Iralai Socks
The Iralai Socks are inspired by Antilope cervicapra, the Blackbuck (“iralai maan” in Tamil), a species of antelope from the Indian subcontinent. Its long corkscrew antlers are one of the most impressive features in the animal kingdom. They have unfortunately often been the target of poachers for this reason, so today in India they are protected by both custom and law.
These socks use slipped stitches and simple crossed stitches and cables to create a twisted effect. Elongating the stitches to be slipped helps keep the socks stretchy and comfortable while also bringing out the subtle colour details we all love in hand-dyed yarns.
These socks are knit toe-up. They feature a rounded short-row heel and a twisted-rib cuff. The twisting cables are mirrored on the left and right socks, though each only uses two different types of cables to create the effect.
This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit 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 the socks can be worked two-at-a-time from the toe to the heel) and clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, yarn over short rows, cables, and elongated stitches. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is easily accessible to an intermediate sock knitter.
This pattern is designed to accentuate highly variegated and/or heavily speckled yarns, though the texture also complements solid, semi-solid, and tonal colours.
