Oolong Socks

These perfectly delectable socks were inspired by tea leaves that make up the oolong teas frequently grown in Taiwan. In the spring, I love a glass of tea with a whipped and savory cream cheese topping and boba pearls on a beautiful day. In the winter, I love a warming, unctuous cup of hot oolong tea. These socks were originally designed in 2021 and eventually they became the Effervescent Pullover. I hope you’ll enjoy the sock iteration, inspired by oolong leaves in the lace motif, with its adorable and engaging leafy lace panel and the frothy mohair ruffle. This pattern is knit top down, starting with the cuff with half-twisted rib. A lace panel is worked symmetrically for each sock down the entirety of the sock, with a classic eye of the partridge heel flap and gusset construction and a wedge toe. **SIZES** A (B, C) with the finished foot circumference of 7 (8, 9)” / 18 (20.5, 23) cm. Foot length and leg length adjustable. *Sample shown in Size A.* **GAUGE** 32 stitches and 40 rounds = 4x4” / 10x10 cm, stockinette stitch knit in the round, knit with Needle A, blocked. **YARN & YARDAGE** For the sock: 225 (300, 400) yards / 205 (274, 366) meters of fingering weight sock yarn Sample in Wandering Flock’s Baby Paca base (50% Superwash Merino Wool, Extra Fine, 30% Baby Alpaca, 20% Nylon / sport weight / 400 yds / 365 m / 100g) in the colorway “Pistachio Cream” For the optional ruffle: 50 (60, 65) yards / 45 (55, 60) meters of lace-weight fluffy yarn such as mohair silk or alpaca suri. Ruffle shown in Wandering Flock’s Mohair Silk base (72% kid mohair 28% silk / lace weight / 459 yds / 419 m / 50 g) in the colorway “Pistachio Cream.” **NEEDLES** **A (Main Fabric):** US1 / 2.25 mm needles for knitting in the round for small circumference, (ie. small circulars, DPN’s, or magic loop). *If using small circulars, DPN’s or long circulars for magic loop in the same size will be required for the heel flap and the toe* **B (Ruffle):** US3 / 3.25 mm needles for knitting in the round for small circumference, (ie. small circulars, DPN’s, or magic loop). **NOTIONS** 4 stitch markers, plus one unique marker for the BOR. Tapestry needle. **CONSTRUCTION NOTES** This pattern is knit top down, starting with the cuff with half-twisted rib. A lace panel is worked symmetrically for each sock down the entirety of the sock, with a classic eye of the partridge heel flap and gusset construction and a wedge toe. Slip all markers when encountered unless otherwise indicated. **CREDITS** Tech Editing: Heather Sorta Photos: Roy and Aimee Sher **ACCESSIBILITY** * Large format pattern file included, with 22 pt Avenir Next font (a sans serif font), black text on white background, and no italic formatting text. * All images have alt text. Header structure tagged main pattern file and tested with Adobe Acrobat. * Written instructions are present for all charted instructions as well.