Deaton socks

Deaton Socks by Corrina Ferguson

What is Being Made

The Deaton socks are a unisex sock design created by independent designer Corrina Ferguson for picnicknits.com. These socks are versatile enough to appeal to both men and women, with styling that can be adapted through yarn choice to achieve either a feminine or classic masculine aesthetic. The design is inspired by the Deaton Memorial Bridge and offers a sophisticated, detailed approach to sock construction suitable for knitters with intermediate-level skills.

Techniques Used

This sock pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create visual interest and structural integrity. The primary decorative element is a garter-cable rib that runs vertically down the sock, providing cable texture without requiring excessive yarn consumption. This technique is particularly efficient for sock knitting, where yarn yardage is limited. The garter-cable rib continues down the back of the heel, ensuring consistent design throughout the entire sock. Additionally, the toe features a faux seam, adding a refined finishing detail that enhances the overall appearance of the completed garment.

Stitches Used

The Deaton socks utilize fundamental knitting stitches combined to create the garter-cable rib pattern. The stitch abbreviations and techniques included in this pattern are:

• k – knit stitch, the basic forward stitch
• p – purl stitch, the reverse of the knit
• k1tbl – knit one through back loop, creating a twisted stitch for texture
• st – individual stitch unit
• rnd – round, indicating circular knitting construction
• k2tog – knit two stitches together, a right-leaning decrease
• p2tog – purl two stitches together, a decrease worked in purl
• ssk – slip, slip, knit technique, a left-leaning decrease

These stitches combine to form the garter-cable rib structure and shaping decreases necessary for proper sock fit and construction.

Materials and Tools

The Deaton socks pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended finished product. One skein of Jitterbug yarn in the Marble colorway (110 grams, 320 yards) provides sufficient yardage for a complete pair. The yarn weight is 4-ply, a medium-weight yarn that offers durability and comfort for everyday wear. Knitting needles required include a 40-inch size 2.5 circular needle (3mm, equivalent to a size 2 addi needle), which accommodates the small circumference of sock knitting while allowing for magic loop or two-at-a-time construction methods. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing, and a cable needle for managing the cable stitches that form the decorative garter-cable rib.