Berroco Karnöffel Socks Knitting Pattern

Berroco Karnöffel Knitted Socks

What is Being Made

The Karnöffel is a seamless, top-down knitted sock pattern designed by Brenda York. This intermediate-level project is available in multiple sizes for both children and adults, with adjustable leg length to customize the finished garment. The pattern accommodates three child's sizes and five adult's sizes, with foot and leg circumferences ranging from 4¾ inches to 10½ inches.

Knitting Techniques

This sock pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create a well-constructed, comfortable garment:

• Seamless, Top-Down Construction: The sock is worked from the cuff downward in a seamless method, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, continuous garment.
• Worked in the Round: The leg and foot portions are knitted in the round using small-circumference needles, which is the traditional method for sock knitting and ensures even fabric without seams.
• Worked Flat: The heel flap is worked back and forth in rows over a designated set of stitches while the remaining stitches are left unworked, a common technique for creating a structured heel.
• Heel Flap Construction: The pattern includes a traditional heel flap worked with slip stitches, alternating between right-side and wrong-side rows to create a reinforced, durable heel area.

Stitches Used

The Karnöffel pattern utilizes stockinette stitch (St st) as the primary stitch throughout the leg and foot. The heel flap incorporates slip stitches (both slip 1 with yarn in back and slip 1 with yarn in forward) combined with knit and purl stitches to create a textured, reinforced heel section. The pattern repeats specific stitch sequences over 10-round intervals to build the leg of the sock.

Materials and Gauge

The Karnöffel pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool for the child's sizes, requiring 2 balls of 100 grams each in colorway #3329 Butternut. For adult sizes, the pattern uses Berroco Vintage, requiring 1 hank of 100 grams in colorway #51170 Rose Quartz. Both yarns are 100% wool, providing warmth and durability for everyday sock wear.

The recommended needle size is US size 7 / 4.5 mm, or whatever size is necessary to obtain the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Additional notions required include a stitch marker for tracking rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Pattern Notes

The pattern is designed with adjustable leg length, allowing knitters to customize the finished sock to their preferences. The heel flap is worked over a reduced number of stitches depending on the size chosen, ranging from 12 to 26 stitches. Knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper fit.