Blazes Socks
The Blazes Socks are inspired by the entrancing patterns of burning flames. Without getting too pyromanic about it, I do love a good fire! The smell of fragrant wood, the ever-changing patterns of flames, the bursts of sparks, the shifting colours as the heat intensifies or cools. These socks are designed to feel like a procession of torches, so I hope you’re more inclined to follow Indiana Jones into a long-unexplored cavern, rather than chase after Frankenstein’s monster!
These toe-up socks have a flame motif colourwork pattern that starts after the toe, is incorporated into the gusset increases, and continues on the leg to the cuff. They feature a gusset and heel flap heel using German short rows and a 2x2-rib cuff. The gusset increases are worked on the sole of the foot for the most seamless possible final look, and both socks are worked identically. Three adult foot circumference sizes are available, and the socks are adjustable in length and height for an ideal finished fit.
This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit with two colours at once on a small circumference in the round (the pattern is method-neutral to suit your preferred technique for socks — double-pointed needles, magic loop/one circular needle, two circular needles, short circular needle, etc. — and it is possible to work the socks two-at-a-time). It clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, and short rows. With assistance from the resources linked in the pattern, it is accessible to a sock knitter who has some experience with stranded knitting; some float management is required. Corresponding written instructions are provided for the charts.
This pattern requires two colours that contrast completely with one another; as you can see from the sample pair, they do not both need to be a solid colour! But, to ensure the best finished results, I recommend having at least one colour be solid, with no colour overlap whatsoever with the other colour.
