When I’m out and about, or at home on the sofa watching TV, I like to knit socks that are just one step up from vanilla: socks that have just enough patterning to keep me interested and to mark progress. Hiding in the Bamboo are just that: the socks feature an all-over rib-pattern that is easy to memorize, with just two rows that are different in every ten-round repeat. The socks were inspired by the yarn – the colour made me think of walks round the bamboo plantation in our local botanical garden, where the kids love to hide, before jumping out and shouting ‘boo’ while I hunt for them.

The socks are knitted from the top down using a standard heel flap and gusset construction. The foot length of the socks is adjustable to fit.

The pattern is written to be needle-neutral and can be knitted using either the magic-loop technique, short circulars or DPNs, depending on your individual preference. The pattern also features helpful hints for beginners.

Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL)

Finished sock circumferences: 13 (17, 20.5, 24.5, 28) cm 5.25 (6.75, 8.25, 9.75, 11.25) in; for the best fit, choose a size that is approximately 2.5 cm 1 in smaller than your foot circumference.

Leg length to heel: 12.5 (15, 18, 20.5, 23) cm 5 (6, 7, 8, 9) in.

Foot length is adjustable.

Tension
32 sts and 44 rnds = 10 cm 4 in in stocking stitch and worked in the rnd on 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needle(s) after wet blocking, or size needed to obtain correct tension.

Yarn
4ply-weight sock yarn in the following colours and amounts (yardages are approximate as the amount of yarn used will depend on the length of the foot, which is adjustable):
* 130 (215, 315, 440, 565) m 145, 240, 345, 485, 620) yds
I would recommend using a dedicated sock yarn that is tightly plied wool and has some nylon content for durability.

Needles

• 2.5 mm (US 1.5) DPNs, 15 cm 6 in, set of 5, or
• 2.5 mm (US 1.5) circular needle, at least 80 cm 32 in in length to work magic loop, or
• 2.5 mm (US 1.5) circular needle, 22.5 cm 9 in in length Notions
• Stitch markers x 5

The sample details are as follows: MillaMia Naturally Soft Sock (4-ply, 200 m per 50 g ball, 75% wool, 25% nylon) in 522 Laurel. Knitted in size M.

Pattern edited by Jo Torr.