Fresnel Socks

**Named after Augustin-Jean Fresnel and his work on light polarization, these socks echo the helical nature of light through their one-row spiral striping** The **Fresnel Socks** are an engaging **toe-up** project worked in playful helical stripes. The **afterthought heel with flap and gusset** ensures a great fit without interrupting the rhythm of the stripes. Worked in two or three colors, it’s a perfect stashbuster. Optional calf shaping and a choice of a standard or doubled cuff let you make the most of your yarn. This pattern has been **test knit** and professionally **tech edited**. --- ## **Pattern Information** ## **Gauge** 36 stitches and 44 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in stockinette stitch. ## **Techniques** * Judy Magic Cast On * Helical one row stripes * Picking up stitches * German Short Rows * Grafting Stitches * Jeny Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off ##**Difficulty Level** This pattern is designed for **intermediate knitters** or **adventurous beginners**. The heel is worked using an **afterthought construction** that incorporates a **heel turn** and a traditional-looking reinforced heel flap. While it doesn’t involve inherently complex techniques, **helical knitting** requires managing color changes that don’t align with the beginning of the round. The heel placement is **fully guided**, with no need to cut any yarn regardless of your configuration. Familiarity with German short rows is recommended. Video tutorials are provided for the **cast-on, bind-off, short rows, and grafting techniques**. ## **Sizing** These socks are designed with wide feet in mind and sport two extra stitches (∼0.5 cm / 1/4 inch) in the foot compared to the leg. Choose the size closest to your widest feature, aiming for 10% of negative ease in width. The foot and leg lengths are adjustable. For foot length, ease should range from 10% negative ease to no ease, depending on your fit preference. **Foot**: [50, 58, 66, 74, 82] sts / [13.9, 16.1, 18.3, 20.6, 22.8] cm / [5 1/2, 6 1/2, 7 3/8, 8 1/4, 9 1/8] inches **Leg**: [48, 56, 64, 72, 80] sts/ [13.3, 15.6, 17.8, 20, 22.2] cm / [5 3/8, 6 1/4, 7 1/8, 8, 8 7/8] inches ## **Materials** This pattern is intended for **fingering weight** yarn. * **20–25g / 80–100m of MC** (used for toe, heel, and cuff). If working the double cuff, consider having up to 35-50g / 140-200m available. * **30–50g / 120–200m** of CC1 and CC2 (used for the striped sections). Yarn usage will vary depending on size, foot length, and leg height. ## **Needles** **2.25 mm / US 1** needles for the sock body or the needle size needed to achieve gauge. Use needles 1 to 2 sizes smaller for the cuff (optional). The pattern is written to be needle-agnostic. Use your preferred method to knit small circumferences, but note that if you are using small circulars, you will need another method to start the toe. ## **Notions** - Tapestry needle - Stitch markers - Scrap yarn - If knitting the folded cuff, an additional set of needles (any size up to the gauge needle size) [1]: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nyquist-socks