Backyard Butterflies

Description

This ankle sock knitting pattern was born out of a summertime desire to knit colorwork that I wouldn’t have to wait until colder weather to wear. The colorwork pattern in the ribbing of this sock provides more stretch than a traditional corrugated rib. The Latvian braid aims to provide some stability in the fabric around the ankle in an effort to avoid the sock disappearing into shoes. The final bit of colorwork is the whimsical butterfly pattern knit flat into the heel flap. The foot shows off a pretty lace pattern and ends with a star toe.

Yarn
328 yd (300 m) / 75 g of fingering weight yarn in a main color.
44 yd (40 m) / 10 g of fingering weight yarn in a contrast color.

Note: You will likely not use the full 75 g, but you will probably need more than 50 g. Most testers used 23-25 g of the main color for a single sock.

Gauge and Finished Measurements
8.5 stitches and 12 rows per 1 in / 2.5 cm in Stockinette stitch.
S (M, L): 6.5 (7.5, 8.5) in / 16.7 (19.1, 21.5) cm foot circumference. 8.5 in (21.5 cm) ankle circumference for all sizes.
Length is adjustable.
Choose a size that will fit with about 1 in / 2.5 cm of negative ease.

Needles
US 0 / 2 mm circular needles for small circumference knitting or set of DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge).
Optional: needles 1 size larger for colorwork.

Additional Materials / Notions
Stitch markers.
Tape measure.
Tapestry/yarn needle.

Construction
These socks are knit from the cuff down with a heel flap and gusset.

Additional Information
This pattern does *not* contain a tutorial for the Latvian braid. If you are unfamiliar with this technique and need more than the written instructions, I recommend searching YouTube for a video tutorial of the technique.

This pattern has been test knitted.