This sock pattern was designed for the Sock Knitters Anonymous group on Ravelry as the May 2026 Mystery Sock (or MOCK) to fit the featured theme ‘Literary’.

My inspiration was all the wonderful books by Astrid Lindgren which excited my love of reading when I was a kid. Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, The Six Bullerby Children, Karlsson-on-the-Roof – there are so many classics that I’ve loved and adored ever since I read them for the first time. This pattern is my homage to Astrid Lindgren and I see it as a nod to the setting in many of her novels and the rural traditions in knitting.

The pattern is divided into a series of four clues to be released on May 1, 8, 15 and 22 of 2026. Because it is designed as a mystery, no photos of the finished socks are present on the pattern page or in any of the clues. Please use a spoiler image as the first photo of your Ravelry project page if knitting along in the MKAL.

Size and measurements
Women’s S, M, and L to fit leg circumference 17.5 (20, 22.5) cm 7 (7.75, 8.75)”. Leg length including heel results in 22.5 (23, 23.5) cm 8.75 (9, 9.25)”. Foot length is adjustable.

Material
1 skein of fingering weight yarn with a yardage of approximately 402 m (440 yds) per 100 g

Size 2.5mm / US size 1 1/2 DPNs or circular needle(s) for your preferred method to knit in the round

5 stitch markers, cable needle, darning needle, optional: crochet needle of about the same size as the knitting needles

Gauge
32 sts /42 rows = 10 cm/4” in Stockinette stitch, blocked