adorable bee-patterned socks are the perfect blend of charm and warmth, making them an ideal Christmas gift for anyone who loves unique knits or has a soft spot for bees.
With a cute, simple bee motif that even beginner knitters can tackle, this project adds a touch of whimsy to any winter wardrobe. Get ready to create something memorable that’ll bring a smile to your loved one’s face every time they slip them on.
Note: This is just to get your ideas started. I have not knitted these socks and do not have all the info. Just sharing what I have gathered so far.
Detailed Knitting Pattern for Bee-Themed Socks
Materials:
- Yarn: Worsted or DK weight in grey, yellow, and black.
- Needles: Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles in size suitable for your yarn (typically US 6 or 7 for worsted weight).
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry Needle
Gauge:
- Follow the gauge for your chosen yarn; typically, you’ll want about 5-6 stitches per inch for worsted weight.
Instructions:
Cuff
- Cast On: Cast on 48 (or your preferred multiple of 8 if adjusting size) stitches in grey yarn, using a stretchy cast-on method.
- Join in the Round: Be careful not to twist your stitches.
- Ribbing: Work 1×1 rib (K1, P1) for about 1.5 inches.
Leg with Bee Motif Pattern
- Transition to Bee Motif Section:
- Knit 2 rounds in plain grey to set up for the motif.
- Bee Motif Chart: Use the following chart for colorwork. This motif is about 8 stitches wide and 8 rows high, designed for stranded colorwork. Repeat the chart across each row.
Row 1: ..X..X.. (Grey for blank spaces, Black for X)
Row 2: .X..X..X (Yellow for . in the middle, black for X)
Row 3: ..XXXX..
Row 4: ..XYYX..
Row 5: ..XXXX..
Row 6: ..X..X..
Row 7: .X….X.
Row 8: X……X
- Bee Pattern Repeats:
- Repeat the 8×8 bee motif around the leg section with a few rounds of plain grey knitting or garter stitch rows between motifs for a scrunched look.
- Repeat bee motifs for 3-4 inches or until you reach your desired length for the leg.
Heel
- Heel Flap (in Grey or Black for durability):
- Work half the stitches (24 stitches) back and forth in a reinforced heel stitch (e.g., Sl 1, K1 across, purl back) for 2 inches or desired length.
- Turn Heel:
- Follow a classic heel turn for your preferred sock size (e.g., turn after reaching the center stitches to create a cupped shape).
- Gusset:
- Pick up stitches along the heel flap, then knit in the round, decreasing every other row until you reach the original stitch count.
Foot
- Stripe Pattern:
- Work the foot in alternating black and yellow stripes. Each stripe should be 3–5 rows thick.
- Continue striping until the foot length reaches approximately 1.5 inches shorter than your desired sock length.
Toe
- Decreases:
- Switch to black and begin toe decreases (e.g., decrease at each end of the needle every other round).
- Finish Toe:
- Continue decreasing until about 12 stitches remain, then graft the toe closed with Kitchener stitch.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends.
- Block socks to shape if desired.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.