Raccoon Socks

Head into a deep, dark forest where nighttime critters get into mischief. These adorable socks, a collaboration between Andrea and Catherine at Gauge Dye Works, are inspired by sweet striped raccoon tails, their cute little faces, and trouble-making, dextrous hands. Get into a relaxed knitting vibe with the engaging striped legs, and enjoy a bit of delightful raccoon colourwork on the toes. A contrasting short row heel accents the socks perfectly. These socks are worked cuff-down. **This pattern is the June design for the 2025 Gauge Summer Yarn + Pattern Club. It's sold out for 2025, but the pattern and yarn will be available separately in the summer of 2026.** If you already signed up, [here's a link to the KAL][1]. Like my designs? [Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get updates, exclusive sales, and recommendations, plus the Mill Hill Toque pattern free][2]! **Sizes** Finished Foot Circumference: 7.5(8.5, 9.5) in/19(21.5, 24) cm **Yarn** Yarn quantities are approximate. 312(351, 390) yd/285(321, 357) m fingering weight yarn Gauge Dye Works 4-ply Sock (75% superwash Merino wool, 25% nylon; 465 yd/425 m per 100 g skein) Colourways: Forest Floor (brown; sample colour) Midnight Paws (grey) Witching Hour (purple) **Blocked Gauge** 34 sts/40 rounds = 4 in/10 cm in Stockinette stitch with smaller needle 34 sts/36 rounds = 4 in/10 cm in stranded colourwork with larger needle **Needles** Use set double pointed needles, long circular needle for magic loop method, or other preferred small circumference knitting method. Ribbing & single-colour Stockinette Stitch: Suggested Size US 1/2.25 mm needles Stranded Colourwork: Suggested Size US 2/2.75 mm needles **Notions** tapestry needle stitch marker waste yarn (optional) **Skills** I consider this an intermediate level pattern. Techniques used include working stranded colourwork from charted instructions with shaping in the chart, wrap-and-turn short row shaping, decreasing, and grafting. [1]: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/gauge-dye-works/4358147/101-125#113 [2]: https://www.andrearangel.com/newsletter