Here’s a sock pattern for that significant other that is averse to bright colors and fancy patterns. Some folks just don’t want to strut their stuff for the whole world to see and that’s just fine. While instructions are given to make a plain toe using the main color yarn of the sock, if desired, you can throw in a zesty flame toe. Because, maybe the sock is gray and muted, but isn’t that another way to say smoke colored? And if its smoke colored, don’t we all know that where there’s smoke, there’s fire, too? Absolutely. So use up some scrap yarn in yellows, oranges and reds and make a flame toe with a few repeats of this mini chevron pattern and only you and your S.O. will know about the unseen smoldering depths of these socks. (Unless they wear Birkenstocks with socks. Then everyone will know. sorry.)

I designed this sock with subtle ribs or ridges that every so often open up into little eyes. The ridges draw up and contribute to a sock that has a LOT of stretchiness. So if you need to knit for someone with wide feet, or a high instep, or thick ankles or large calves, then this is your pattern! If only one of those applies, no worries, the rest of the sock will spring back without getting stretched out and saggy. This is a top down pattern with a traditional heel flap and a nice, wide toe.

I recommend solid colored or only lightly tonal or speckled yarns or the patterns will not be very evident. The pictured socks are made with the chevron pattern on the toe with differently colored yarn to render the flame. You can, of course, omit this feature and work the main pattern down to the toe and keep the sock all one color. This pattern is appropriate for an advanced beginner or an intermediate level knitter. Expert knitters will find the pattern interesting as well, and it should be a quick knit for them.

I knit with 5 DPNs (stitches evenly distributed on 4 needles and then work around with a 5th), but I have attempted to generalize my instructions for those who use alternate needle set-ups. Instructions for the two patterns are charted and written out.

Materials: Yarn: Gray: Madeline Tosh Sock, 100 % SW merino in colorway Smokestack, 105 g or 410Yards. Yellow speckled: Hedgehog Fibres Sock, 90 % SW merino, 10% nylon in colorway Fool’s Gold, 5 g or less. Orange: Classic Elite Yarns, Yuri. 75% SW merino, 25% nylon. Color: 5085. 18 g or 80 yds.

Stitch markers (optional) Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) OR size needed to obtain the gauge Tapestry needle

Gauge: 34 ST = 4 inches in stockinette ST using US 1 OR size needed to obtain the gauge 25 rows = 2 inches

Finished sizes: unisex S/M, L/XL.