The Llama Tracks Socks are inspired by Hamish the llama, who was a treasured friend of his sheep and human companions on an Eastern Ontario farm. As the iconic “happy llama” of the Grumpy Sheep, Happy Llama fibre company, Hamish was a dedicated protector of his flock from his earliest days, and he particularly loved getting apples as a treat. The motif on the socks represents Hamish’s important role on the farm and the deep imprint his life has left on everyone who knew him.

Pattern Description

The graphic lace pattern on the outside of these socks is designed to look like both llama footprints and hearts (llamas have two toes, not hooves as some might think). They are knit toe-up with a rounded afterthought heel and a twisted-rib cuff. They are available in three sizes and they are completely adjustable in length and height. The right and left socks are worked as mirror images, and corresponding written instructions are provided for the chart.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (the pattern is written to suit any method you may prefer — DPNs, magic loop, etc.) and clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, and picking up an afterthought heel. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is easily accessible to an intermediate knitter who is just getting started knitting socks.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

Sizes available: Adult Small (Medium, Large) for foot circumferences of 18 (20.5, 23) cm / 7 (8, 9) inches worked over 52 (60, 68) st — note that the lace makes the socks slightly larger in circumference than a typical sock with these stitch counts.

For standard foot lengths and equal leg heights, the pattern requires approximately 250 (275, 300) m / 275 (300, 325) yards of fingering-weight yarn appropriate for socks, but the length and height are completely adjustable for a comfortable custom fit.

This pattern is designed to complement even strong, multicoloured colourways — the lace is beautiful in a solid or semisolid, but it still holds its own with a variegated or speckled yarn.

These socks are rated 2/5 — Easy — on my sock pattern difficulty scale. This is because they require only a few basic lace stitches to form the panel.