Woodland Wanderers

Woodland Wanderers Knitted Socks by Alison Payne

What is Being Made

Woodland Wanderers is a downloadable knitting pattern for adult socks designed by independent designer Alison Payne. This project creates a complete pair of socks available in four size options to fit UK Adult sizes 4–6, 7–9, 10–12, and 13–14 (corresponding to US sizes 5½–7½, 8½–10½, 11½–13½, and 14½–15½, with European sizing 35–39, 40–43, 44–46, and 47–48).

Craft and Techniques

Woodland Wanderers is a knitting project worked in the round, which is the traditional method for sock construction. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates seamless, comfortable socks. This intermediate-level pattern uses several key knitting techniques to shape the sock and create textural interest.

The pattern incorporates increases using both m1L (make 1 left) and m1R (make 1 right) methods, which create new stitches by lifting the bar between existing stitches and knitting through it. These directional increases are essential for shaping sock sections and creating balanced stitch patterns. The pattern also uses yarn overs (yo), which create decorative holes and are often used in lace or textured sock designs. Additionally, decreases are worked using p2tog (purl 2 together) to reduce stitch counts where needed.

The sock is constructed using stocking stitch as the primary fabric, which creates the smooth, elastic knit surface typical of comfortable, well-fitting socks. The pattern also employs kfb (knit through front and back), an increase method that creates a new stitch in a single stitch, and pfb (purl through front and back), the purl equivalent for adding stitches.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental knit stitch
• Purl (p) – the reverse of the knit stitch
• Stocking stitch – alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, elastic fabric
• m1L and m1R – directional make-one increases for shaping
• kfb and pfb – knit and purl through front and back increases
• p2tog – purl two together decreases
• Yarn overs (yo) – decorative stitch creation for texture or lace effects

Materials and Tools

The Woodland Wanderers pattern calls for Millamia Naturally Soft Merino yarn, a premium 100% virgin wool in sport weight. Depending on the sock size selected, the pattern requires 2 balls (for the smallest size) or 3 balls (for the larger sizes). Each 50-gram ball contains 125 meters or 136 yards of yarn, providing sufficient yardage for a complete pair of socks with minimal waste.

Knitting needles required include 3.00 mm (UK 11) double-pointed needles for the main sock construction in the round, and a 3.00 mm crochet hook for finishing techniques. A 5.5 mm (UK 5 / US 9) needle is also listed, likely for ribbing or cuff work. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and three stitch markers to track pattern repeats and sock sections.

The pattern specifies a tension of 30 stitches and 38 rows to 10 centimeters when knitted in the round in stocking stitch using 3.00 mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for ensuring the finished socks fit properly and have the intended drape and elasticity.