The Parallel Lines socks are simple yet ingenious, with a fun construction which results in an attractive, long-lasting and extremely comfy sock.

The Parallel Lines socks are knitted from the cuff down. The sock is designed to be worn with the reverse stocking stitch on the surface of the fabric with parallel lines of stocking stitch running down the leg of the sock and also down the foot on the outer side of the sock. To create this easily, the socks are knitted ‘inside out’ so every round is still knitted rather than purled. The socks are turned to the right side before working first the heel and finally the toe. Round instructions indicate whether they are worked from right side or wrong side. Separate instructions are provided for left and right socks for gusset and foot.

So why Parallel Lines? Seeing Debbie Harry, with her band Blondie, on TV for the first time was an unforgettable moment. Her dyed blonde hair was deliberately messed up and her performance was energetic, youthful and natural. Blondie’s album Parallel Lines was rarely off my record player as a youngster, as I danced around my bedroom, hairbrush in hand, attempting to imitate Debbie. It therefore seemed only right that this inspirational album would be the source for the Parallel Lines socks.

The Parallel Lines socks are knitted in Susan Crawford Lock yarn, a hard-wearing sock yarn spun from the fleece of local Lonk sheep, native to the hills of North Yorkshire and Lancashire. This unique yarn is spun exclusively for us at a nearby Yorkshire mill and hand-dyed in our Lake District studio.

The pattern is available in three adult sizes, to ensure the perfect fit. The pattern includes clear written instructions and a helpful schematic.

Samples shown in size 2 with foot length 24 cm / 9.5 in (UK size 7, EU size 41, US size 8.5).

The pattern includes instructions for three sizes to fit leg measurements between 19cm (7.5in) and 23.5cm (16.5in) and contains clear written instructions.

Yarn kits are available from Susan Crawford Vintage.

Pattern Information

Yarn
Susan Crawford Lock, 75% Lonk, 25% Nylon, fingering-weight sock yarn (378 m / 414 yds per 100 g approx)
1 skein, shade Le Ferre
Suggested needles
Set of 2.25 mm (US 1) DPNs, or circular needle if preferred

Gauge
34 sts and 42 rounds = 10 cm / 4 in over stocking stitch worked in the round, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 2.25 mm needles.

Notions
Stitch markers
waste yarn
tapestry needle
sock blockers

Techniques
Knitting in the round
Heel flap and gusset sock construction
Grafting a toe
Decreasing