Knitting socks with intricate colorwork is my favorite challenge. When I spotted this skull design on a silk- screened messenger bag, I had to figure out how to translate it to a sock. This project’s name plays on Fair Isle knitting, which doesn’t traditionally include skull motifs- though I think it should! The Fair Isle, or stranded, technique used here is superfun. If you make sure to carry your floats more loosely than you think you should, you’ll avoid a too-snug leg. Though this pattern fits a 7–8" foot, it’s totally versatile. Pick out a nice worsted weight yarn and some size 3 needles if you want to make a cushiony house sock, or keep ’em light and easy in this comfy merino.

Size
Woman’s M
Foot circumference: 7"
Foot length: approx 9"

Materials
Dale of norway Baby Ull (100% merino wool; 50g/180 yd)
A: 1 ball #0090 Black
B: 1 ball #3718 Red
C: 1 ball #0010 white
US 1 (2.25mm) double-pointed needles (set of 5)
Stitch marker

Gauge
36 sts and 48 rnds = 4" in St st over chart patt

Special Abbreviations

W&T (Wrap And Turn): On RS, bring yarn between needles to front, sl next st onto RH needle, bring yarn between needles to back, return sl st to LH needle, turn.

On WS, bring yarn between needles to back, sl next st onto RH needle, bring yarn between needles to front, return sl st
to LH needle, turn.

Note: This sock is worked with a short-row heel so that the skull patt can continue, uninterrupted by gusset decreases, down the foot.

Project from STITCH ‘N B* SUPERSTAR KNITTING by Debbie Stoller. Published by Workman Publishing.