Ganoid Socks
This pattern is for a pair of socks in stranded knitting. The pattern resembles a sort of scales that can be found on snakes or fish.
Requirements:
Skills: Sock Knitting (the better, the better). Explanations on basic sock knitting or stranded knitting are not included Material: Appropriate needles, 2.75mm |Sock yarn: 70g of Main Colour, 30g of Contrast Colour for Medium Size The following instructions are given for a medium sized women's foot (EU 39). If you plan to knit for huge feet (like men's.), repeat the pattern one more time than given, adjust all numbers accordingly. If you're just slightly off EU 39, try to work with larger/smaller needles (as 2.5mm, 3mm...). Personally, I avoid doing stranded knitting on smaller needles than 2.75, because it always results in rather stiff fabric. But maybe that's just me.
Instructions:
CO 64 sts. Work Cuff in 1/1 or 2/2 ribbing for 10 to 15 rounds in Main Colour. Next round: k7, kfb around. Now you have 72 sts total. Start pattern: Join Contrast Colour and work according to the Chart. Anchor yarn where necessary. Work until desired length of leg (my sample has 7 repeats here) Heel: Work your favourite heel in Main Colour. If you do a short-row-heel, I recommend working it over needles 1 and 4. Afterwards you can continue working in pattern or choose a simpler pattern for the sole. If you choose a heel-flap-heel, work it on needles 3 and 4. This way, you don't need to cut the Contrast Colour Yarn, you just re-attach it when you're up to start working on the instep. You will notice that you can't work the chart to the end on the instep, because there are 4 stitches missing. Just skip them, it's fine. Work any pattern you like on the sole (I chose an alternating 1/l-pattern for my sample). Decrease gusset stitches every other round until you have 18 sts per needle again. Work forth until it's time to start the toes. Work your favourite toes in Main Colour. Second Sock: Same procedure as last sock. Finish: Weave in all ends. Gently wash the socks and let them dry completely. As they consist of a double layer of yarn, this takes some time. It helps to turn them inside out after a while. Chart:
