purlJam

<pattern>

# COLORWORK HOUSE SOCKS
## Beginner-Friendly Toe-Up Crochet Socks

### INTRODUCTION
These cozy house socks are worked toe-up in worsted weight yarn, creating a thick, warm sock perfect for wearing around the house or as slipper socks. The simple two-color stripe pattern makes this an ideal first colorwork project. Because these socks use worsted weight yarn (thicker than traditional sock yarn), they create a chunky sock best worn alone or with roomy slippers - they will not fit comfortably inside regular shoes.

**Skill Level**: Beginner (requires basic single crochet, working in the round, and simple color changes)

---

### MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 
- Color A (Main Color): 150-200 yards worsted weight yarn (#4)
- Color B (Contrast Color): 100-150 yards worsted weight yarn (#4)
- *Recommended: Acrylic or acrylic blend for durability and easy care*

**Hook**: 
- US E-4 (3.5mm) or F-5 (3.75mm)
- *Note: Use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than yarn label recommends for tight, durable fabric*

**Notions**:
- Stitch markers (2)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors

---

### GAUGE

**5 sc and 6 rounds = 1 inch in single crochet, worked tightly**

*Gauge is critical for sock fit!* Take time to make a 4" × 4" swatch:
- Chain 21
- Work 20 sc across, turn
- Continue for 25 rows
- Measure the center 4" × 4" section

If you have more stitches per inch → use larger hook
If you have fewer stitches per inch → use smaller hook

---

### SIZES

Pattern includes 3 adult sizes. Socks should have slight negative ease (slightly smaller than foot measurement) for best fit.

| Size | Foot Circumference | Stitch Count | Foot Length | 
|------|-------------------|--------------|-------------|
| **Small** | 7-7.5" | 36 sts | 8-9" |
| **Medium** | 8-8.5" | 40 sts | 9-10" |
| **Large** | 9-9.5" | 44 sts | 10-11" |

*Pattern is written for Medium (40 sts) with Small and Large in brackets [S/L].*

---

### ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- MC = main color (Color A)
- CC = contrast color (Color B)
- BLO = back loop only
- FLO = front loop only
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- PM = place marker
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

---

### SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring** (or Chain Alternative):
- *Magic Ring*: Wrap yarn around fingers, insert hook and pull up loop, ch 1, work stitches into ring, pull tail to close
- *Chain Alternative (easier for beginners)*: Ch 4, work stitches into 2nd ch from hook and across

**Changing Colors**:
- Work last stitch of old color until 2 loops remain on hook
- Yarn over with new color and pull through both loops
- Continue with new color
- Carry unused color loosely inside the work or cut and rejoin

**Working in Continuous Spiral**:
- Do not join rounds with slip stitch
- Use stitch marker to mark first stitch of round
- Move marker up as you work

---

### COLORWORK STRIPE PATTERN

Work in repeating sequence:
- **Rounds 1-4**: Color A (MC)
- **Rounds 5-8**: Color B (CC)

*Repeat this 8-round pattern throughout foot and leg sections.*

---

### PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

#### TOE SECTION

**Setup** (Color A):

*Magic Ring Method*:
- Create magic ring
- Rnd 1: Ch 1 (does not count as st), work 10 sc into ring, do not join – 10 sts
- Pull tail to close ring tightly, PM in first st

*Chain Method (Beginner Alternative)*:
- Ch 4
- Rnd 1: Working in bottom bumps of chain, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, 3 sc in last ch; working across opposite side of chain, sc in next ch, 2 sc in last ch, PM in first st – 8 sts
- Continue with increases as written, adjusting for starting stitch count

**Increase Rounds** (Color A):

Rnd 2: Inc in marked st, PM in first inc made, sc in next 3 [2/4] sts, inc in next st, PM, sc in next 3 [2/4] sts, inc in next st – 13 [11/15] sts

*Math check: 10 + 3 increases = 13 sts for Medium ✓*

Rnd 3: Inc in marked st, move marker, sc in each st to next marker, inc in marked st, move marker, sc in each st to end

Rnd 4: Inc in marked st, move marker, sc in each st to next marker, inc in marked st, move marker, sc in each st to end

**Repeat Rnd 4 until you have 40 [36/44] sts total.**

*Math check for Medium: Need 40 sts final. Start with 13, need 27 more sts = 13.5 rounds, but increases happen 2 per round = need about 13-14 more increase rounds.*

**For Medium size**: Repeat increase round approximately 13-14 times more until you reach 40 sts total. Count your stitches carefully!

**Verification**: 
- Small: 36 sts (even number ✓)
- Medium: 40 sts (even number ✓)  
- Large: 44 sts (even number ✓)

Your toe should measure approximately 2" from tip to last increase round and fit comfortably across the ball of your foot.

Remove markers after reaching target stitch count.

---

#### FOOT SECTION

**Begin Stripe Pattern**:

Now that toe is complete, begin the colorwork stripe pattern. Your toe was worked in Color A, so continue:

**Color A Section**:
- Work even (sc in each st around) for 2 more rounds in Color A to complete first 4-round stripe
- On last round, change to Color B in last stitch

**Color B Section**:
- Work 4 rounds even (sc in each st around) in Color B
- Change to Color A in last stitch of round 4

**Continue alternating colors** every 4 rounds (Color A for 4 rounds, Color B for 4 rounds, repeat).

**Work even until foot measures 2 inches less than desired total foot length.**

*Example for Medium: If foot is 9" total, work even section until entire piece (toe + foot) measures 7".*

**Tip**: Try the sock on as you go! The foot should reach to about 2" before your heel.

---

#### HEEL SECTION (Short Row Method)

The heel is worked back and forth in rows on half the stitches. The other half (instep) remains unworked.

**Setup**:
- Stop at end of a complete round
- Count your stitches and divide in half: 20 [18/22] sts for heel, 20 [18/22] sts for instep
- PM after st 20 [18/22] to mark division
- Continue with whichever color you're currently using (don't break yarn)

**Heel Rows (Worked Back and Forth)**:

**Row 1** (RS): Sc in next 20 [18/22] sts (heel sts only), turn – 20 [18/22] sts
*Leave instep stitches unworked*

**Row 2** (WS): Ch 1, skip first st, sc in next 18 [16/20] sts, leave last st unworked, turn – 18 [16/20] sts worked

**Row 3**: Ch 1, skip first st, sc in each st to last st, leave last st unworked, turn – 16 [14/18] sts worked

**Rows 4-7**: Repeat Row 3 – 8 [6/10] sts remain in center

*Math check Medium: 20 → 18 → 16 → 14 → 12 → 10 → 8 sts (6 rows) ✓*

**Turning to Work Back Out**:

**Row 8**: Ch 1, sc in each st across center sts, sc in the skipped st from previous short row (pick up the "wrap"), turn

**Row 9**: Ch 1, sc in each st to skipped st from previous row, sc in skipped st, turn

**Repeat Row 9 until all heel stitches are worked** and you're back to 20 [18/22] sts.

**Resume Working in the Round**:
- Continue sc across instep stitches
- PM to mark new beginning of round (at center back of heel)
- You now have all 40 [36/44] sts active again

---

#### LEG SECTION

**Continue Stripe Pattern**:

Resume working in the round in single crochet, continuing your stripe pattern (4 rounds Color A, 4 rounds Color B).

**Work even for 5-6 inches** (or desired leg height).

*Options*:
- Short ankle sock: 4-5 inches
- Crew sock: 6-7 inches  
- Tall house sock: 8-10 inches

---

#### CUFF

**Ribbed Edge** (creates stretch for comfortable fit):

Work 8-10 rounds in ribbed pattern:

**Rnd 1**: Sc BLO in each st around
**Rnd 2**: Sc BLO in each st around

**Repeat Rnds 1-2 for 8-10 rounds total** (approximately 1-1.5 inches of ribbing).

You may continue stripe pattern or work entire cuff in one color.

**Final Round**: 
- Sl st in next st
- Fasten off, leaving 6" tail

---

### FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** securely using yarn needle, especially color change tails
2. **Block lightly** if desired: 
   - Dampen socks
   - Pat into shape on towel
   - Allow to air dry completely
   - Do not pin or stretch aggressively
3. **Make second sock** to match!

**Tip**: Take notes on your first sock (number of rounds in foot section, leg length, any modifications) so your second sock matches exactly.

---

### CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Machine wash gentle cycle in cold water, or hand wash
- Lay flat to dry (do not tumble dry)
- Do not bleach
- Acrylic/acrylic blends are very durable and easy-care

---

### PATTERN NOTES & TIPS

**For Beginners**:
- Count your stitches frequently, especially in the toe and heel sections
- Use a row counter or paper to track your stripe pattern
- The first sock takes longer - don't be discouraged!
- Try on your sock as you work to check fit

**Fit Adjustments**:
- Too tight? Use a larger hook or add 4 sts (must be even number)
- Too loose? Use a smaller hook or remove 4 sts
- Foot too short/long? Adjust length of foot section before heel

**Color Ideas**:
- Classic: Navy and cream
- Bright: Hot pink and yellow
- Neutral: Gray and white
- Festive: Red and green (holiday socks!)

**Customization**:
- Add more colors: Use 3-4 colors, rotating every 4 rounds
- Vary stripe width: Try 2-round stripes for narrower bands
- Make solid socks: Use one color throughout
- Add embellishments: Embroider initials or simple designs on leg

---

### TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Toe doesn't lie flat / creates a point
- **Solution**: Make sure increases are evenly spaced on opposite sides

**Problem**: Heel has holes or gaps
- **Solution**: Pick up wraps together with stitches when working back out

**Problem**: Stripes are uneven
- **Solution**: Count rounds carefully; use stitch marker at beginning