Mirkwood Sock Pattern by Rebecca Wilder: A J.R. Tolkien Inspired Knitting Project with Detailed Instructions

Mirkwood by Rebecca Wilder

A sock to commemorate the last of the J.R. Tolkien movies. "for not ll who wander are lost" . . the dwarves and Bilbo wandered through the erie forest of MIRKWOOD

Finished Foot Circumferences:

Small (7-1/2-8"), Medium (8-1/2-9") and Large (9-1/2-10")

Yarn Fingering weight (Super Fine #1), 400 yds Needles U.S. Size 1 (2.25mm): circular (cir) or double point needles or adjust needle size to obtain correct gauge Notions cable needles (cn); markers (m); tapestry needle Gauge 28 sts = 4" (10cm) in stockinette stitch in the round

Directions for the Right Sock:

RIGHT SOCK STITCH GUIDE

C6F - Slip 3 sts to cable needle, hold in front. Knit next 3 sts then knit 3 sts from cable needle.

CUFF

RIBBING CO 56 (64, 72) sts. Being careful not to twist sts, join for working in the round and place marker (pm) for beginning of rnd. Work rnds 1-18 of RIBBING PATTERN as follows: RND 1: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 2: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 3: K2, p2, C6F, \*p2, k2\*: rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 4: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 5: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 6: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 7: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 8: K2, p2, C6F, \*p2, k2\*: rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 9: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 10: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 11: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 12: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \*last two sts; end p2. RND 13: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 14: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 15: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 16: K2, p2, k6,\*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 17: K2, p2, k6,\*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2. RND 18: K2, p2, k6, \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* last two sts; end p2.

LEG

The ribbing will now change to a stockinette stitch. The cable will continue down the front of the sock but the back will be knit in stockinette stitch. Work rnds 1-18 of LEG PATTERN three times as follows: RND 1: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 2: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 3: K2, p2, C6F, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 4: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 5: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 6: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 7: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 8: K2, p2, C6F, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 9: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end. RND 10: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 11: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 12: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 13: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 14: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 15: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 16: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 17: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 18: K2, p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd.

The HEEL

My favorite heel is called the Eye-of-Partridge Heel. The sock in the photos is knit using that heel. Some may not want to venture (or wander) too far off the path of familiarity, so for those, I am giving you a simple slip stitch heel with a 3-st garter along the sides. The 3-st garter makes it a little easier to pick up stitches for the gusset. But, for the adventurous amongst us, skip over the simple heel directions and give the Eye-of-partridge heel a try. Both heels are worked on half of the total sts - 28 (32, 36). After completing the last round, turn the sock so that the wrong side of the last 28(32,36) sts are facing you. The yarn tail will be on the right ready to work the first wrong-side row of the heel flap. SIMPLE HEEL FLAP for the cautiouS of heart Row 1 (wS): K3, purl to end. Row 2 (RS): P3, \*K1, sl 1, rep from \* to last 4 sts, k4. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you have 24 (32, 40) heel-flap rows. Repeat row 3 one more time so that you will be ready to start a right-side row when it is finished. EYE OF PARTRIDGE HEEL FLAP for the bold amongst uS Row 1 (WS): K1, p1, k1, purl to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1. Row 2 (RS): K1, p1, k1, \*K1, sl 1, rep from \* to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1. Row 3: K1, p1, k1, purl to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1. Row 4: K1, p1, k1, \*sl 1, k1, rep from \* to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1. Repeat rows 1-4 until you have 24 (32, 40) heel-flap rows. Repeat row 3 one more time so that you will be ready to start a right-side row when it is finished.

TRAPEZOIDHEELTURN

The heel turn in Mirkwood is the pointy trapezoid heel. I like this type of heel turn because it fits nice and tight around the back of my heel. Slip all stitches purl-wise except on the decrease (ssk), slip the decrease sts knit-wise. Work across all sts removing st markers as you come to them. Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, k 16 (18, 20), ssk, k1, turn. Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, p 7 (7, 7), p2tog, p1, turn. Row 3: Sl 1, knit to 1 st before gap, ssk to close gap ( 1 st on each side of gap), k1, turn. Row 4: Sl 1, purl to 1 st before gap, p2tog (1 st on each side of gap), p1, turn. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all sts have been worked and you have 18 (20, 22) sts remaining. Knit 9(10,11) sts across heel. Beginning of round now starts here.

The GUSSET

Needle 1: With RS facing you and needle 1, knit across remaining heel sts, pick up and knit 14(16,18) sts between purl bumps on garter edge. Pick up and knit 2 sts at top of gusset to prevent gusset hole. Needle2: Work across instep resuming cable pattern at row 1. Needle 3: With third needle, pick up 2 sts at top of gusset and continue to pick up and knit 14(16,18) sts between purl bumps on garter edge. Knit across remaining heel sts.

GUSSET DECREASES

First round only: Needle 1: Knit to last 2 sts, ssk. Needle 2: Knit in established cable pattern (row 2). Needle 3: K2tog, knit to end. All other rounds: Rnd 1 Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Needle 2: Knit in established cable pattern. Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end. Rnd 2 Needle 1: Knit. Needle 2: Knit in established cable pattern. Needle 3: Knit Repeat these two rnds until 56(64,72) sts remain.

FOOT

Continue knitting stockinette stitch on sole of foot (Needles 1 & 3) and established cable pattern on instep (Needle 2) until you are 1-3/4" (2, 2)" short of your actual foot length.

The TOE

Beginning of rnd starts from middle of heel with instep sts on needle 2. Needle 1: 14(16,18) sts Needle 2: 28(32,36) sts Needle 3: 14(16,18) sts

Rnd 1

Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Needle 2: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog. Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end.

Rnd 2

Needle 1: Knit Needle 2: Knit Needle 3: Knit Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 28(32, 36) sts remain. Repeat Rnd 1 only until 8(12, 12) total sts remain. Continue knitting across needle 1 so that those sts are now on needle 3 - there will be 4(6,6) sts on each of two needles. Cut yarn, leaving a 12" (30cm) tail. Thread onto a tapestry needle and use the Kitchener st to graft the sts. Weave in ends.

Directions for the Left Sock:

LEFT SOCK STITCH GUIDE

C6B - Slip 3 sts to cable needle, hold in back. Knit next 3 sts then knit 3 sts from cable needle.

CUFF RIBBING CO 56 (64, 72) sts. Being careful not to twist sts, join for working in the round and place marker (pm) for beginning of rnd. Work rnds 1-18 of RIBBING PATTERN as follows: RND 1: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 2: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 3: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, C6B; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 4: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \*to end of rnd. RND 5: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 6: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to er of rnd. RND 7: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to er of rnd. RND 8: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, C6B; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* t end of rnd. RND 9: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to er of rnd. RND 10: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 11: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 12: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 13: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 14: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 15: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \*to \* to end of rnd. RND 16: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 17: \*P2, k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2, k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd. RND 18: \*P2,k2\*, rep from \* to \* 3 (4, 5) times; p2,k6; \*p2, k2\*; rep from \* to \* to end of rnd.

LEG

The ribbing will now change to a stockinette stitch. The cable will continue down the front of the sock but the back will be knit in stockinette stitch. Work rnds 1-18 of LEG PATTERN three times as follows: RND 1: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 2: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 3: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, C6B, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 4: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 5: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 6: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 7: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 8: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, C6B, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 9: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 10: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 11: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 12: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 13: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 14: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 16: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 17: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd. RND 18: Knit 16 (20, 24), p2, k6, p2, knit to end of rnd.

The HEEL

My favorite heel is called the Eye-of-Partridge Heel. The sock in the photos is knit using that heel. Some may not want to venture (or wander) too far off the path of familiarity, so for those, I am giving you a simple slip stitch heel with a 3-st garter along the sides. The 3-st garter makes it a little easier to pick up stitches for the gusset. But, for the adventurous amongst us, skip over the simple heel directions and give the Eye-of-partridge heel a try. Both heels are worked on half of the total sts - 28 (32, 36). After completing the last round, turn the sock so that the wrong side of the last 28(32,36) sts are facing you. The yarn tail will be on the right ready to work the first wrong-side row of the heel flap. SIMPLE HEEL FLAP for the cautiouS of heart Row 1 (wS): K3, purl to end. Row 2 (RS): P3, \*K1, sl 1, rep from \* to last 4 sts, k4. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you have 24 (32, 40) heel-flap rows. Repeat row 3 one more time so that you will be ready to start a right-side row when it is finished.

EYE OF PARTRIDGE HEEL FLAPfor the bold amongst uS

Row 1 (wS): K1, p1, k1, purl to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1. Row 2 (RS): K1, p1, k1, \*K1, sl 1, rep from \* to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1. Row 3: K1, p1, k1, purl to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1. Row 4: K1, p1, k1, \*sl 1, k1, rep from \* to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1. Repeat rows 1-4 until you have 24 (32, 40) heel-flap rows. Repeat row 3 one more time so that you will be ready to start a right-side row when it is finished.

TRAPEZOIDHEELTURN

The heel turn in Mirkwood is a pointy trapezoid heel. I like this type of heel turn because it fits nice and tight around the back of my heel. Slip all stitches purl-wise except on the decrease (ssk), slip the decrease sts knit-wise. Work across all sts removing st markers as you come to them. Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, k 16 (18, 20), ssk, k1, turn. Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, p 7 (7, 7), p2tog, p1, turn. Row 3: Sl 1, knit to 1 st before gap, ssk to close gap ( 1 st on each side of gap), k1, turn. Row 4: Sl 1, purl to 1 st before gap, p2tog (1 st on each side of gap), p1, turn. Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all sts have been worked and you have 18 (20, 22) sts remaining. Knit 9(10,11) sts across heel. Beginning of round now starts here

The GUSSET

Needle 1: With RS facing you and needle 1, knit across remaining heel sts, pick up and knit 14(16,18) sts between purl bumps on garter edge. Pick up and knit 2 sts at top of gusset to prevent gusset hole. Work across instep resuming cable pattern at row 1. Needle 3: With third needle, pick up 2 sts at top of gusset and continue to pick up and knit 14(16,18) sts between purl bumps on garter edge. Knit across remaining heel sts.

GUSSET DECREASES

First round only: Needle 1: Knit to last 2 sts, ssk. Needle 2: Knit in established cable pattern (row 2). Needle 3: K2tog, knit to end. All other rounds: St(s): Stitch(es) together. One stitch decreased. K2TOG: (left-leaning decrease) Knit 2 sts PM: Place marker Rnd 2 Needle 1: Knit. Needle 2: Knit in established cable pattern. Needle 3: Knit Repeat these two rnds until 56(64,72) sts remain. FOOT Continue knitting stockinette stitch on sole of foot (Needles 1 & 3) and established cable pattern on instep (Needle 2) until you are 2 (2, 2-1/4)" short of your actual foot length.

The TOE

Beginning of rnd starts from middle of heel with instep sts on needle 2. Needle 1: 14(16,18) sts Needle 2: 28(32,36) sts Needle 3: 14(16,18) sts

Rnd 1

Needle 1: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Needle 2: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog. Needle 3: K1, ssk, knit to end.

Rnd 2

Needle 1: Knit Needle 2: Knit Needle 3: Knit Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 28(32, 36) sts remain. Repeat Rnd 1 only until 8(12, 12) total sts remain. Continue knitting across needle 1 so that those sts are now on needle 3 - there will be 4(6,6) sts on each of two needles. Cut yarn, leaving a 12" (30cm) tail. Thread onto a tapestry needle and use the Kitchener st to graft the sts. Weave in ends.