Designed for yarns that pool, these unisex socks use wide short row sequences to form subtle distortions in the yarn’s natural pooling pattern, just like the geological formations they are named for. Worked toe-up or cuff-down (instructions are provided for both directions of knitting), they have a comfortable, rounded afterthought heel with optional afterthought gussets and a 2x2-rib cuff. The socks are available in three adult foot circumferences and are adjustable in length and height.

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. — however, due to the short-row sections, this pattern is not well-suited for working two-at-a-time, except on the heels) and clearly explains all techniques required. There are links to useful video tutorials as well, so this pattern is accessible to relatively inexperienced sock knitters.

These socks are designed for any yarn that repeats its colour sequence in a predictable way, from highly variegated yarns with short repeats of as little as a quarter of a round per colour, to “micro-striping" yarns with colour repeats of about 1 round each, to self-striping yarns with very narrow stripes (no more than 2-3 rounds per stripe). This pattern will not work well with yarns that have random sequences of colours, with yarns with wide stripes, or with yarns where the colour changes are very subtle.

Whether the sections of each colour are short or long on the strand, every yarn will make for an unpredictable but interesting effect, as you can see from the two sample pairs. Embrace the pool — every yarn will look unique with this pattern!