Cat Bordhi Hither and Yon Socks Knitting Pattern

Hither and Yon Socks by Cat Bordhi

What is Being Made

Hither and Yon is a seamless, bottom-up sock pattern designed by Cat Bordhi as part of her Sweet Tomato Heel Collection. These socks are worked in the round and feature optional decorative beading, making them suitable for knitters of all experience levels, including those new to bead knitting. The pattern offers flexibility in construction method and sizing options ranging from child's small through men's large.

Techniques Used

This sock pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure:

• Seamless construction: Socks are worked entirely in the round, eliminating the need for seaming
• Bottom-up knitting: The primary construction method begins at the toe and works upward toward the cuff
• Lace stitch texture: The pattern incorporates lace elements that create visual interest and are equally attractive with or without bead embellishment
• Bead addition: Optional seed beads are incorporated into the knitting using either a steel crochet hook or floss threader method, with detailed video tutorial guidance provided
• Two-at-a-time option: Instructions are included for knitters who prefer to work both socks simultaneously using either two circular needles or one long circular needle
• Top-down alternative: A complete top-down construction method is provided as an alternative to the bottom-up approach

Stitches and Stitch Texture

The Hither and Yon pattern features a lace stitch texture that creates an elegant, openwork appearance. The stitch pattern is designed to be visually striking on its own merit, with the optional beading serving as an enhancement rather than a necessity. The lace construction provides both aesthetic appeal and breathability in the finished socks.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Pagewood Farm Alyeska yarn in the colorway Really Red. This premium blend contains 80% merino wool, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon, providing durability and softness. One skein of 4 ounces with 360 yards of yardage is required for completion.

Needles: Knitters may choose from three needle options depending on personal preference: one long circular needle, two circular needles, or double-pointed needles. The recommended size is US 1 (2.25 mm), though any needle size that achieves a gauge of 32 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the round is suitable. A circular needle is recommended for trying on the heel during construction when using double-pointed needles.

Beads and Notions: The pattern includes approximately 40 to 70 size 6 seed beads depending on the sock size being knitted. The beads shown feature clear beads on the front of the sock and multi-color beads on the back, though single-color bead options are equally viable. A size 0.60 to 0.85 millimeter steel crochet hook or a floss threader is needed for adding beads to the knitting.

Markers: Five distinct stitch markers labeled A through E are required for tracking pattern repeats and construction points throughout the knitting process.

Sizing Options

Hither and Yon socks are available in seven size options: child's small and large, woman's small, medium, and large, and man's medium and large. Finished circumference measurements range from 5½ inches (14 cm) for the smallest size to 10 inches (25 cm) for the largest size. These measurements are approximately 15% smaller than the actual circumference at the ball of the foot to allow for comfortable stretch and fit.

Pattern Features

This downloadable PDF pattern emphasizes accessibility and customization. Knitters may choose to include decorative beading as shown in the example or omit beads entirely while maintaining the visual appeal of the lace stitch texture. The inclusion of video tutorial links and detailed written instructions for bead addition makes this pattern particularly welcoming to knitters exploring bead knitting for the first time. The provision of both toe-up and top-down construction methods, along with two-at-a-time instructions, allows experienced knitters to work according to their preferred techniques.