining stitch definition. These techniques work together to create a sock with both functional fit and decorative visual interest.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The T-red socks utilize a variety of stitches to construct the finished garment:

• Stockinette stitch forms the main fabric body. When knitting flat, this involves knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. When knitting in the round, stockinette is achieved by knitting every round.
• 1/1 ribbing provides elastic cuffs and fitted areas. This rib pattern is worked in the round using a repeat of knit one through the back loop (k1btl) followed by purl one.
• Lace stitch adds decorative openwork detail to the socks. The lace pattern is provided both as a chart and in written instruction format within the pattern document, allowing knitters to follow their preferred method.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The T-red socks are designed to work with fingering weight yarn or other yarn that can be adjusted to match the specified gauge. Approximately 328 yards (300 meters) of yarn is required to complete the project. The sample sock shown in the pattern was knitted using Mersock yarn in the Darling colorway, which is composed of 75% merino superwash and 25% nylon. This particular yarn provides 465 yards (425 meters) per 100 grams, offering durability and softness ideal for sock construction.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for US 1½ (2.5 mm) circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNS), which are appropriately sized for fingering weight yarn and create the correct gauge for proper sock fit. Additional supplies needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and position changes, waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends after completion.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 36 stitches and 44 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the lace stitch pattern. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their tension matches this specification, as variations in gauge will affect the final foot circumference and overall fit of the completed socks.

Difficulty Level

These socks are rated as an intermediate knitting project. While they require foundational skills such as knitting in the round and working stockinette and ribbed stitches, the inclusion of lace work, increases, and decreases makes them suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginner level. The pattern provides references to external tutorials for techniques such as make-one increases and slip-slip-knit decreases, supporting knitters in executing these intermediate techniques successfully.