ABOUT
When I first held this skein of Great Smoky Mountains National Park yarn by Explorer Knits, I knew it needed its own pattern. The Mountain Socks, named after the yarn and also the little triangle that emerges at the gusset, came to be. They’re knitted cuff down and use a comfortable heel, called the Strong Heel. This heel type allows the modified ribbed texture to encompass the leg, heel and top of the foot.

SIZES
1, (2, 3) (4, 5)

To Fit:
Size 1: child size (toddler)
Foot Circumference: 5 inches; 12.7 cm
Size 2: child size (aged 4 - 9); European shoe size 35 - 37
Foot Circumference: 6.5 inches; 16.5 cm
Size 3: child size (aged 10 - 13); European shoe size 37 - 40
Foot Circumference: 8 inches; 20.3 cm
Size 4: European shoe size 41 - 43
Foot Circumference: 9.5 inches; 24 cm
Size 5: European shoe size 43+
Foot Circumference: 11 inches; 28 cm

Note: rather than classify the sizes by gender, the sizes are according to measurements for foot circumference, the foot length will be knitted according to the shoe size or preferred fit

YARN REQUIREMENTS
These are approximations based on test knitting, your yardage will depend on your gauge, size and yarn chosen

Fingering Weight Yarn
220 (260, 320) (380, 420) yards
200 (240, 295) (350, 385) meters

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
2.5mm (US SIZE 1.5) circular needles for Magic Loop (or preferred small circumference needles such as DPNs)
use size needed to obtain gauge

NOTIONS
darning needle, to weave in ends
one stitch mark, to mark beginning of round
scissors, or other tool for breaking the yarn
optional: sock blockers and/or preferred blocking tools

GAUGE
17 sts x 23 rows = 2 inches / 5 cm square

TECHNIQUES
Kitchener Stitch for closing toe
Magic Loop
Twisted German Cast-On (or preferred stretchy cast-on)
Knitting & Purling
Decreasing (K2TOG & SSK)
Lifted Increases

I would like to thank my testers for their time and skills, they have been integral to the design process. Thank you, testers! tastywench, WoollyBot, breeanajohng, knittly & those who would prefer to remain uncredited ♥️