Brexit Socks

Brexit Socks by Joanna Booth

What is Being Made

The Brexit Socks are a pair of symbolic knitted socks designed by Joanna Booth in response to the political uncertainty surrounding the original Brexit deadline of March 29, 2019. Each sock in the pair features a different star count—one sock displays 27 stars while the second sock displays 28 stars—representing the contrasting positions of leaving and remaining within the European Union. This thoughtful design transforms personal reflection into wearable art, allowing knitters to explore their own feelings about significant political events through the meditative craft of sock knitting.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Brexit Socks employ a cuff-down construction method, meaning knitting begins at the cuff and progresses toward the toe in one continuous piece. This all-in-one approach creates seamless socks without requiring grafting or joining techniques. The pattern incorporates zig zag patterning that is created through a simple star repeat motif. The two socks within the pair feature mirrored zig zag designs that vary in their spacing and density, creating visual interest and reinforcing the thematic contrast between the two socks.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The design relies on a straightforward star repeat stitch arranged in a zig zag formation across the sock fabric. The first sock begins with five rows of stockinette stitch between each star motif, then gradually decreases to three rows between stars as the sock progresses. The second sock mirrors this beginning with five rows between stars initially, but maintains that five-row spacing past the heel turn before dramatically decreasing to just one row between stars toward the foot. This structural variation creates two distinctly different visual patterns while maintaining the same fundamental star repeat stitch, demonstrating how spacing and density can transform a simple motif.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Brexit Socks are designed to be knitted using 4-ply yarn, which provides a lightweight yet durable fabric ideal for sock construction. The pattern specifically calls for Vegan Zanetto 4ply yarn, a plant-based yarn option that offers soft, comfortable wear. Knitting is worked on US Size 0 (2 mm) circular needles, which are appropriate for the fine gauge required by 4-ply yarn and create the dense, elastic fabric necessary for well-fitting socks. The pattern also requires two stitch markers as notions to assist with tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Brexit Socks are suitable for knitters who have mastered basic sock construction and are comfortable working with small-diameter circular needles. While the star repeat motif is described as simple, the all-in-one cuff-down construction and the need to manage two different zig zag patterns across the pair require attention to detail and familiarity with reading sock patterns. Knitters at this level should be comfortable with heel turns and managing stitch markers while working colorwork or textured stitches.