Tassel Socks

Tassel Socks by Jem Weston

What is Being Made

Tassel Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Jem Weston for creating a pair of cozy slipper socks. This project combines traditional knitted sock construction with decorative tassel embellishments and optional leather-look slipper soles, resulting in a finished garment that functions as both a wearable sock and a comfortable slipper.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern uses knitting as the primary construction method. The socks are worked in the round using double-pointed needles, a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. The pattern incorporates several essential knitting techniques including:

• Casting on using the thumb method to establish the foundation stitches
• Working in the round with stitch markers to track the beginning of each round
• Heel construction, which involves turning rows and strategic stitch placement to create a fitted heel cup
• Color changes between yarn sections to create visual interest
• Tassel creation using a small crochet hook, adding a playful decorative element to the finished socks

Stitches Used

The Tassel Socks pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginner-level crafters:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric of the sock body and cuff
• Purl stitch (P) – used during heel construction and shaping
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) – a decrease stitch for shaping the sock
• Purl 2 together (P2tog) – a decrease stitch worked on wrong-side rows
• Slip stitch (Sl) – used purlwise during heel turns to create neat stitch edges
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary fabric texture, created by alternating knit and purl rows

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn worked at a tension of 27 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch. The recommended needles are 3.25mm (US 3) double-pointed needles for the main sock construction.

Additional materials include:

• Stitch markers for tracking rounds
• A small crochet hook, approximately 3.5mm (no. 9 / US E/4), specifically for crafting the decorative tassels
• Joe's Toes leather-look slipper soles in Slate (optional but recommended for added comfort and durability) – available from www.joestoes.co.uk. The pattern recommends sizing down one size smaller than your usual shoe size when purchasing these soles

Difficulty Level

Tassel Socks is rated as a beginner difficulty pattern, making it an excellent project for knitters new to sock construction. The pattern uses basic stitches and straightforward shaping techniques, while the addition of tassels and optional slipper soles introduces creative finishing touches without requiring advanced skills.