Grima Socks Knitting Pattern

Grima Socks in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural

What is Being Made

Grima Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by Åsa Buchta. This project creates finished socks with adjustable length, offered in two size options with a foot and leg circumference of either 9½ inches (24.5 cm) or 11¼ inches (28.5 cm). The socks are constructed using the classic top-down method, beginning with the leg and progressing through the heel, foot, and toe sections.

Craft and Difficulty Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle sock construction. The pattern requires understanding of basic knitting techniques combined with the more specialized methods involved in heel and toe shaping.

Techniques Used

Grima Socks employ several essential sock-knitting techniques:

• Ribbed cuff: The leg begins with a K1, P2, K1 ribbing pattern that provides stretch and a fitted finish around the ankle and leg
• Heel flap construction: A flat heel flap is worked back and forth in rows over half the stitches while the instep stitches are held on waste yarn, creating durability in the heel area
• Heel turning: Short-row shaping is used to turn the heel and create the proper sock structure
• Small circumference knitting: The socks are worked in the round using double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles
• Adjustable length: The pattern allows customization of the leg length before transitioning to the heel section

Stitches Used

The Grima Socks pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch used throughout the foot and leg
• Purl stitch (P): Used in the ribbed cuff pattern and heel flap construction
• Stockinette stitch (St st): The main fabric for the foot section after the ribbed leg
• Slip stitches (Sl): Used at the beginning of heel flap rows to create a neat, reinforced edge

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Grima Socks are made using Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural, a natural alpaca yarn. The pattern calls for 2 hanks (200 grams total) in color #62534 Barley. This yarn provides softness and warmth characteristic of alpaca fiber.

Needles: One set of size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles or needles suitable for working small circumferences is required. Knitters may substitute their preferred needles for in-the-round knitting as long as the correct gauge is maintained.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 27 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in gently stretched ribbing and stockinette stitch. This gauge measurement is taken after blocking, making it essential for knitters to swatch and check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Additional notions required: Stitch markers (including one in a different color to mark the beginning of round), waste yarn for holding stitches during heel construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.