Better Mousetrap Socks by Debbie New

Better Mousetrap Socks

Knitting
August 2001
DK (11 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches
in garter stitch
US 5 - 3.75 mm
321 - 428 yards (294 - 391 m)
7½" (19 cm) around and 8¼" (21 cm) long. To fit an average woman's foot. Instructions for sizes from 3" to 10 1/4"
English
This pattern is available from interweave.com for $7.99.
Errata available: interweave.com

Interweave SKU: EP1027

From the magazine:
This sock pattern is radically different and very simple to knit. Each sock is knitted in a single strip that runs from the back of the leg, around the heel, across the bottom of the foot, around the toes, and up the instep and the front of the leg. The strip is worked in two halves, each from the center of the leg/foot outward. Stitches are cast on for the entire length of the strip, garter stitch is worked for an eighth of the foot circumference, then garter stitch is worked for another eighth of the foot circumference while the heel and toe are shaped, then these stitches are placed on a holder. Stitches are picked up from the cast-on row, and the second half is worked to match the first. The halves are then joined along each side with an easy on-the-needle grafting method.

Includes a full page table with instructions for sizes (from 3” to 10-1/4”) in columns and the gauge (from 5 to 7-1/2 sts/inch) in rows.

Finished Size: 7½“ (19 cm) around and 8¼” (21 cm) long. To fit an average woman’s foot.

Yarn: Heirloom Easy Care 8-ply (100% machine-washable Merino; 107 yd [98 m]/50 g): Lavender socks: #771 lilac, 3 balls. Striped socks: #772 pink, #799 lime, #791 olive, and #779 purple, 1 ball each.

Yarn weight: #3 - Light

Gauge: 22 sts and 22 rows = 4” (10 cm) in garter stitch.

Needles: Size 5 (3.75 mm): 24” (60-cm) circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Markers (m); tapestry needle; long stitch holders; 24” (60-cm) cir needle in a smaller size than used for knitting (optional).

Originally Published: Interweave Knits, Fall 2001