Melpomene was the muse of chorus and tragedy. Her name means “to sing” and “the one that is melodious.”

The Melpomene socks are knitted from the cuff down towards the toes. They are started with an optional tubular cast on, which provides a stretchy edge to the cuff. The heel flaps are knitted with a reinforced stitch pattern for durability, and the heels are round French heels. Instructions are given for modifying the gusset for a more generous fit.

The Melpomene socks look best in solid or slightly variegated colors for the stitch pattern to show in its full glory.

Size
1 (2)
The difference in fit is achieved by using different yarn weights to change the gauge, see below. Shown in size 1.
Circumference 20 (21.5) cm / 8 (8.5) inches, to be worn with slight negative ease
Length adjustable

Yarn
For size 1:
275-300 m / 300-330 yards of fingering weight sock yarn.

Sample: 1 skein of Säie Wool Merino sock (75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon; 425 m / 465 yards per 100 g), shown in colorway Fog Mr. Fogg

For size 2:
275-300 m / 300-330 yards of heavy fingering or sport weight sock yarn

Yarn suggestion: 2 skeins of Tukuwool Sock (80% Finnish wool, 20% nylon; 160 m / 175 yards per 50 g).

Needles
2.5 mm / US 1.5 DPNs or circular needles with a cable suitable for small circumference knitting
Always choose the needle size that gets you the right gauge.
Note: if you are using mini-circulars, you might want to use DPNs or Magic Loop for the Tubular Cast On.

Gauge
For size 1:
30 sts and 38 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Stockinette stitch, in the round after blocking.

For size 2:
28 sts and 38 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Stockinette stitch, in the round after blocking.

Note: If you can’t match the gauge both across the stitches and across the rounds, choose the needle size that gets you closer to the gauge across the stitches.

Notions
3 stitch markers
cable needle (if using)
waste yarn for the Tubular Cast On
sewing needle
blocking tools (sock blockers)