Ossett Socks Knitting Pattern

Ossett Socks in Rowan Sock

What is Being Made

The Ossett Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed to fit various foot circumferences. This intermediate-level knitting project creates fitted socks with patterned leg sections and a structured heel, suitable for everyday wear. The pattern is available in three sizes to accommodate foot circumferences of 20 cm (7¾ in), 23 cm (9 in), and 26 cm (10¼ in), with foot length customizable to individual preference.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Ossett Socks employ several essential sock-knitting techniques that define this intermediate project. The socks are constructed using the magic loop technique or double-pointed needles, allowing for seamless circular knitting in the round. The pattern incorporates a traditional heel flap and turn heel construction, where the work transitions from circular knitting to flat rows for the heel shaping, then returns to circular knitting for the gusset and foot. The gusset shaping technique is used to decrease stitches after the heel turn, creating a properly fitted sock that contours to the ankle and foot. The heel is turned using short-row shaping with strategic decreases that gradually work across the heel stitches until the desired number of stitches remains.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Ossett Socks is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for sock construction. The leg features charted colorwork patterns that are worked in stockinette stitch as the base. Chart A provides an 18-round and 4-round pattern repeat that is worked continuously throughout the leg section, while Chart B contains a 19-stitch pattern that is worked once through rows 1 to 21, after which the 19 stitches continue in stockinette stitch only. The heel flap is constructed using a slip-stitch pattern (alternating slipped stitches and knit stitches), which creates a reinforced, durable fabric that resists wear. Decreases are worked using slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) and purl two together (P2tog) techniques for shaping the heel turn and gusset. Increases are incorporated using M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) techniques to pick up stitches along the heel edges and manage the gusset shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Ossett Socks are designed to be knitted with Rowan Sock yarn, a 100-gram skein. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Evergreen 003, though other Rowan Sock colors may be substituted. Rowan Sock yarn is specifically formulated for sock knitting with appropriate yardage and fiber content for durability and fit.

Needles required are 2½mm (US 1, UK no 12/13) in either a set of 5 double-pointed needles or a 2½mm circular needle measuring 80 cm long if using the magic loop technique. The choice between needle types allows knitters to select their preferred method for working small circumference projects in the round.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 32 stitches and 43 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using 2½mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper sock fit, particularly in the foot circumference. The pattern accommodates three different sizes with corresponding stitch counts that adjust throughout the leg and foot sections to ensure proper proportions at each size.