To the Sea

To the Sea Socks by Allison Janocha

What is Being Made

To the Sea is a downloadable knitting pattern for customizable socks designed by Allison Janocha. This intermediate-level project creates fitted socks available in two sizes: Small (to fit 8" foot circumference) and Large (to fit 9.75" foot circumference). The pattern allows knitters to customize both foot length and leg height to achieve a personalized fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

This sock pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques suitable for knitters with prior experience. The pattern is specifically written for Magic Loop construction, a method that allows knitters to work small circumference projects using a single circular needle. Alternatively, the pattern accommodates Two Circulars technique for knitters who prefer that method. The socks feature stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, creating a smooth, classic sock appearance.

The pattern incorporates shaping techniques including yarn overs for decorative increases and Left Lifted Increases, which create nearly invisible increases ideal for fitted garment construction. These techniques allow the sock to be shaped for optimal fit around the foot and leg.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The following stitches and abbreviations are used throughout the To the Sea pattern:

• k: knit stitch
• p: purl stitch
• p2tog: purl two stitches together (decrease)
• yo: yarn over (increase that creates a decorative hole)
• lli: Left Lifted Increase, worked by inserting the left needle from back to front into a stitch two stitches below the stitch on the right needle, then knitting through it
• sl: slip stitch purlwise unless otherwise noted

Yarn and Materials

The To the Sea pattern calls for sportweight yarn, specifically Yarn Love Elinor Dashwood Bigfoot in the original design. One Bigfoot skein provides 5 ounces (140 grams) and 412 yards (377 meters), which is sufficient yardage for most sock sizes in this pattern.

Needles required include US 1.5 (2.5 mm) circular needles in a length suitable for Magic Loop construction, used to achieve the specified gauge of 28 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Optional US 2.0 (2.75 mm) or US 2.5 (3 mm) needles are available for knitting the leg portion if a looser gauge is preferred for that section.

Additional notions include two stitch markers (or more if desired for personal preference) and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.