Hey, how goes it, Crafters? As you may know, socks are my all-time favorite item to knit. Well, let me introduce you to my newest snugly feet wraps: Serein Socks.
My usual method of madness for socks follows a cuff-to-toe pathway, with a heel flap and turn. But this time, I decided on the reverse. You know, to change it up a little. But mostly because I thought the stitch pattern would look better turned right-side-up.
Stitch pattern
Speaking of the stitch pattern, check it out.
I modified a stitch pattern that I found on the interwebs. The original was a video where the pattern was worked flat, and I had a to figure out how to convert it to the round. I had a few challenges. First, the video was in Russian. And the knitting itself was different than I’m used to because the style, stitch mount, and other things were different.
And, I really want to learn Russian. Seriously. I love how it sounds.
The pattern is a relatively simple 4-round repeat. The first two rounds consist of only knits and purls. The third round contains a stitch that takes 3 stitches and knits them through the back loop, while adding a Yarn Over and another stitch. Here are the pics:
Knit 3 through the back loop, but leave stitches on needle.Yarn OverKnit first stitch on left needle through the back loop.Three new stitches after slipping original ones off left needle.
Finally, the 4th round includes a simple right cross cable.
Heel Turn and Flap
This is my first toe-up design with a heel flap. If you don’t enjoy picking up stitches, this is the way to go.
How pretty is this heel flap?
Other Stuff
I decided to incorporate a couple of other of my favorite techniques in this pattern.
Each Serein Sock begins with Judy’s Magic Cast-On. You certainly don’t have to begin with this; use whatever method you usually use for your socks. Maybe you prefer a Turkish Cast-On or a Short Row toe.
For the final cuff Bind-Off, I used Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off. This method is great for keeping the top of your sock from cutting off circulation to your foot. Again, feel free to use your favorite method.
I truly had a ton of fun designing these. While I think that the cuff-down construction will always be my favorite, this was an unique challenge and of course, increasing my knitting skills is always a bonus. I hope to do more toe-up socks soon.
Please, if you enjoy this pattern, share it or let me know! I haven’t had it tested, so let me know if you find any errors or contact me with any questions or comments.
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Color combination is my knitting jam. I also like interesting stitch patterns. Which is why I was so intrigued with this post from Fringe Association.
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The FA post is several years old, but since I first came across it, I’ve wanted to recreate the pattern. After some trial and error, I came up with something that at least resembles it.
Using the stitch pattern, I created Aeonian Cowl. I thought a cowl would be the perfect project, because have you looked outside lately here in the Seattle area?
Seattle snow, you’re beautiful, but you can stop now.
The Two Stitch Patterns
Important: Before you start knitting, read the section after the second video below.
Aeonian Cowl uses two stitch patterns; a knit section and a purl section that incorporate two strands in two different ways.
Purl Sections
The purl sections form the space between the diamonds. The stitches are made with the Contrasting Color (blue) while the Main Color (white) is “anchored” in each purl stitch. Here’s how it’s done:
At the beginning of each purl section, the Contrasting Color will be in the front of the work. Leave it there.
Bring the Main Color to the front and to the left of the Contrasting Color.
The Main Color will stay in front for the purl section, but will be “caught” in each purl stitch to anchor it down, as follows:
While holding the Main Color out of the way, purl the first stitch.
For the second stitch (and every even stitch in the purl section), when you insert your needle into the stitch purlwise, place the Main Color over the right needle before purling the stitch.
Alternate these two steps. You can see that the Main Color is being trapped by the Contrasting Color purl stitches.
When you get to the end of the purl section, without twisting the yarns, place the Main Color to the back.
The knit sections form the diamond shapes. The knit stitches are done with the Main Color (white) while weaving the Contrasting Color (blue) through. Here is how it’s done:
At the beginning of each knit section, the Contrasting Color will be in the front of the work, and the Main Color will be in the back.
Leave the Contrasting Color in front while knitting the first knit section stitch.
Place the Contrasting Color in the back of the work, then knit the second stitch.
Continue this method of weaving the Contrasting Color back and forth while knitting.
Note that the the Contrasting Color will be in the front for each first and last stitch of each knit section.
Video:
This is extremely important. I mean it, read this before starting.
The weaving of the contrasting color in the knit sections creates almost non-existent horizontal stretch. That’s why it’s extremely important, when switching between knit and purl sections, to spread out your stitches on your right needle as much as you can. Kind of like this:
Seriously. Pull and stretch out those knit stitches while allowing the Contrasting Color strand to stretch between the knit stitches. If you don’t, you’ll get something like the bottom cowl in this picture:
You can see that the diamond shapes are distorted and the ends of the cowl sort of bow inward. I tried blocking it into shape, but of course a strand of yarn can only stretch so far (which is not very, in this case).
You may have a similar issue, but to a lesser extent, in the purl sections, so just believe me, take your time, and stretch out your stitches after completing each section. Especially the knit sections. I really can’t stress this enough. You’ve been warned, LOL.
Aeonian Cowl Pattern
Size and Gauge
Cowl is approximately 28 inches in circumference. Make it longer or shorter by adding or subtracting chart repeats.
Purl across with Contrasting Color, anchoring Main Color in stitches as shown above.
Knit with Main Color while holding Contrasting Color in front of work as shown above.
Knit with Main Color while holding Contrasting Color in back of work as shown above.
