The Tree, Nog, and Roast Beast socks will be published on Thursday 6 January. To get an exclusive launch discount, sign up to my mailing list.

Make the most of your hand-dyed sock sets with The Tree, Nog, and Roast Beast socks. Graded across 4ply and DK-weight yarn, their simple texture beautifully shows the changing colours of variegated yarn.

And they’re great fun to knit; with a fuss-free toe up construction, surprisingly simple knit-and-purl textured panel – that’s both charted, and written out in full - and fun German short row heel, they’re a great easy sock pattern.

The smaller sizes are perfect for using up scraps of yarn, and with all but the three largest DK sizes using less than a 100g skein of yarn plus a contrasting 20g mini, they’re a great way to use those single skeins that are hanging out in your stash.

Key information
The Tree, Nog, and Roast Beast socks are knitted toe-up, in the round. You can use either double pointed needles (DPNs), or a long circular using the magic loop technique.

The heel of the sock is turned using a German short row heel. The pattern contains links to tutorials showing exactly how to work German short rows, so even if you’ve never used them before, or have never turned a heel, you can see just what to do.

The Tree, Nog, and Roast Beast socks come in 8 DK sizes, and 10 4ply sizes, ranging from baby to XXL adult. The pattern is written so that you can use the same instructions for both weights of yarn – just be sure you’re following the correct instructions for your chosen stitch count. The table below shows which stitch count to choose for your yarn weight and preferred size.

Instructions are written as 24sts (30sts, 36sts, 42sts, 48sts) 54sts, 60sts, 66sts, 62sts, 70sts {78sts, 84sts, 90sts}

Suggested yarn: The samples are knitted in Skein and the Stitch DK, a 100% Merino yarn, and Skein and the Stitch Merino Sock, a 75% Merino/25% nylon yarn.

As the pattern is written for both 4ply and DK weight yarns, there is a wide range of yarns that could work with this pattern. You may want to look for one with some nylon content for added durability, such as Coop Knits Socks Yeah! DK, or West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply.

Yarn requirements:
These socks have been designed to use a “sock set” of yarn – ie a 100g main skein, and a 20g contrast colour. The toe and cuff use cc yarn, but you can also add a contrast heel if you prefer.

For the DK-weight socks, sizes above the 48st Med adult will require a second skein of the main colour of yarn. If you choose to knit the leg or foot of your sock longer than suggested, then this may also need more yarn.

Suggested needles (and notions):
For the DK-weight socks
3mm (US 2.5) and 3.25mm (US 3) double pointed needles, or long circular for magic loop, stitch markers, tapestry needle.
For the 4ply-weight socks
2.25mm (US 1) double pointed needles, or long circular for magic loop, stitch markers, tapestry needle.

Gauge:
For the DK-weight socks
24 sts and 34 rounds to 10cm (4in), measured over pattern, knit in the round.
For the 4ply-weight socks
34 sts and 42 rounds to 10cm (4in), measured over pattern, knit in the round.