Brighouse Socks Knitting Pattern

Brighouse Socks in Rowan Sock

What is Being Made

The Brighouse Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed to fit foot circumferences of 20, 23, or 26 cm (7¾, 9, or 10¼ inches). These are custom-length socks where the foot length is worked to the wearer's desired measurement. The design features decorative eyelet patterning on the upper foot combined with a gusset shaping at the ankle and heel construction, making them both functional and visually interesting.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several key knitting techniques. Magic loop technique is an option for working small circumferences on circular needles, though traditional double-pointed needles are equally suitable. The pattern incorporates eyelet creation using yarn forward decreases (yfwd, sl 1, K1, psso combinations) to form decorative holes in the fabric. Gusset shaping is used to increase stitches at the sides of the foot using make-one increases (M1L and M1R), which are then decreased during heel turning to create a fitted ankle. The sock is worked in the round from cuff to toe, with heel flap and heel turn construction creating the characteristic heel pocket.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The decorative element is a 16-round repeat pattern worked on the upper foot. This pattern alternates between eyelet rounds featuring yarn forward decreases and plain knit rounds, with additional texture created by the loop stitch (loop 1), a special abbreviation unique to this pattern. The loop stitch is created by inserting the right needle into an eyelet 5 rounds below, drawing yarn through to the right side, and knitting it together with the next stitch, creating a dimensional looped texture. The pattern is centered on the upper foot while all other stitches remain in stockinette stitch, creating a balanced design.

Materials

The Brighouse Socks are knitted using Rowan Sock yarn, a 100-gram ball of yarn (the sample shown is in the colorway Stone 004). Needles required are 2½mm (US 1 size, equivalent to UK no 12/13), available as either a set of 5 double-pointed needles or a 80 cm circular needle for magic loop technique. The recommended tension is 32 stitches and 43 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the specified needle size, ensuring proper fit and fabric drape.