What's Next? socks

What's Next? Socks by Jacki Badger

Project Overview

What's Next? Socks are an intermediate-level knitted sock design featuring decorative stitch panels that create visual interest without requiring advanced techniques. Designed by Jacki Badger, these socks combine geometric and curved design elements across the foot and leg, making them an engaging project for knitters looking to expand their sock-knitting skills.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pair of socks knitted from the toe upward. The design showcases a prominent central panel that travels from the foot, up the front of the leg, and seamlessly transitions into the top ribbing. The back of each sock features a complementary keyhole detail worked into stocking stitch, ensuring visual interest from all angles.

Design Features and Stitch Techniques

The What's Next? Socks incorporate several intermediate-level stitch techniques that create their distinctive appearance:

• Central Panel: Combines twisted rib, lace elements, and strategic decreases to form triangular shapes and curved lines that appear more complex than their construction
• Keyhole Detail: A simple but elegant motif featured on the back of the sock, worked within stocking stitch for contrast
• Heel Construction: Uses German short rows for the heel turn, a technique that creates a smooth, well-fitting heel without visible jogs
• Top Ribbing: The central panel blends cleanly into the cuff ribbing for a polished finish

Knitting Methods and Needles

The pattern accommodates different knitting preferences. Knitters can work the socks using either circular needles with the magic loop method or double-pointed needles (DPNs), with the pattern written to support both approaches. This flexibility allows knitters to choose their preferred technique for small circumference knitting.

Yarn and Materials

What's Next? Socks are designed for 4 ply or fingering weight sock yarn, the standard weight for sock knitting that provides durability and a refined finished fabric. The pattern is compatible with any sock yarn in this weight category, allowing knitters to select their preferred fiber content and color.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have foundational sock-knitting experience and are comfortable with techniques such as working in the round, basic decreases, and heel construction. The decorative elements, while visually striking, are constructed using straightforward stitch combinations rather than complex colorwork or advanced shaping.