Herringbone Socks Free Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Yarn:
  • Mayflower 1 Class Socks (from Hobbii Yarns)
    • Content: 75% Washable Wool, 25% Nylon
    • Weight: Fingering weight
    • Color: Black
  • Popcycle by HiKoo® (by Skacel)
    • Content: 50% Rayon from Bamboo, 50% Polyester
    • Weight: Fingering weight
    • Color: 3001 Joy
• Needles:
  • Circular needles in sizes 1, 2, and 3 (US sizes)
  • You can use double-pointed needles if you prefer.
• Notions:
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
  • Row counter (optional, but helpful)
• Gauge: 32 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Measurements:

• Finished Sock Size: Men’s Medium
• Foot Length: Customizable based on your foot size (adjust as needed)
• Width: Fits average men’s foot measurements for medium size

Abbreviations Used in The Pattern:

• CO = Cast On
• K = Knit
• P = Purl
• K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together (a decrease)
• YO = Yarn Over
• sl1 = Slip 1 stitch as if to purl
• st(s) = Stitch(es)
• RS = Right Side
• WS = Wrong Side
• P1 = Purl 1 stitch
• K1 = Knit 1 stitch
• Kitchener stitch = A method for closing the toe without seams
• Graft = The act of using the Kitchener stitch to join two sets of stitches together

Stitching Instructions for Making the Herringbone Socks Pattern:

Cuff:

• CO 64 sts (or adjust for desired size) using a stretchy cast-on method, such as the long-tail cast-on.
• Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 1-2 inches (or desired cuff length). This creates a stretchy, snug fit around the leg.
• Switch to size 1 needles and work in stockinette stitch (knit all stitches in the round) until the leg measures approximately 6-7 inches (or desired length).

Heel Flap:

• Turn work to work back and forth in rows on size 2 needles.
• Row 1 (RS): sl1 (slip 1 purlwise), k1, sl1 across the row, ending with a sl1.
• Row 2 (WS): sl1 (slip 1 purlwise), p1, sl1 across the row, ending with a sl1.
• Continue working these two rows until the heel flap measures approximately 2-3 inches or desired length. The slip stitches create a sturdy fabric for the heel.

Gusset:

• Turn work to work in the round again with size 1 circular needles.
• Pick up 14 stitches along the left edge of the heel flap, then knit across the instep stitches (the top of the foot) to the other side of the heel flap.
• Pick up 14 stitches along the right edge of the heel flap. There will be 14 stitches on either side of the heel, and you should now have a total of 64 sts (or your desired stitch count).
• Place stitch markers to separate the heel and instep.
• Work the instep in Herringbone stitch pattern and the sole in stockinette stitch.

Herringbone Pattern (Instep):

• Row 1 (RS): K2tog, YO repeat across the row.
  • Explanation: The K2tog decreases two stitches into one, and the YO adds an extra stitch. This combination creates the diagonal herringbone texture.
• Row 2 (WS): K1, P1 repeat across the row.
  • Explanation: On the WS row, you’re knitting one stitch, then purling the next, keeping the texture in place.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until your pattern reaches the desired length for the instep (approximately 4-5 inches or desired length). The herringbone pattern will be visible on the top of the foot while the sole remains in smooth stockinette stitch.

Foot:

• Continue working the instep in Herringbone pattern and the sole in stockinette stitch (knit all stitches in the round).
• Decrease Gusset:
  • Every other round, K2tog at the beginning and end of each needle to reduce the stitch count evenly. This creates a smooth transition from the gusset to the foot.
  • Continue decreasing until you have 64 stitches (or adjust for desired size).
• Continue knitting the foot in stockinette stitch for the desired length (measure about 1-2 inches shorter than your foot length). Make sure to try on the sock to ensure it fits properly.

Toe:

• Begin decreasing for the toe:
  • Round 1 (RS): K1, K2tog repeat around.
    • This decreases the sock at both ends of each needle.
  • Round 2 (WS): Knit across.
    • Keep the decreases on the RS.
• Repeat these rounds, decreasing by K2tog every other round, until 16 stitches remain.
• Round 2: K2tog around until 8 stitches remain.
• Round 3: K2tog around until 4 stitches remain.
• Knit the last round and then cut yarn, leaving a long tail (about 6 inches).
• Use a tapestry needle to graft the toe closed using the Kitchener stitch (for a seamless finish).

Finishing:

• Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Make sure to securely weave in the ends, especially on the heel and toe where the yarn can unravel more easily.
• Block the socks by lightly steaming or soaking them in lukewarm water. Gently shape the socks to the correct size and let them air dry.

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