Jump to the left

Jump to the Left Socks by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren

What is Being Made

Jump to the Left is a pair of knitted socks designed by independent designer Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren. These are top-down socks that feature decorative slipped and twisted stitch patterns combined with ribbed columns running down the sides of the leg and foot. The design is particularly effective when worked in variegated yarn, where the color variations enhance the textural interest created by the stitch techniques. The socks are constructed with an afterthought heel, allowing knitters to complete the leg and foot first before returning to pick up and work the heel stitches separately.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and fit:

• Knitting in the round: The socks are worked circularly using either double-pointed needles or circular needles, creating seamless fabric
• Slipped stitches: Stitches are slipped rather than worked to create visual texture and pattern definition
• Twisted stitches: Stitches are twisted to add dimensional detail and enhance the overall stitch pattern effect
• Ribbed columns: Vertical ribbed sections are strategically placed down the sides of the leg and foot to provide structure and ensure a secure, comfortable fit
• Afterthought heel construction: Rather than turning a traditional heel, knitters work straight down the foot, then later pick up stitches and graft the heel section, allowing flexibility in heel placement
• Decreasing: Shaping techniques are used to achieve proper sock proportions
• Picking up stitches and grafting: Essential skills for joining the afterthought heel seamlessly to the foot

Stitches Used

The pattern combines fundamental knitting stitches with decorative variations to create visual interest:

• Knit and purl stitches: Form the foundation of the sock fabric and create the ribbed columns
• Slipped stitches: Used in combination with knit and purl to create the textured pattern
• Twisted stitches: Worked alongside slipped stitches to add dimensional detail and enhance variegated yarn effects
• Stocking stitch: Used as the base gauge measurement for sizing calculations

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Options: The pattern is designed with flexibility in yarn weight. Knitters can choose between 100g of standard 4 ply sock yarn or 100g of heavy 4 ply/sport weight sock yarn. The sample shown was worked in Babylonglegs Flump in the colorway "Come up to the Lab." Different yarn weights require adjusted needle sizes and produce different gauges, with complete requirements and sizing information provided within the pattern.

Needles: Pattern calls for either 2.5mm or 2.75mm needles, depending on yarn choice. Knitters may work with double-pointed needles or circular needles, allowing for personal preference in working method.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and grafting, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a cable needle for any twisted stitch techniques.

Gauge: For standard 4 ply yarn, the pattern specifies 32 stitches and 44 rows over 10cm in stocking stitch. For heavy 4 ply/sport weight yarn, gauge is 28 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm in stocking stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for correct sizing and fit.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it requires foundational knitting skills including casting on, knitting in the round, and basic decreasing, the combination of slipped stitches, twisted stitches, and the afterthought heel construction method make it suitable for knitters with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.