Sterntaler

Sterntaler Socks by Atalante

What is Being Made

Sterntaler is an advanced knitting pattern for a pair of women's socks designed by Atalante. The socks feature adjustable calf-sizing and are available in three finished sizes: Women's S, M, and L. This downloadable PDF pattern creates elegant, fitted socks suitable for everyday wear or special occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This sock pattern employs the magic loop method as the primary construction technique, allowing knitters to work in the round using a single circular needle. The pattern is structured with Needle 1 working the instep and Needle 2 working the sole. For knitters who prefer traditional methods, the pattern accommodates double-pointed needles (dpns), with stitches divided across four dpns where needles 1 and 2 form the instep and needles 3 and 4 form the sole.

The sock incorporates several intermediate to advanced shaping techniques, including make 1 stitch increases (M1), knit two together decreases (k2tog), and slip, slip, knit decreases (ssk). These techniques create the fitted structure and adjustable calf-sizing feature that allows customization for different leg proportions.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st sts) – forms the primary fabric base of the socks
• 3-into-3 star pattern – a decorative stitch pattern featured in the design
• Knit (k) and purl (p) – fundamental stitches
• Slip stitches (sl1) – used for shaping and pattern transitions
• Decreases (k2tog, ssk, psso) – create shaping and pattern definition
• Increases (M1) – used for adjustable sizing

Materials and Specifications

The Sterntaler pattern calls for Regia 4-ply yarn in the colorway burgund 315, with a fiber composition of 75% wool and 25% polyamide. This blend provides durability and elasticity ideal for sock construction. Three 50-gram skeins are required, each containing 210 meters of yarn, totaling approximately 630 meters of working yarn.

Needles specified are US 1 1/2 (2.5mm) circular needles for the magic loop method, paired with a Lotta Groeger tapestry needle for weaving in ends. Two stitch markers are needed to track pattern repeats and construction sections.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes a gauge of 9 stitches per 1 inch in stockinette stitch and 34 stitches per 4 inches in the 3-into-3 star pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the socks to fit correctly across all three available sizes. The adjustable calf-sizing feature allows knitters to customize the leg length to their individual measurements.

Pattern designed by Lotta Groeger, copyright 2013.