Sock knitters accumulate scraps and short bits of yarn like nobodies’ business. We’re always looking for a way to use up all of those dang scraps! Stripes are the easiest option but they get boring after a while. Here’s a scrappy sock pattern that rises above simple stripes in visual interest but is still basically worked like stripes by virtue of the mosaic or slip stitch pattern used. An added bonus is little bit of texture, a nice contrast to the smooth stockinette sole. Knit it with black for the 80’s arcade game effect (and who doesn’t love a good 80’s arcade game?) or, if you simply must, use a different strongly contrasting solid color that makes your scraps really pop. You will need about 56 g or 250 yds of the black and a bit less for the colorful scraps.

The pattern is given in both chart and written formats. Four sizes are offered, the pictured sock was knit in the large size which fit a women’s size 10 and a men’s 11 perfectly.

Knit cuff down with a traditional heel flap, the leg is a bit longer for a change but you can knit it any length you like, of course. This pattern is appropriate for the intermediate beginner who has made at least one pair of socks.

Yarn recommendations: Black combined with bright solid or variegated yarns, the scrappier the better. It’s best to avoid scrap yarns with black in them or the pattern will not be distinct. I have knit the pictured socks with 5 different colored scraps arranged from darker to lighter to darker again in increments of 4 pattern repeats each but you can stagger or repeat your scrap colors however you wish.

Note: I knit with 5 DPNs (stitches evenly distributed on 4 needles and then work around with a 5th), but I have attempted to generalize my instructions for those who use alternate needle set-ups.