This colorwork sock pattern was inspired by my favorite podcast “My Favorite Murder” and their advice to stay out of the forest (so you don’t get murdered. You know.) I love the little trees and the gorgeous texture that these socks have because of the subtle pattern after the colorwork section. There’s only a little bit of colorwork but it makes the socks look super fancy 😉
These colorwork socks are perfect for an adventurous beginner because the colorwork section is so short! The colorwork section can be done in one sitting and flies by because it is so fun to work up! Whenever you finish yours, make sure to tag me so I can see!
Yarn
The fingering weight yarn I chose for these socks came from Kate at Red Door Fiber Studio and I just fell in love with it when I saw it. The colorway is called “Feyre Darling” and if you don’t get that book reference then I’m going to suggest you drop everything and read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series IMMEDIATELY. Like, right now. Go.
While I want everyone to have access to free patterns, I realize ads aren’t for some people which is why I’ve also made up a printable pdf that is available in my Etsy shop! So, if you’re one that likes to print out your patterns so you can write and mark all over them, I’ve got your back, too! Just click below to purchase the affordable printable pdf because every little bit of support helps me to keep putting out new patterns! Thank you!
Alright! Let’s get going! And now, I introduce to you, The Stay Out of the Forest knit colorwork sock pattern!! I recommend reading through the entire pattern before getting started! Happy knitting!
Materials
- Approx 300 yds fingering weight yarn as well as a small amount contrasting fingering for colorwork and toes
- US size 1 needles (DPNs, or 36″ or longer circular for magic loop)
- tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- stitch markers
Gauge
2″ square
20 rows x 18 sts
stockinette knit in the round then blocked
Sizes
Measured around the circumference of the ball of your foot.
S (7″/18cm) M (8″/20cm) L (9″/23cm) XL (10″/25cm)
Abbreviations
CO – Cast on
BOR – Beginning of Round
K – Knit
P – Purl
St – Stitch
PM – Place Marker
SM – Slip Marker
k2tog – Knit 2 together
p2tog – Purl 2 together
ssk – slip slip knit
Rnd – Round
MC – main color
CC – contrasting color
Instructions
CO 60 (66, 72, 78) sts. Join stitches for working in the round and then be sure you don’t twist your stitches when joining!
CUFF
Establish a 3×3 rib pattern (k3, p3) until cuff measures 2″
LEG
Round 1-8: K around with MC
Round 9: *(k 1 CC, k 2 MC) repeat * around
Round 10: k 2 MC, *(k 1 CC, k 1 MC, k 1 CC, k 3 MC) repeat * around
Round 11: k 1 MC, k 1 CC, *(k 3 MC, k 1 CC, k 1 MC, k 1 CC) repeat * around
Round 12: *(k 1 CC, k 5 MC) repeat * around
Stick with me, because you’re doing great.
Round 13: k 3 MC, k 1 CC, *(k 5 MC, k 1 CC) repeat * around
Round 14: k 3 MC, k 1 CC, *(k 5 MC, k 1 CC) repeat * around
Round 15: k 2 MC, *(k 3 CC, k 3 MC) repeat * around
Rnd 16: *(k 1 MC, k 5 CC) repeat * around
Rnd 17-22: Repeat rows 14-16 2 times
Rnd 23: k 3 MC, k 1 CC, *(k 5 MC, k 1 CC) repeat * around
Rnd 24: k 3 MC, k 1 CC, *(k 5 MC, k 1 CC) repeat * around
You’re almost done! You’ve got this so keep going!
Round 25: *(k 1 CC, k 5 MC) repeat * around
Round 26: k 1 MC, k 1 CC, *(k 3 MC, k 1 CC, k 1 MC, k1 CC) repeat * around
Round 27: k 2 MC, *(k 1 CC, k 1 MC, k1 CC, k 3 MC) repeat * around
Round 28: *(k 1 CC, k 2 MC) repeat * around
Take a breath because colorwork is OVER! The rest of your sock will be worked in MC until the toe (optional switch to CC)
( If you’re more of a chart person )
Rounds 29-35: k around MC
Round 36: k around
Round 37: *(p 2, k 4) repeat * around
Round 38: k around
Round 39: k 3, *(p 2, k 4) repeat * around
Repeat rounds 36-39 until desired leg length is reached. This is your pattern repeat for the remainder of the sock and it will be worked until desired length is reached. I did 6″ for my sock legs.
Decrease/increase in last row before heel flap
S: no decreases/increases (60 stitches)
M: decrease by 2 stitches (64 stitches)
L: no decreases/increases (72 stitches)
XL: increase by 2 stitches (80 stitches)
HEEL FLAP
Work in pattern across first 30(32, 36, 40) stitches and then we will begin working heel flap stitches across the next 30(32, 36, 40) stitches.
Row 1: k2, (sl 1, k 1) to end. Turn work
Row 2: sl 1, p to end. Turn work
Row 3: (sl 1, k 1) to end.
Repeat rows 2-3 until heel flap measures 2(2, 2.25, 2.5)”. End after a row 3.
HEEL TURN
Row 1: sl 1, p 14 (16, 18, 20), p2tog,
p1 turn
Row 2: sl 1, k3, ssk, k1, turn
Row 3: sl 1, p 4, p2tog, p 1, turn
Row 4: sl 1, k 5, ssk, k 1 turn
You now have the pattern for the heel turn: sl 1, k or p to one stitch before the gap made by your turn on the previous row, ssk or p2tog, k1 or p1, turn. Continue this pattern until all of your heel stitches have been used up and you should now have 16(18, 20, 22) heel sts.
GUSSET
With the right side of your work facing you, pick up and k 14(16, 18, 20) sts along the left side of heel flap edge, pm, k next 30(32, 36, 40) sts in pattern, pm, pick up and k 14(16, 18, 20) sts along the right side of heel flap. K across heel stitches, then k down the first set of sts you picked up on the left side of heel flap. You are now back at the BOR.
GUSSET DECREASES
Round 1: work in pattern across first 30(32, 36, 40) sts, sm, k 1, ssk, then k to 3 sts before end of round, k2tog, k1.
Round 2: work in pattern across first 30(32, 36, 40) sts, sm, then k to BOR
(no decreases).
Repeat rounds 1-2 until you have 60 (64, 72, 80) sts on your needles.
FOOT
Continue working in pattern until your foot is at the desired length before beginning toe decreases. Remember to work the pattern in only the first 22(24, 26, 30) sts and stockinette on the last half of your sts!
TOE DECREASE
I begin my toe decreases when the sock reaches the tip of my pinky toe. If the socks you are knitting are a gift or you can’t try them on easily, the Craft Yarn Council has the following length guidelines for the foot of a sock, measured from the back of the heel to the end of the toe.
TOE DECREASES
Switch to CC (optional) and k around
Rnd 1: k1, ssk, k until 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, k1, ssk, k until 3 sts before BOR, k2tog, k1.
Rnd 2: K around.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until 24 (28, 32, 36) sts remain.
Close your toe using the kitchener stitch and then you’re SO CLOSE to finishing!
FINISHING
Weave in ends and then block! I can’t wait until you finish these and then get to wear them! Enjoy!
