Business Casual Socks

Have you ever dreamed of buttoning up your socks? …Well I have! Business casual, but make it hand knit. A delightfully cheeky pair of socks inspired by pinstripe suits, the business casual socks feature a crisp double-knit collar, functional buttons on a polo style placket, and a pinstripe colourwork pattern. These socks are knitted from the top down. The collar is worked flat in double knitting, with buttonholes along a ribbed button band, then joined in the round. The leg is knitted in a simple stranded colourwork repeat, followed by a shadow wrap heel. The colourwork continues down the foot, then toe decreases are worked and the toe is closed with kitchener stitch. Pattern includes labelled close up photos to accompany written instructions, colourwork charts, row by row written instructions, and links to relevant video tutorials for techniques. **Size guide** The Business Casual Socks are designed to have approx. 2.5cm (1 inch) of negative ease to fit snugly on the foot. The sizes 1 (2) 3 are designed to fit a foot circumference of 19-21 (21.5-23.5) 24-26 cm or 7½-8¼ (8½-9¼) 9½-10¼ inches, measured around the widest part at the ball of the foot. The finished sock circumference will measure 17.5 (20) 22.5 cm or 6¾ (8) 9 inches. Length of sock is easy to adjust based on foot length measurements, shoe size, or using a ‘try on as you go’ approach. **Sizes** 1 (2) 3 **Foot circumference** 19-21 (21.5-23.5) 24-26 cm 7½-8¼ (8½-9¼) 9½-10¼ inches **Gauge** 34 sts & 44 rows = 10cm x 10cm (4 inches x 4 inches) for stranded colourwork in the round, blocked. **Needles** 2.25mm (US 1) for ribbing and stockinette and 2.5mm (US 1.5) for colourwork. Alternatively, whichever size needle meets gauge. **Materials** Suggested yarn MC: Fibresmith 4ply Merino (Full dark); 100% Extrafine Merino Wool. Approx. 60 (70) 80 g, 240 (280) 320 m / 260 (305) 350 yds. CC: Hobbii Unicorn Solid (Cream 01); 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% polyamide. Approx. 30 (35) 40 g, 110 (135) 150 m / 120 (145) 165 yds. If substituting yarn, any 4ply/fingering weight sock yarn can be used if gauge can be achieved. I recommend using a yarn containing at least 20% nylon/polyamide for durability. **Notions** Stitch markers, tapestry needle, measuring tape, scissors, sewing needle, sewing thread, 4 small buttons (2 for each sock). **Skill level** This pattern is best for intermediate knitters. **Techniques** Double knitting, buttonholes, three needle join, stranded colourwork, shadow wrap heel, increasing/decreasing, kitchener stitch.