Berroco Bocce & Hide and Seek Socks Crochet Pattern

Berroco Bocce & Hide and Seek Crochet Socks

What is Being Made

Bocce & Hide and Seek is a pair of crochet socks designed by Alison Green for Berroco. This intermediate-level project creates fitted socks available in five sizes with foot and leg circumferences ranging from 7½ inches to 9½ inches (19 to 24 cm). The pattern offers two colorway options: a solid version called Bocce and a striped version called Hide and Seek, allowing crafters to choose between a classic single-color design or a more visually dynamic striped sock.

Techniques Used

These socks are constructed using several key crochet techniques that make them both functional and interesting to create:

• Bottom-up construction: The socks are worked beginning at the toe and progressing upward toward the leg, a method that allows for easy fitting adjustments and a natural progression through the pattern.
• Seamless, worked in the round: The majority of the sock is created in continuous rounds using a crochet hook, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, comfortable fit.
• Worked flat with short row shaping: The heel is worked using short row techniques, which creates a shaped, three-dimensional heel cup that conforms to the foot.
• Stripe pattern option: The Hide and Seek variation incorporates stripe sequences throughout the design, adding visual interest while using the same base construction method as the solid Bocce version.

Stitches Used

The Bocce & Hide and Seek pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches that create both structure and texture:

• Single crochet (sc): The primary stitch used throughout most of the sock construction, providing a dense, durable fabric ideal for a garment that requires durability and a close fit.
• Linen stitch: An alternative stitch option used in sections of the pattern, creating a textured appearance while maintaining the structural integrity needed for socks.
• Chain stitches (ch): Used to establish the foundation of the toe and for turning chains throughout the pattern.
• Slip stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between rounds of crochet.

Materials and Tools

The Bocce & Hide and Seek pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended fit, drape, and durability:

• Yarn: One 100-gram ball of Berroco Vintage Sock yarn in colorway #12023 Sky Blue (or alternative colorway for the striped Hide and Seek version). Berroco Vintage Sock is a specialized sock yarn designed to withstand the wear and tear of foot garments while providing excellent stitch definition.
• Crochet hook: Size C (2.75 mm) or the size needed to achieve proper gauge, allowing crafters to customize their hook size based on their individual tension.
• Notions: A safety pin or removable stitch marker to track pattern placement and indicate the beginning of rounds and important stitch locations.

Gauge and Finishing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct sock size and fit. The pattern specifies two gauge options: 34 stitches and 34 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in Linen stitch, or 28 single crochets and 32 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Gauge should be measured after blocking to ensure accurate finished measurements. Taking time to check gauge before beginning the project helps ensure that the socks will fit properly and have the intended drape and texture.

Construction Overview

The sock begins with a toe-up construction method, starting with a foundation chain of 10 stitches. The toe is shaped using increase rounds that add stitches strategically to create a rounded toe cap. Once the toe reaches the appropriate width, the pattern continues in the round up the foot section. The heel is then worked separately using short row shaping, a technique that creates a three-dimensional heel cup without requiring seaming. This construction method is popular among crocheters because it allows for trying on the sock as it progresses and making adjustments to fit before completing the entire project.