We launched a new sock pattern at the I Knit weekender. Cosy, DK ribbed socks by generous and talented designer Erssie Major.

When we take p/hop to festivals our sock patterns are greatly admired but lots of knitters confess to their fear of sock knitting so miss out on making our fabulous patterns. I remember knitting my first socks and being daunted by phrases bandied about by more experienced knitters such as turning the heel, gussets and grafting toes. I now know sock knitting really isn’t hard but to help you sock virgins out there we have a great new pattern to help you through your first pair.

These cosy socks are made using DK weight yarn and 4mm needles so you can quickly work your way through the cuff to the heel and discover how simple it actually is. Erssie has also written a guide to sock construction to guide you through the process as well as clear instructions in the pattern itself.

If you are a more experienced sock knitter these will make a great quick project and the socks make fab wellie socks or toasty bed socks depending on the type of yarn you use. One of our test knitters made a pair from 100% Alpaca and they are gorgeous. I have to resist taking them home to wear.

So, potential new sock knitters, do you need any more convincing? Well it is October which means one thing, it’s Socktober Fest over on Ravelry. Go on, give yourself a challenge and make your first sock. Let us know how you get on.

Warning: When I took the plunge into sock knitting someone warned me it is addictive. Oh how I laughed. Two years later it’s the main thing I make. The upside of this addiction is I wore hand made socks all last winter. I didn’t have cold feet once.