Knitting Cozy, Warm Socks has Never Been so Easy: Double Exposure Sock Pattern
You know how we're always drooling over our sock yarn stashes, dreaming up the perfect project that lets you play with all those beautiful colors? I probably spend half my time just daydreaming about what to knit with all those gorgeous yarns, caught between the love for my stash and the urge to create something fun. That's where my Double Exposure Sock Pattern comes in. It’s the ideal pattern for mixing and matching your favorite yarns to knit thick, comfy socks that are as colorful as they are cozy. Not only will your feet stay warm, but you’ll also have so much fun playing with yarn combinations!
Why I Love Marled Socks
There's something so satisfying about knitting thick marled socks. With two strands of fingering weight yarn held double, you get a warm, cozy fabric that knits up quickly and looks stunning. Whether you're a sock-knitting pro or new to the craft, you’ll find this pattern fun and approachable.
Introducing the Double Exposure Sock Pattern
The Double Exposure Sock Pattern is a playful, customizable knitting project that brings your sock yarn stash to life. Designed with knitters of all skill levels in mind, the pattern includes seven sizes, from children to large adults. The best part? You can mix and match yarns to create a unique, personal design. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or a loved one, this project promises warmth, comfort, and a splash of color.
How to Knit the Double Exposure Socks
Step 1: Choose Your Yarn Pairings
Start by diving into your yarn stash and pick two yarns that make your heart sing. Don’t worry about perfect matches; this pattern shines when you mix different shades and tones. Here are a few yarn pairing ideas to get you started:
Variegated and Semi-Solid: A combination of highly contrasting yarns emphasizes the marled effect.
Self-Striping and Tonal Yarn: A subtle tonal color paired with a self-striping yarn creates stunning visual interest.
Mini-Skeins and Leftovers: Pair leftover yarns or a beautiful mini skein set with a neutral tone to make the most of your stash.
One Skein Held Double: For a single-color sock, hold one skein of yarn double. (Depending on the size, you may need a second yarn for the heels and toes.)
What a Difference a Color Change Can Make
These two socks were knit with the same variegated yarn main color, but different contrasting tonal colors. The results are vastly different.
Step 2: Cast On and Start Knitting
With your yarn chosen, it’s time to cast on! You’ll hold two strands of fingering weight yarn together, creating a beautiful marled fabric. To get the right gauge, I recommend using a US 5 (3.75mm) needle. This project knits up quickly, and watching the colors blend is like seeing a masterpiece unfold on your needles!
Step 3: Wear and enjoy your new cozy socks.
I think you are going to love these thick winter socks. One of my favorite yarns to use for these socks is Harley Fingering from Marianated Yarns. This sock yarn had a bit of mohair in it, and the resulting socks are so soft and warm - they get me through the long Maine winters.
Double Exposure Sock Pattern
Sizes 5¼ (6, 6¾) 7¼, 8, 8¾, 9¼” / 13.5 (15, 17) 18.5, 20.5, 22, 23.5 cm finished sock circumference.
Needles Size US size 5 US/3.75mm needles for small circumference knitting in the round. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Gauge 24 sts and 34 rows = 4”/10 cm in Stockinette stitch knit in the round with yarn held double.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Double Exposure Sock Pattern
1. How difficult is this pattern for beginners?
No worries! The pattern is designed with clear instructions and helpful tips, making it accessible to all knitters, whether you're new to sock knitting or a seasoned pro.
2. Are there sizes for both children and adults?
Absolutely! The pattern includes seven sizes, with the smallest fitting children around 3-4 years old and the largest accommodating men’s shoe sizes 12-14. Just remember to allow for negative ease: for children, choose a sock about ½” smaller than the foot circumference, and for adults, allow for 1” of negative ease. Be sure to measure your foot circumference at the widest part of the foot, just below the toes.
3. What kind of yarn works best?
While this pattern is designed for sock yarn (fingering weight yarn in a wool/nylon blend), the beauty of the Double Exposure Sock Pattern is its versatility. Get creative and experiment with different colors and styles from your stash. It works with variegated, tonal, speckled, and even self striping yarns.
4. Does the yarn require special prep?
Wind your skeins of yarn into a center pull ball, or divide and wind into two equal weight balls. When working with two strands of the same color, work from both ends of the center pull ball, or from two separate balls.
5. Will these socks be warm enough for winter?
Definitely! These socks are thick and cozy, perfect for cold winter days. Think of them as a snug, colorful hug for your feet!
Friday of Sock Week
TGIF. Sock week ends with a pair that will definitely keep my toes warm.
These are knit from a worsted weight sock yarn - Regia 8-ply Color in Berry Fusion. I love how fast and easy these were to knit. If I could find more of this yarn in less variegated colors, I would be knitting many more of these thick socks. As I mentioned earlier this week, I don't usually knit with variegated yarns. This one is okay, but still, I think I would have preferred a semi-solid or maybe stripes.
Thursday of Sock Week
Thursday's socks are actually knit from a pattern - Eunice from the book Sock Innovation by Cookie A. This pattern has been in my queue since the book was first published. In fact, I tried to knit them once with Cascade Heritage Paints, but that yarn didn't play well with this pattern.
This time, I used Mrs. Crosby’s Train Case. This yarn includes Outlast, a super high tech phase change fiber that is supposed to help regulate your body heat. I just want it to keep my toes warm next winter.
Again with the purple, here it is called Wild Huckleberry.
Wednesday of Sock Week
Wednesday brings another pair of socks knit with Simply Socks Yarn Company's Poste Yarn Striping Sock.
This time in the Ashikaga Park color - dark gray, light gray, and lavender stripes. These I have worn a few times, and I love how the yarn has really softened up after washing. See Monday's post for more about my love of this yarn.
The leg is knit with a 3x1 ribbing that continues on the top of the foot. The heels are worked with a heel flap, and I don't mind how the stripes look with this construction. I started the heel flap at the beginning of a stripe. After I completed the heel turn, I broke the yarn and advanced it so the stripes continue in pattern on the top of the foot. Thanks to Susan B Anderson for this nifty idea.
Tuesday of Sock Week
Tuesday's sock is worked in Madelinetosh's new sock yarn, Twist Light.
This is a merino/nylon blend in a 3-ply that is silky soft and a joy to knit with. With so much going on in the yarn, I chose to knit a simple stockinette sock. Although I don't usually go for variegated yarns, I do like how color, called Care, pools. It looks like a watercolor painting. And of course, it has just enough purple to suit me.
For added durability, I knit the heel and toe with Meilenweit from Lana Grossa, a more traditional (not merino) wool sock yarn, which I assume will hold up in the places that need it most. I chose a pale heather gray that will work as an accent with many colors. I expect it will make an appearance on several of my socks in the future (Yes, I'm looking at you, Malabrigo Sock).
Sock Week
It's sock week here at handmaineknits. In the bits of free time I have found between the design projects I worked on this past winter, I have been knitting socks. Apparently, only purple socks.
Today's spotlight is on a pair of vanilla(ish) socks knit with my new favorite sock yarn, the amazing Poste Yarn Striping Sock from Simply Socks Yarn Company.
The color is called Danxia Landform. Aren't those little colorful stripes wonderful (only one of the six colors is purple). The heels are knit in a coordinating solid turquoise color also from SSYC. It almost matches the blue stripes in the sock. The leg is knit in a 3x1 ribbing, and the heel is from a Lara Neel pattern, Fork in the Road Socks. I'm still unsure about the heel construction, I will need to wear them a few times before I decide if it works for me. I have been be looking for an alternative to the afterthought heel, which has never fit me quite right.
I already have plans for the leftovers, this yarn is too good to not use up every bit. It is a superwash Corriedale/nylon blend. Not quite as soft as merino, but it feels great, and definitely seems sturdier than merino.
More tomorrow....
Socks, socks, socks
What I have been knitting lately? Socks, socks, and more socks. I've managed to finish three pairs between my two latest design projects (to be published later this year).
From left to right:
Zebra stripe socks. I have been stalking this pattern for a long time - zebra stripes, how can you not love that. I have to admit, I initially assumed that the yarn would do all of the work, but that is not entirely true. There is a very clever pattern element that creates the zebra effect. The kit is available from Knitters Brewing Company. I used less than 50 g of the zebra colorway by adding a contrasting color (tidal wave) for the toes, afterthought heels, and cuffs. There is plenty of yarn left for another pair of socks (with purple toes) or maybe some mittens.
A basic ribbed sock knit in a very cheery blue/green color of Zauberball Crazy.
Worsted weight socks based on this recipe by Susan B Anderson. I used one entire skein of Cascade 220 Quatro in the Jamaica colorway, with some bits of gray Cascade 220 Superwash for the cuffs and toes. These will be warm and cozy next winter.
Finally, the last pair was purchased on our recent vacation to Quebec City. When we stumbled upon this little shop selling knit socks, hats, and scarves made from local wool, I couldn't resist a souvenier from Canada. More about Charlevoix wool on their website.