These socks are knit by shepherds in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. They use yarn spun by the women in their families from the wool provided by their own flocks. This yarn is similar to a worsted or bulky weight yarn.

Because this pattern is knit-to-fit from the toe up, any size yarn and any size needle will work. Instead of knitting a gauge swatch, knit the toe cap to fit your foot width - just as the shepherds do when they knit socks for themselves, their family members, and friends.

The Tqasher Qadeem pattern is included in the book, Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco’s High Atlas and Beyond, which I wrote in collaboration with shepherd-knitters from Morocco’s Aït Boulli valley. It is the base for the Ntaidrin slipper socks, which I designed based on my experiences working with the shepherd-knitters and their families. For this reason, this stand-alone pattern for the Tqasher Qadeem also includes the pattern for the Ntaidrin slippers.

As requested by the shepherd-knitters who contributed their patterns, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book, Keepers of the Sheep: Knitting in Morocco’s High Atlas and Beyond, is donated to their village’s women’s cooperative, Cooperative Ibilou. The cooperative uses these funds for community development projects that benefit everyone in the village. Because Tqasher Qadeem is a traditional pattern, a portion of the sale of this pattern is donated to Cooperative Ibilou.