The final pattern for the Sock Madness 15 competition.

The socks are worked sideways and grafted together using Russian grafting, the seam running down the back.

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Sizes: S (M) L (XL).
Small will fit 8-9 inches foot length, EU size 35-37, 21-23 cm. Actual sock foot length: 7 ¾ inches/20 cm.
Medium will fit 9-10 inches foot length, EU size 38-41, 24-26 cm. Actual sock foot length: 8 ¾ inches/22.5 cm.
Large will fit 10-11 inches foot length, EU size 42-45, 27-29 cm. Actual sock foot length: 9 ¾ inches/25 cm.
XL will fit 11-12 inches foot length, EU size 46-48, 29-31 cm. Actual sock foot length: 10 ¾ inches/27.5 cm.
Leg measures (from floor and when worn): 9.5 inches (24 cm) in all sizes. You can add or subtract stitches for a longer or shorter leg when casting on. If adding, work the added stitches in the colour of the row (creating a longer striped cuff). If subtracting, work stitches 1-7, then skip from stitch 8 and as many stitches as you wish.
Fit: These socks are quite stretchy, both lengthwise in the foot and in the circumference, but there are of course limits. If between sizes, go down if you like a tight fit around the toe, up if you don’t. You need a bit of negative length to make it fit properly in my opinion, around an inch (or 2-3 cm) is suitable. When you look at the chart, you will realise that you can end the foot anywhere, so if you need an even smaller size than S, or if you’re between sizes and want a more accurate fit, just draw a new line for your own use and cast on the corresponding number of stitches.

Circumference and adjustments: The circumference can be adjusted while you knit the front. However, it is not possible to work different sizes for leg and foot. Choose circumference size by foot circumference for best fit. You can use different needle sizes for foot and leg if you want to make small allowances for size in leg and foot. If you do need extra fabric for fluffy calves, you can work short rows in the leg section in either colour before beginning the pattern (marked with ** in the text) and after working last charted row. Just one or two short rows in the problem area will add a cm or two to the circumference, as garter stitch is more stretchy than mosaic.
Sock is shown in size S, turned after row 70, on a nearly 9 inch (22.5 cm) length foot, 8 ¾ inch (22 cm) circumference around ball of foot. It stretches comfortably to 11 ¾ inches (30 cm) circumference at top of sock leg.

Gauge: 34 stitches x 72 rows in mosaic pattern is 4x4 inches (10x10 cm), measured over the finished sock, laying flat, not stretched. Make sure you have correct tension (stitches more important than rows) or be prepared to add the socks to the gift basket, as the size of the sock depends on it! Mosaic knitting will look large until you have worked a couple of inches, so don’t despair that the cast on looks huge.

Needles: 2.25 mm (US 1) circular needles or size to get gauge. Use 2 circulars for the cast on (easiest). If you do not own two of the same size, a smaller size will work for the cast on too. It is also possible to use a scrap yarn provisional cast on, but you will need to transfer the stitches back onto the needle before bind off.

Yarn: Arwetta Classic, 210 m/50 g. Colour 1 (dark grey) 70 g, colour 2 (lime green) 50 g for a size M pair of socks.

Other tools needed: stitch markers, crochet hook for bind off, one size smaller than your knitting needle, darning needle. The BO can be worked using knitting needles too, if you find that easier.