For these designs, I combined several traditional Bavarian 19th Century costume designs and made slight alterations for a contemporary twist.
Along the cuff trails the “Zöpfchentour” (or “cable run”) and “Streifenfläche” (or “striped plain”) from the area of Sulzbach-Rosenberg. The traditional “coverlet” over the calves is indicated by ribbed rows, which separate the designs. The classic flower design in stranded colourwork was simplified for a more graphic look. The rest of the leg is worked in plain stocking stitch with pops of colour on the heel and toe for a quick, easy “home run”. They are completed with a button closure inspired by detailed Lederhosen edging in the form of contrasting, looped i-cord. As an alternative, try the Bavarian Christmas Strudel variety!
The socks are worked top-down with French heels. For ease of knitting, the decorative border is worked in the flat, and closed in the round for the stocking stitch remainder. The reinforced slip-stitch heel flaps have a garter stitch edging for a good, tight fit around the foot.
I aimed for a rustic, yet contemporary look, so in my opinion these would make lovely comfy Christmas gifts, but I also worked an alternative colour combination for those chilly springtime evenings.
Sizes: 1, 2, 3 and 4 (for measurements see schematic on page …), illustration in size 3. Sizes are noted in instructions as 1 (2 / 3 / 4)
Recommended ease: 0 – 1” / 2cm negative ease.
Foot / leg circumference: 8 (8.8 / 9.6 / 10.4 )” / 20 (22 / 24 / 26) cm
Foot length (size 1, without toe):
Toe length (size 1): 2.4” / 6 cm
Leg length: Adjustable 7.5” / 19 cm
Materials:
Yarn (Christmas version):
- Drops FLORA (230 yds / 210 m, 1.8 oz / 50 g, 65% wool, 35% alpaca). 1 hank in 18, Mix Red (C3),
- Drops Nord (186 yds / 170 m, 1.8 oz / 50 g, 25% wool, 45% alpaca, 30% polyamide). 1 hank in 01, Uni Off White (C1), 1 hank in 19, Uni Forest Green (C2), 1 hank in 18, Uni Goldenrod (C4).
Yarn (White/pink version):
- Drops FLORA (230 yds / 210 m, 1.8 oz / 50 g, 65% wool, 35% alpaca). 1 hank in 18, Mix Red (C3),
- Drops Nord (186 yds / 170 m, 1.8 oz / 50 g, 25% wool, 45% alpaca, 30% polyamide). 1 hank in 01, Uni Off White (C1), 1 hank in 12, Uni Powder Pink (C2), 1 hank in 18, Uni Goldenrod (C4).
Or approx. 190 yds / 170 m (in C1) and 90 yds / 85m (in C2, C3, C4) of sport-weight yarn in colours of choice.
Needles:
1 x US 1.5 (metric 2.5 mm) 8” (20 cm) double pointed needles,
1 x US 2 (metric 2.75 mm) 16” – 24” (40 – 60 cm) circular needles.
Notions:
- 7 removable stitch markers (6 to indicate button placement),
- 2.5mm cable needle,
- Tapestry needle (or chenille needle) to secure yarn ends and to add buttons,
- 6 buttons at 0.6” / 1.5cm diameter per pair.
Patterns are available in a double pack on Ravelry. If you would like to receive a direct pattern download, please contact me.
Anja Sammon 