These socks with both toe-up and cuff-down instructions are worked in shifting-width stripes. Beginning with one of the colours, the stripes gradually shrink in width until you reach one-round helical stripes around the heel. After the heel, the opposite colour’s stripes gradually increase in width to mirror the first half of the sock. They have an afterthought heel that is worked in matching helical stripes for a seamless final look. Optional mini-gusset shaping instructions for the sole and back of leg are provided if you require additional room in the heel.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit in stripes on a small circumference in the round (the pattern is method-neutral to suit your preferred technique for socks: double-pointed needles, magic loop, two circular needles, short circular needle, etc.). The pattern is written for four foot circumference sizes and the socks are adjustable to fit. It clearly explains all necessary techniques, as well as providing links to useful tutorials (including afterthought heel techniques and jogless stripe options), and it is easily accessible to a beginner sock knitter. There are also helpful checklists in every size for a relaxing knitting experience!

While this pattern is very friendly to many different colourways, from solid to wild, the stripe pattern shows up best if the two yarns used do not overlap at all in colour, and ideally if one is darker and one is lighter. Try pairing a neutral solid colour with all your bright sock yarn leftovers for a fun scrappy-socks look!