Sunflowers

Inspired by blooming summer fields, this sock pattern features delicate sunflower motifs that climb the leg, bringing warmth, texture, and a touch of whimsy to every stitch. Designed for knitters who love nature-inspired projects, these socks capture the charm of sunflowers in a wearable, cozy design full of personality. Construction Overview These socks are knit top-down and use a straightforward four-color stranded design to form the Sunflower motif. A short row heel provides a smooth, contoured fit, while the toe is finished with a grafted seam for a clean look and comfortable wear. Sizing 1 (2, 3) To fit foot circumference: 19.5 – 21 (22.5 –24, 25.5-27) cm / 8 (9 ½, 10 ¾) inches. Finished circumference: 18 (21, 24.5) cm / 7 (8 ½, 9 ¾) inches. Recommended ease: ~2.5 cm (1 in) of negative ease. Measure around the widest part of your foot for accuracy. Adjustments in length can be made easily — instructions included. Sample shown: Size 2, for a US women’s 8.5 / EU 39 / UK 6, foot circumference 22.5 cm (8 ½ in). Materials Yarn: Fingering weight sock yarn Yellow: Malabrigo Ultimate Sock in the color Sunset (75% Merino / 25% Nylon, 420 yds / 385 m, 100g) Orange: Malabrigo Ultimate Sock in the color Terracota (75% Merino / 25% Nylon, 420 yds / 385 m, 100g) Green Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the color Venti Dragon Mocha (100% Superwash Merino, 421 yds / 385 m, 107g) Brown: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in the color Glazed Pecan (100% Superwash Merino, 421 yds / 385 m, 107g) Note: Any fingering weight sock yarn at gauge will work. A blend with nylon is recommended for durability. Needles Ribbing & stockinette: 2.25 mm (US 1) — choose magic loop, DPNs, or small circulars as preferred. Colorwork: 2.5 mm (US 1.5). Adjust needle size as needed to match gauge. Important note: Be sure to check your gauge. Further sizes can be achieved by going up or down needle sizes. Gauge Ribbing & stockinette: 34 sts × 44 rds = 10 cm (4 in). Colorwork: 34 sts × 36 rds = 10 cm (4 in). Notions Stitch marker, scissors, tape measure, tapestry needle for sewing in ends. Colorwork Tips When knitting stranded colorwork, consistency is key. Always hold your yarns the same way, keeping the contrast color yarns crossing under the main color at the back of your work helps the motif stand out. When working a row that does not include 1 of the colors, I find it helpful to twist it on the first stitch of each row to carry it up to the next round it will be used in. This prevents needing to cut and rejoin each time the color is needed. Avoid twisting or catching your floats too frequently, as this can create an inelastic fabric. I typically don’t catch floats while knitting, but if you prefer, you can catch them every 5–6 stitches to keep strands neat and reduce snagging. Try your socks on often during knitting to check fit. The colourwork chart is read from bottom to top, and right to left. Short Row Heel You may substitute any short row heel or afterthought heel, as long as you decrease down to the same stitch count given for your size.