New Pattern: the Upwelling Socks

The Upwelling Socks were originally published in Cast On, and for the last year, they’ve been exclusive to the magazine. Now, though, they’re available to everybody! Read on for links to buy the pattern on various platforms, pattern specs and details, an easy shopping list, and lots of photos.

Etsy

Here’s where you’ll find the Upwelling Socks on Etsy.

Ravelry

Here’s where you’ll find the Upwelling Socks on Ravelry.

About the Upwelling Socks

Upwelling is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the ocean, where deep, cold water rises to the surface. The colder water contains more nutrients, which help replenish the water at the surface and lead to more abundant animal life. Upwelling is common near some of the Channel Islands and helps sustain the vibrant sea life here in the waters around Ventura.

The cables in these socks are meant to mimic the intermingling of water and currents, while the alternating eyelets remind me of bubbles rising to the surface. These socks are graded to three sizes and knit from the cuff down with a heel flap and gusset. They’re finished with a wedge toe.

Easy Shopping List

In case you want to knit these socks using the exact materials I did, here is a shopping list with easy links for you. Some of these are affiliate links, which means if you choose to buy something through those links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I will always identify affiliate links for you. Thanks for supporting my work!

Madelinetosh Tosh Sock yarn (affiliate link)

Chiaogoo US Size 1.5 (2.5 mm) short circular needles (affiliate link)

The DPNs I’ve used since 2009 (affiliate link)

Stitch markers (budget option) (affiliate link)

Stitch markers (fancy option) (affiliate link)

Upwelling Socks Details and Specs

Here are all the nitty gritty details about the Upwelling Socks, including their dimensions, materials, gauge, needles, and more.

SIZES     

S, M, L

Finished sock dimensions: 7.5” (19 cm), 8.75” (22 cm), 10” (25.5 cm) circumference (Note: most people like their socks snug, so choose a finished sock size that is slightly smaller than your actual foot)

MATERIALS

Fingering weight yarn, 300-380 yds (274-348 m)

Sample shown knit in Madelinetosh Tosh Sock, 100% superwash wool, 2-ply construction, 395 yds (361 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g)

GAUGE          

4” (10 cm) square = 32 stitches x 40 rows in stockinette

NEEDLES       

One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above

Suggested needle size: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

TOOLS  

One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats

Cable needle

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL    

Intermediate

Techniques: cabling, decreases, knitting in the round, stockinette grafting

If You Like This Pattern, You’ll Also Like…

If there’s one thing I’ve discovered in my years as a knitter, it’s that many of us have favorite motifs we like to revisit. If you’re the same, here are some suggestions based on these socks.

• The Lucida Socks, which also have tiny cables 
• The Prograde Orbit Mitts, which take tiny cables and put them on mitts, instead
• The Amicus Socks, another pair of socks with small cables and lots of texture