ValKnits

This is a collection of 5 patterns that all have plant life or natural wonders as their theme. Cables, twisted stitches and/or beads are combined to express the theme of each pattern. The Ky Redbuds, The Secret Garden, and Pagoda Flowers patterns have directions for  4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). The Winter Wheat and Watchin' the Tides Roll Away patterns are provide direction for a Women's size medium, but smaller and larger sizes can be obtained by using smaller/larger needles and adjusting the foot length accordingly.

As winter continues to drag on I often find myself browsing through garden catalogs, which is where I found this beautiful plant. Just looking at its bright burst of color, seemed to melt away a little of the cold and dreariness that seems to go on forever during the winter months.

This top down sock pattern combines lace panels and beads with Bavarian twisted stitches to capture the look of these flowers blooming against a wrought iron fence. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: One of the differences between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1.0 (2.25 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.5 (2.50 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

”What was this under her hands which was square and made of iron and which her finger found a hole in?

It was the lock of the door which had been closed ten years and she put her hand in her pocket, drew out the key and found it fitted the hole. She put the key in and turned it…and she took another long breath, because she could not help it, and she held back the swinging curtain of ivy and pushed back the door…and stood with her back against it, looking about her and breathing quite fast with excitement and wonder and delight.

She was standing inside the secret garden.”

-From author Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden

Twisted stitches and small lace panels form vines of flower buds that travel over a reverse stockinette stitch background on the leg and instep of this top-down sock pattern. Randomly placed beads are used to depict the secrets hidden in this magical place. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: One of the differences between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1.0 (2.25 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.5 (2.50 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. This lacy stitch pattern has little negative ease and may require smaller needles for the best fit. If in between sizes, size down. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

When I first started working on this design, I was thinking Winter Wonderland, fun things like sledding, snow angels, and hot chocolate. Then, suddenly Winter wasn’t so wonderful anymore and I was reminded of all the weather related tragedies that have occurred lately: floods, tornadoes, wild fires and now a polar vortex. As a result, I have decided to contribute 50% of the proceeds from the sale of this pattern to organizations that provide relief to the victims when these events occur.

 This top down sock pattern combines simple lace panels with twisted stitches to create an easily memorized design. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US size 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US size 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: One of the differences between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1.0 (2.25 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.5 (2.50 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].



Even though the myth of the symbolism associated with traditional Aran stitches was thoroughly debunked by Ms. Starmore and others, I’ve chosen to play on that symbolism with this design. Anchor chain cables (symbolic of hope and tranquility), surrounded by horseshoe cables (symbolic of luck), and staggered rope cables (symbolic of fruitfulness), adorn the leg and instep of this design. Thus, with this pattern I wish the wearer hope and tranquility, luck, and fruitfulness.

For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. As with most cabled garments, this combination of stitch patterns creates a sock with a lot of negative ease, so you may find it necessary to use larger needles or size up. Although some of these cable patterns may take a little more time to execute, it is worth the effort in visual appeal. Directions are provided for 4 adult men’s sock sizes, small, medium, and large, and extra large equivalent to men’s shoe sizes US 9-9.5 (EU 41), US size 10-10.5 (EU 43), US 11-11.5 (EU 45), and US size 12-12.5 (EU 46). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: One of the differences between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes small and large are knit with US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles; sizes medium and extra large with US size 2.0 (2.75 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge. Directions for small and medium are written first, those for large and extra large in parentheses [small/medium (large/extra large)].

Even though the myth of the symbolism associated with traditional Aran stitches was thoroughly debunked by Ms. Starmore and others, I’ve chosen to play on that symbolism with this design. Anchor chain cables (symbolic of hope and tranquility), surrounded by horseshoe cables (symbolic of luck), and staggered rope cables (symbolic of fruitfulness), adorn the leg and instep of this design. Thus, with this pattern I wish the wearer hope and tranquility, luck, and fruitfulness.

For this heavily cabled pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. As with most cabled garments, this combination of stitch patterns creates a sock with a lot of negative ease, so you may find it necessary to use larger needles or size up. Although some of these cable patterns may take a little more time to execute, it is worth the effort in visual appeal. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US size 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US size 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: One of the differences between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1.5 (2.50  mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 2.0 (2.75 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.



Once You’ve Loved Somebody is a top down sock pattern that employs the Bavarian twisted stitch technique to tell the story of love. Traveling twisted stitches form lover’s knots and entwined hearts that flow down the leg and instep. Twisted ribbing elements continue from the leg down the heel. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy with good crimp, use larger needles, or size up. Although twisted stitch knitting may take a little more time to execute, it is worth the effort in visual appeal. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US size 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39) and US size 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note:This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks in women’s extra small (size 6-6.5), small (size 7-7.5), medium (size 8-8.5) and large (size 9-9.5). Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)]. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

You can have a Carnivale any day of the year with these socks on your feet. This top-down sock pattern combines simple slipped stitch zig-zag cables, coins, and beads to capture the feel of Mardi Gras. While any sock yarn will work, solid or semi-solid yarns in Mardi Gras colors (green, purple, or gold) are suggested. Carnivale has directions for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US size 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39) and US size 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping.

Note:This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks in women’s extra small (size 6-6.5), small (size 7-7.5), medium (size 8-8.5) and large (size 9-9.5). Directions for extra small and small are written first those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles and adjusting the length of the foot accordingly. Requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns. 

Once upon a time there was a little girl who was fascinated with socks. Much to her parent’s dismay, she loved to remove her footwear and show off her pretty socks. No matter how many layers of clothing she had on or where she was, she would manage to get her shoes off and proudly shout, “See my gox!” To this day, her Dad still tells this story and is highly amused with the fact that that little girl’s obsession with socks has lasted a lifetime. In fact, it has developed into an obsession for all things sock related including the search for the perfect pair.

Needless to say, that little girl was me. One day, not too long ago, my Dad was teasing me about this once again. So I jokingly promised that one day I would name one of my sock patterns, “My Gox.” Well Dad, here it is.

This top-down sock pattern combines simple cable patterns and twisted stitches with a fitted heel and full arch shaping. This construction creates a sturdy, form fitting sock that hugs the foot for a perfect fit yet provides a leg that is stretchy enough to accommodate those with larger calves. This pattern provides directions to knit socks in a women’s extra small (size 6-6.5), small (size 7-7.5), medium (size 8-8.5) and large (size 9-9.5).

Note:This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks in women’s extra small (size 6-6.5), small (size 7-7.5), medium (size 8-8.5) and large (size 9-9.5). Directions for extra small and small will be written first and directions for medium and large will follow in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

 Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles and adjusting the length of the foot accordingly. Requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns. 

On the edge of winter and spring, the hills and “hollers” of Kentucky made barren by winter, come alive with color. As if trying to awake the forest from its winter slumber, the Redbud’s blushing pink-purple blossoms burst from its twisted limbs. Then, as the foliage begins to emerge in the rest of the forest, the Redbud trades its blossoms for heart shaped leaves and disappears into the lush greenery of Kentucky’s rolling hills.

This top-down sock pattern combines lace and simple cable patterns in an attempt to portray the beauty of the Redbud and the coming of spring. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US size 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US size 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions for a fitted heel and simple arch shaping are also provided. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks in women’s extra small (size 6-6.5), small (size 7-7.5), medium (size 8-8.5) and large (size 9-9.5). Directions for the small size will be written first and directions for the larger sizes will follow in parentheses (extra small (small, medium, large). Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles and adjusting the length of the foot accordingly. Requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns. 

This pattern is based on the Wheat Sheaves stitch from Barbara Walker’s Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns (p. 138). Knit and purl stitch columns create wheat stalks that are “bundled” into sheaves with slipped stitches. Moss stitch diamonds and seed stitch columns accentuate the wheat sheave pattern. The negative ease of this stitch pattern makes it a perfect choice for cotton based sock yarns, but may not have enough elasticity for those who need a wider leg. Therefore, directions are also provided for a wider cuff. Any medium weight sock yarn will work; solid or semi-solid yarns in “wheat” colors are suggested. Directions for a fitted heel and simple arch shaping are provided along with directions for increasing the width of the cuff.

Note: This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks suitable for a women’s size medium (sizes 8-9) in regular and wide leg options. Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles and adjusting the length of the foot accordingly. Directions for the regular cuff will be given first and directions for the wider cuff will be given in parentheses (Reg (Wide)). Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns. 

This sock pattern was designed for my Dad who wanted a warm pair of socks to wear when he went hunting. This basic boot sock pattern uses a simple garter rib for that “thermal” look and undulating rope cables to symbolize the trek itself. Directions for simple arch shaping and a fitted heel are also provided. 

Note: This pattern contains directions to knit top-down men’s socks in small (size 9), medium (size 10), large (size 11) and extra-large (size 12). Directions for the small  size will be written first and the directions for the other sizes will be in parentheses (e.g.Small (Medium, Large, Extra-Large)). Separate charts are provided for each size. Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.



To Merge- to cause to combine or coalesce; unite. Rope cables travel down the sides of the leg and unite to form a reverse horseshoe cable that travels the length of the foot in this sock pattern. Suitable for a man or a woman, this pattern provides directions to knit socks in two sizes, Small (Women’s Medium/Men’s Small) and Large (Women’s Large/Men’s Medium). Directions for a fitted heel and simple arch shaping are also provided. 

Note: This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks in small (men’s small /women’s medium) and large (women’s large/men’s medium) sizes. Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles and adjusting the length of the foot accordingly. Directions for the small socks will be given first and directions for the large socks will be given in parentheses (Small (Large)). Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns. 

This pattern combines simple cable and lace patterns in an attempt to capture the ebb and flow of waves crashing against a beach. While any medium weight sock yarn will work, solid or semi-solid yarns in “water” colors are suggested to accentuate the wave pattern. Directions for a fitted heel and simple arch shaping are also provided. 

This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks suitable for a women’s size medium (sizes 8-9). Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles and adjusting the length of the foot accordingly. Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

This gansey style sock pattern is based on the “Celtic pattern” from Barbara G. Walker’s Charted Knitting Designs (pg. 10).  Combinations of knit and purl stitches are used to “emboss” the pattern onto a plain stockinette background, therefore solid or semi-solid colored yarns are recommended for this project. Gainsey style knitting creates a dense, sturdy fabric that unfortunately has very little elasticity. So a fitted heel, and simple arch shaping have been added to these socks make them more form fitted. 

Note: This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks that are suitable for a man or a woman in large (sizes 9-10) and extra-large (sizes 10-11).  Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

This gansey style sock pattern is based on the “Celtic pattern” from Barbara G. Walker’s Charted Knitting Designs (pg. 10).  Combinations of knit and purl stitches are used to “emboss” the pattern onto a plain stockinette background, therefore solid or semi-solid colored yarns are recommended for this project. Gainsey style knitting creates a dense, sturdy fabric that unfortunately has very little elasticity. So a fitted heel, and simple arch shaping have been added to these socks make them more form fitted. 

Note: This pattern contains directions to knit top-down socks that are suitable for a man or a woman in small  (sizes 7-8) and medium (sizes 8-9). Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns. 

This pattern uses knit and purl stitches combined with twisted knit stitches to create a raised heart pattern with purled "windows and min-cables on the sides of the leg and foot.

Named after my mother, this design combines twisted Knit stitches with lace panels for an elegant airy pattern. Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns

Another lacy style available in two stitch gauge options. Requires intermediate knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.



This pattern is for simple, thumbless oven mitts. Knitters need to know how to cast on, knit, bind off and sew seams together. They are designed to be washed in the washing machine and dried in the clothes dryer after use. They will felt a little more each time they are laundered which makes them them thicker and provides better insulation against hot dishes. This is a free pattern, clicking on the image will link you to the .pdf file.