Daydream of A Castle in the Air

The Knitting Squirrel recently stocked the wonderful new range of Opal Daydream, a cosy 6ply sock yarn that knits as a DK weight yarn. The ball is 420 metres long and 150 grams. I loved the gorgeous colours in the Daydream range but decided to use Daydream of A Castle in the Air for this pair of socks as I really loved this colour combination.

There aren’t very many patterns around for the 6ply sock yarns. The 6ply range is a bit more expensive but the finished socks are very warm and cosy. In fact, I am wearing this pair of socks while I write this. The other wonderful thing about this yarn was just how quickly the pair of socks was finished. In fact, they were a complete delight to knit, as I told anyone around me!

A free one-size sock pattern for 6ply sock yarn. Fits ladies’ feet European Size 38-40, UK size 5-6.

Materials:

• 1 ball of Opal Daydream A Castle in the Air 6-ply sock yarn Shade 8353
• Set of 5  3mm dpns (I used Clover Takumi Bamboo 3 mm double pointed needles)

Abbreviations:

double pointed needle(s) – dpn(s); stitch(es) – st(s); knit – k; purl – p; knit two stitches together – k2tog; slip 1 st knitwise, slip 1 st knitwise, knit the two slipped stitches together – ssk; purl two stitches together – p2tog;

Cuff:

Using 3mm dpns and 6 ply sock yarn cast on 53 sts loosely. I use a slightly larger-sized needle, usually 3.5mm, to cast on and then change to the 3mm needles for starting the rib. When joining the knitting into a round on first-round knit the first and last stitch together. This gives a smoother finish to the cuff.

• Work 13 rounds of k1, p1 rib.

Leg:

• Knit 35 rounds (or the length you would prefer for your leg)
• On the last round knit across needle 1, turn and start the heel flap.

Heel Flap:

• Worked over 26 stitches
• Row 1: sl 1, k1, (sl 1 purlwise, p1) repeat to last 2 sts, k2
• Row 2: sl 1, k to end

Repeat row 1 and row 2 twelve more times (26 rows).

Turn Heel:

• Row 1: p15, p2tog, p1, turn.
• Row 2: sl 1, k5, ssk, k1, turn.
• Row 3: sl 1, p6 (1 stitch remains before the ‘gap’), p2tog (combines the stitch before the ‘gap’ and the stitch after the gap), p1, turn.
• Row 4: sl 1, k7, (1 stitch remains before the ‘gap’), ssk (combines the stitch before the ‘gap’ and the stitch after the gap), k1, turn.
• Continue until 16 stitches remain (finishing on a k row). Then… start picking up stitches for Gusset.

Gusset:

• Pick up and knit 15 stitches along the edge of the heel flap.
• Knit across the 26 instep stitches (Needles 2 and 3).
• Pick up and knit 15 stitches along the other edge of the heel flap using needle 4. Then, still using needle 4, knit across the first 8 stitches of the heel.

This is the starting point for the following rounds.

Before you start the next round, slip the other 8 heel stitches onto needle 1. Needles 1 and 4 should have 23 stitches on each. Needles 2 and 3 should have 13 stitches on each.

• Knit 1 round.

Gusset Shaping:

• Round 1: Needle 1: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; Needles 2 and 3: k; Needle 4: k1, ssk, k to end of the needle.
• Round 2: K

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until there are 13 stitches on each needle.

Foot:

• Knit 38 rounds
• It helps to try on the sock when you have knit about 35 rounds to see how many more rounds you need to knit. I usually start my toe shaping when the sock foot reaches the base of the joint on my big toe.

Classic Toe:

• Round 1: Needles 1 and 3: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1; Needles 2 and 4: k1, ssk, k to end of the needle.
• Round 2: k
• Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until there are 4 sts on each needle. (16 stitches).
• Making sure that the toe aligns with the heel, slip the stitches from needle 4 onto needle 1 and the stitches from needle 3 onto needle 2. There are 8 stitches on each needle.
• Graft the toe stitches using Kitchener Stitch.

Finishing:

Cut the yarn and weave in the yarn ends using a tapestry needle. Tighten and fasten off.

Happy Knitting!

Enjoy wearing your lovely new cosy socks.