Top-Sider

Top-Sider Socks by Allison Janocha

What Is Being Made

The Top-Sider is a cuff-down sock pattern designed by Allison Janocha, featuring a finished foot circumference of 8 inches with customizable foot length. This advanced-level knitting project combines lace stitch work with twisted ribbing in the cuff, creating a sophisticated sock suitable for experienced knitters seeking intricate stitch detail.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques. The cuff-down construction method begins at the top of the sock and progresses toward the toe, allowing for easy customization of foot length. The design incorporates Magic Loop construction using a single circular needle, though the pattern accommodates experienced sock knitters who prefer to work with two circular needles or double-pointed needles (dpns). The lace section requires careful attention to yarn overs and decreases to create openwork patterns, with detailed written instructions provided on pages 4-5 and accompanying stitch charts on pages 6-7.

Stitches Used

The Top-Sider employs a range of fundamental and intermediate stitches essential for sock construction and lace work:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) for basic fabric structure
• Yarn over (yo) to create the openwork lace elements
• Knit through the back loop (k tbl) and purl through the back loop (p tbl) for twisted rib texture
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) for left-leaning and right-leaning decreases
• Purl two together (p2tog) for additional decrease options
• Slip stitch (s) worked purlwise for stitch management

Materials and Gauge

The Top-Sider requires 400 to 500 yards of fingering or sock weight yarn in a 4-ply construction. The sample shown was knitted using Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock yarn in the Gatsby colorway, a blend of 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon that provides durability and easy care for everyday wear. Knitting is worked on US 0 (2.0 mm) circular needles sized to achieve the required gauge of 9 stitches and 12 rows per inch. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and grafting the toe closure.