Novita Venla: A Midsummer Night’s Dream socks

Note The socks are knitted from the toe up.

Using the Magic Cast On method cast on 24(24)28 sts onto two needles, 12(12)14 sts each. https://www.novitaknits.com/fi/fi/tutorials/villasukan-neulominen/novita-magic-cast-tekniikalla-sukat

Use the double-pointed needles, or the circular needle if you’re using the Magic Loop technique. https://www.novitaknits.com/fi/fi/tutorials/villasukan-neulominen/magic-loop-tekniikka-eli-luuppaus

Place marker for beginning of round. Work as follows:

Round 1: k12(12)14, place marker, work to end of round.

Round 2: *kfb (= knit front and back), work to last 2 sts before marker, kfb, k1*, repeat *–*. 4 sts increased, 28(28)32 sts on the needles.

Round 3: knit all sts.

Repeat rounds 2–3 8(9)9 more times. 32(36)36 sts increased, 60(64)68 sts on the needles.

Work stockinette st until the sock measures 19(20,5)23 cm or 5 cm from desired foot length.

Hourglass heel: work stockinette st to first marker, turn work, slip 1 st purlwise with yarn in front, tighten the yarn in the back of the work so the loops of the slipped st from the previous round come over the needle = double stitch. Purl to marker, turn work, make another double stitch. Keep working short rows, turning the work before the previous double stitch.

When 12(12)14 sts remain in the middle and you have last worked a RS row, begin long rows. Work the middle 12(12)14 sts and 1 double st (work the loops of the double st together to form one st). *Turn work, slip 1 purlwise. Work the row until you reach a double st at the other end. Work the double st.* Repeat *–* until all sts are back on the needles. Place a marker at the beginning of round.

Work stockinette st until the leg measures 4(4)6 cm from the marker or 11 cm less than desired length.

Begin the colourwork pattern on row 1 of chart I. Repeat the 4 st pattern 15(16)17 times. Work rows 2–25 of the chart.

Work 4 rounds of stockinette st in the round using Off White.

Work twisted ribbing for 3 cm, then loosely bind off in pattern.

Knit the other sock in the same manner. Use chart II for the colourwork.

Finishing

Embroider the flowers on the leg using satin stitches, French knots and detached chain stitches.

Lightly steam the socks.