Putting on handknit socks is a wonderful feeling, but what if you could wear beautiful handknit socks that also help the environment? Talk about a win-win! 

The Urth Yarns Uneek Sock Kit comes with two identical pre-wound cakes of yarn in a wide variety of color schemes and your choice of their Classic Sock pattern or, for something even more unique, their Toe Up Chevron Sock pattern. Every purchase from Urth Yarns also supports Trees for the Future - each skein plants a tree! - so you can feel extra good slipping your feet into this pair of socks!

If you’re conserving resources by knitting yarn from your stash, that’s great too! The Classic Sock and Chevron Sock patterns are FREE downloads and would work with just about any single skein of fingering/sock weight yarn. It doesn’t have to be self-striping, but they sure are fun! Perfect for knitters with some experience and/or beginner sock knitters, this pattern is easily adapted to get that perfect custom fit. 

Let’s take a closer look at the Classic Sock pattern.

Knit from the cuff down, the pattern starts with 1x1 ribbing before moving into a generous stockinette leg. Waste yarn is added for an afterthought heel, and some of the working yarn is wound off to maintain the color pattern. (If you aren’t using self-striping yarn or aren’t concerned about the continuation of pattern through the heel, you can skip the winding off step!) The foot is knit down to the toe which is closed using the kitchener stitch. Finally, the waste yarn is removed and the heel added using the reserved yarn.

There is something magical about self-striping yarn. It seems to almost knit itself! While this sock is a vanilla texture, you will be amazed at how quickly it works up and how much fun you’ll have along the way. Each color change brings a new burst of excitement and with the identical cakes in the kit, there’s no concern about a matching pair! 

Don’t like a longer leg on your socks? Not a problem, just knit fewer rows before putting in the waste yarn for the heel! Want a contrasting solid color heel and toe? Grab your favorite color, a mini skein or even scrap yarn and use that instead of winding off some of the main color! Afterthought heels are an easy method for introducing contrasting colors.

If we’ve convinced you to give this project a try, here is the basic information you’d need to get started. For those who want to give it a go, but may not be stripe fans (we get it!), Urth Yarns Harvest Fingering is a line of solid colors that are gorgeous and also support their mission! Finally, if you haven’t done the kitchener stitch or if this would be your first sock, we are always happy to lend a hand (or a foot?)! Just give us a call or stop by the shop!

Pattern: Classic Sock
Company: Urth Yarns
Skill Level: Intermediate (Beginner sock knitter)
Yarn Weight: Fingering (370-440 yards)
Suggested Yarns: Urth Yarns Uneek Sock Kit (75% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon - color shown is #60)
Tools Needed: 

• US 0 (2mm) 9” circular needles OR double pointed needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• US 1 (2.25mm) 9”circular needles OR double pointed needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Waste yarn
• *Could also be knit on longer circular needles via magic loop

Techniques Required: 

• Ribbing
• Stockinette stitch
• Working in the round
• Increases
• Decreases
• Afterthought heel
• Kitchener stitch