Horsforth Socks Knitting Pattern

Horsforth Socks in Rowan Sock

What is Being Made

The Horsforth Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed to fit foot circumferences ranging from 20cm to 24cm (7¾ inches to 9½ inches). This advanced-level knitting project creates fitted socks with decorative patterning throughout, suitable for experienced knitters seeking a challenging and intricate sock design.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques that distinguish it as a challenging project. The socks are constructed using circular knitting on double-pointed needles, worked in continuous rounds from the cuff down. The pattern incorporates cable techniques with custom abbreviations including C7B (a seven-stitch cable with a purl stitch at center), Cr4L (four-stitch left cross), and Cr4R (four-stitch right cross), which create textured cable motifs throughout the sock. The pattern also includes decreasing techniques such as slip-stitch-knit-pass-slipped-stitch (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit-two-together (K2tog) for shaping the heel and adjusting stitch counts. Additional texture is created with make bobble (MB) stitches, adding dimensional detail to the design.

Stitches Used

The Horsforth Socks utilize a variety of fundamental and decorative stitches worked in combination:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used to create textured contrast and define cable patterns
• Cable stitches – including C7B, Cr4L, and Cr4R for three-dimensional twisted effects
• Make bobble (MB) – creates raised textural elements within the pattern
• Decreases – slip-stitch-knit-pass-slipped-stitch and knit-two-together for shaping
• Ribbing – knit-purl combinations (K1, P1) used for cuff and structural definition

The pattern repeats over 12 rounds, creating a consistent motif that runs vertically along the sock. The stitch pattern maintains 52 stitches across 47 rows per 10 centimeters of fabric.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Horsforth Socks are knitted using Rowan Sock yarn, a specialized sock-weight yarn supplied in 100-gram balls. The pattern requires 2 balls of Rowan Sock yarn (200 grams total). The yarn shown in the pattern photograph is in the colorway Heather 002.

Needles required for this project include a set of 5 double-pointed needles in 2mm size (US 0) for working the socks in the round, plus a cable needle for managing the cable stitches during construction. The pattern specifies a tension of 52 stitches and 47 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the pattern using 2mm needles, ensuring proper fit across the six available sizes.