Alaria Socks

Here's the latest free pattern, originally called Seaweed socks, but I changed the name to Alaria Socks because a well-known knitter already has a pattern out by the name of seaweed socks and I certainly wouldn't want to be confused with anyone well known.



Materials Needed:

US size 1 needle. Pattern may be worked with DPNs, magic loop, or two circs. Just keep multiples of six on your needles and you'll be fine. Socks can likewise be made smaller or larger by adding or subtracting multiples of six, or by using larger or smaller needles. The pair in the picture were made on size 2 needles, because I have large feet.

100G sock yarn, works best in variegated/handdyed colorway

Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends

Gauge-9 stitches per inch in stockinette. (7 if you're doing these on size 2)

Cast on 60

K1TBL, P1 around. (raised ribbing) Continue for an inch or two.

Begin pattern

Rows 1&2
K4, P2, repeat

Rows 3&4
K3, P3, repeat

Rows 5&6
K2, P4, repeat

Rows 7&8
K1, *P4, K2*, end w/K1

Rows 9&10
K1, *P3, K3*, end w/K2

Rows 11 & 12
K1, *P2, K4*, end w/K3.

Repeat until sock leg is 7-8 inches long or as long as desired.

Work heel.

Heel row one-knit 30. Turn work.
Heel row two-slip one, purl one, repeat to end.
Repeat these 2 rows 15 times more, or until heel flap is desired size.

Turn Heel
Row 1-Sl1, p17, p2tog, p1. Turn work.

Row 2-Sl1, k6, ssk, k1. Turn work.

Continue in this way until all heel stitches have been worked.

Gusset

Pick up and knit 15 stitches along side of heel flap.

Knit across in Alaria pattern as set.

Pick up and knit 15 stitches.

Knit one row around. (When you reach the instep stitches, you will continue in pattern)

Knit one, SSK, knit to 3 stitches remaining before instep, K2TOG, K1.
Continue rows one and two, decreasing every other row and working pattern on instep, until you are down to 30 stitches on the foot. Continue in pattern until foot is two inches less than desired length.

Decrease Round: K1, ssk, k to 3 stitches remaining on needle, K2tog, K. Repeat for foot stitches.

K 1 round.

Repeat these 2 rounds until 8 stitches remain on instep needle, 16 stitches altogether. Graft toe. Weave in all ends. Block if desired. Cast on the other sock right away!



The textured nature of this sock makes it ideal for handspun, variegated, color-on-color, or handpainted yarns.

Alaria is a variety of kelp that grows profusely around the world. The kelp forests are a vital part of the environment, helping clean the oceans, feed fish and people, and sequester carbon dioxide.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelp