Tread mark socks

Tread Mark Socks by Maryna Radzko

What is Being Made

Tread Mark socks are a pair of matching socks designed by independent designer Maryna Radzko. These socks feature a distinctive textured pattern and are worked from the cuff down. The pattern includes sizing options, with the example photographs showing a light brown version in size L and a pink version in size M, both sized for European shoe size 38.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Tread Mark socks are constructed using the cuff-down method, a popular technique for sock knitting that begins at the cuff and progresses toward the toe. The pattern incorporates cable techniques as a central design element, creating raised textured patterns across the sock. Crafters are advised to work with slightly more stitches than their usual sock gauge because the cables have a natural tendency to pull the fabric tighter, which can affect fit.

The socks can be knitted using the "magic loop" method with long circular needles, or alternatively with double-pointed needles, giving knitters flexibility in their preferred small-circumference knitting approach.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch counts and detailed stitch-by-stitch instructions are contained within the full pattern document, the Tread Mark design prominently features cable stitches as the primary decorative element. These cables create the characteristic "tread mark" texture that gives the socks their name.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern is designed for 4-ply sock yarn with a recommended yardage of 350–420 meters (380–460 yards) per 100 grams. The designer's sample projects used different yarn compositions:

• Size L (light brown): Cygnet sock yarn (75% wool, 25% polyamide, 205 m / 50 g), requiring 63 grams for size 38
• Size M (pink): 100% wool yarn (400 m / 100 g), requiring 55 grams for size 38

Needles required: Circular needles in sizes 2–2.5 mm (US 0–1½), at least 80 cm (32 inches) in length to accommodate the magic loop method. The needle size should be chosen to achieve the correct gauge as specified in the pattern.

Difficulty Level

Tread Mark socks are rated as intermediate difficulty, making them suitable for knitters with foundational sock-knitting experience who are comfortable working with cables and small-circumference circular knitting techniques.

This is a downloadable PDF pattern for personal, non-commercial use only. © 2021 Maryna Radzko.