Kerstin Balke - Knit Soxx for Everyone: 25 colorful sock patterns for the whole family

Kerstin Balke , aka Stine & Stitch, learned to knit at age six from her grandmother. Since then, her output has included sweaters, cardigans, scarves, hats, and even delicate tablecloths, but her true passion is sock knitting.

For several years now, Kerstin has been designing her own patternsmost often colorful, sometimes also perfectly subtle, but always using multiple colors.

On her blog ( www.stineundstitch.blogspot.de ) and on Instagram as @stine_und_stitch, she showcases her newest creations and shares sock knitting tips and tricks.

With her husband and their two daughters, Kerstin lives in Germany, between Hamburg and Lbeck.

Thank you to my family for enduring my never-ending chatter about socks, colors, and patterns, and for putting up with WIP (work-in-progress) clutter all over the place, with virtually no complaints.

To my test knitters, whose works can be admired on Instagram, for their speedy execution of my instructions and wonderful feedback. Without your diligence, numerous mistakes would have been able to sneak in! Thanks, Barbara (@thoni_knits), Claudia (@reetseelig), Etha, Isa (@luisa_wolkenschein), Kirsten (@knightlyart), Konstanze (@lilliliebtlollis), Lydia (@lydiafisch), abine (@hexbexhamburg), Steffi (@lille_boat), and Svenja (@foerdefaden).

For yarn support, I would like to thank Lang Yarns ( www.langyarns.com ), MEZ Crafts ( www.schachenmayr.com ), Lana Grossa ( www.lana-grossa.de/en/ ), Gustav Selter & Co. KG, ( www.addi.de/en/ ), Buttinette ( www.buttinette.com ), and ducathi ( www.ducathi.de ).

Childs 110

Pattern instructions as given are for Childs 45, foot length approximately 5.9 in./15 cm. Changes to stitch counts and variations needed for other child sizes are given on page 13.

Lang Yarns Jawoll, super fine (75% wool, 25% nylon; 230 yd./210 m; 1.75 oz./50 g), 1 skein each in #01 White, #159 Tangerine, and #220 Pastel Blue

DPNs, sizes US 1.52.5/2.53.0 mm

In colorwork pattern on US 1.52.5/2.53.0 mm needles, 34 sts and 38 rnds = 4 x 4 in./10 x 10 cm

In rows: Knit on RS, purl on WS.

In rnds: Knit all sts in all rnds.

Alternate k1, p1.

Stitch count has to be a multiple of 4.

Work all rnds in stockinette stitch according to the colorwork chart. Repeat the pattern repeat (4 sts wide) around.

Colorwork Chart

CO 52 sts in Tangerine, distribute evenly onto 4 DPNs (13 sts per needle), and join into the round.

For the cuff, work 8 rnds (0.8 in./2 cm) in Cuff Ribbing pattern.

Work the leg in stockinette stitch, beginning with 2 rnds in White, and then continue in stranded pattern in White, Pastel Blue, and Tangerine. Work Rnds 16 of the chart 4 times; then repeat only Rnds 13 once. End the leg with 2 rnds in White. Break the working yarn in all colors.

Now work a boomerang heel in Tangerine in stockinette stitch over the 26 sts of Ndls 4 and 1, following instructions on page 179.

Work the foot in stockinette stitch in the round over all sts on all 4 DPNs, beginning with 2 rnds in White. Now continue in stranded pattern in White, Pastel Blue, and Tangerine. Work Rnds 16 of the chart 4 times, and then only Rnds 13 once. After this, work 2 rnds in White. Break the working yarn in White and Pastel Blue. Finish the sock in Tangerine, starting banded toe decreases after 4.7 in. / 12 cm from middle of heel.

Work toe with paired banded decreases according to instructions on page 185. Break the working yarn, and pull the end through to the inside of the sock.

Weave in all ends.