Dovecot Socks

Machine Knitting
November 2023
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
33 stitches and 31 rows = 4 inches
in Fair Isle pattern at stitch size T8
350 - 525 yards (320 - 480 m)
1 (2, 3)
English
This pattern is available from yarnjournal.com for £24.00.

The Dovecot socks are Fair Isle unisex socks inspired by the Bauhaus weaver Anni Albers and her geometric weavings.

The spark for this whole project started on a Machine Knit Community group visit to the knitwear exhibition at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh in 2022 and so it seemed entirely appropriate to combine weaving and machine knitting in this new design.

The sock is machine knitted flat from the top down starting with a Rib Cuff before moving onto the Leg. The sock then is divided and the Top Foot is knitted, followed by the Toe and then Bottom Foot, finishing with the Heel which is cast off onto WY. The sock is then completed with seams at the back heel, back leg and sides of the foot.

** Hand knit instructions are also provided **

SIZES
Sizes 1 (2, 3)

To fit approx. UK shoe size: 3–5 (6–8, 9–11) EU 35–38 (39–41, 43–45)

Foot length and leg length can be customised to fit your personal requirements and instructions are included in the pattern for this.

YARN
Black Isle Yarns Killen Sock, 4 ply, 80% BFL 20% Mohair, 400m / 100g skein

MC: Cream, 40 (50, 60) g
CC1: Spruce Tip, 40 (50, 60) g

APPROXIMATE YARDAGE REQUIRED
MC: 160 (200, 240) m / 175 (219, 263) yds
CC1: 160 (200, 240) m / 175 (219, 263) yds

TECHNIQUES
2x1 rib, Fair Isle patterning, stripes, short row shaping.