Wyoming

Wyoming Socks by Melissa Metzbower

What Is Being Made

Wyoming is a knitted sock pattern designed by Melissa Metzbower that celebrates the landscapes and spirit of Wyoming. The socks feature thematic colorwork elements including starry skies, grand mountains, horseshoes, snow fences, and negative space inspired by the state's vast open terrain. The pattern is available in five sizes ranging from women's US size 5/6 through 12/13, with circumferences from 8 inches to 8¾ inches and foot lengths from 9¾ inches to 11½ inches.

Techniques Used

This sock pattern employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The most notable technique is the German Short Rows method, which is used to construct the heel. Short rows create a shaped, contoured heel without the need for traditional heel flaps, resulting in a more anatomically fitted sock. The pattern is knit in the round, which is the standard approach for sock construction and creates a seamless, tubular fabric. A provisional cast on using a crochet hook and waste yarn is employed at the beginning, allowing for a flexible, finished edge that can be grafted or bound off smoothly.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which forms the base fabric of the sock. Stockinette stitch—created by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or simply knitting every round when working in the round—produces a smooth, classic fabric with a V-pattern texture. The colorwork elements that depict Wyoming's iconic imagery are integrated into this stockinette base, likely using stranded colorwork or intarsia techniques to create the visual designs.

Materials and Specifications

The Wyoming pattern is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which is a standard weight for sock knitting that provides durability and a refined finished fabric. The recommended gauge is 30 stitches by 44 rows over a 4-inch square in stockinette stitch knit in the round, which should be verified before beginning the project to ensure proper sizing. Knitting needles appropriate for 4-ply yarn (typically US sizes 1–3) are required, along with a crochet hook for the provisional cast on using waste yarn. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use.

Pattern Overview

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Available sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL (women's US 5/6 through 12/13)
• Circumference range: 8 to 8¾ inches
• Foot length range: 9¾ to 11½ inches
• Primary construction method: Knit in the round with German Short Rows heel
• Gauge: 30 stitches × 44 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch