it isn't the sock curse

January 10, 2018 12:23 PM

I have a boyfriend. I wish to knit a pair of socks for this boyfriend. Help me find the right pattern!

My boyfriend is an extremely conservative dresser. He wears black socks. Period. I have obtained some lovely-feeling, nicely washable black yarn, but I am concerned that if I do too much by way of embellishments, such as cables etc., he will wind up not wearing the socks.

However, if I am not intellectually engaged by my knitting I wander away from the project.

Can you recommend single-color, not-very fancy sock patterns that are still consistently interesting to knit? Complicated construction, unusual heel turn-- things like that. I would call myself an experienced intermediate knitter.

Thanks!

posted by Rush-That-Speaks to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (8 answers total)

Best answer: The Yarn Harlot's Earl Grey Socks.
posted by freezer cake at 1:08 PM on January 10, 2018 [1 favorite]

What weight is your yarn? I've made both of these, but adjusted for fingering weight yarns.

Mushroom Knit's Simple Skype Socks (Sport weight)

Bobby Zigler's Thuja Socks (Aran weight)
posted by Miss X at 1:28 PM on January 10, 2018

i immediately thought of ridged square which i knit for my dad. maybe this personal pattern which i made based on a friend's pattern that was based off another pattern... traditional gansey socks maybe.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 2:06 PM on January 10, 2018

Have you ever knit socks toe up, two at a time, on two circs? The technique is interesting (the first time) and you'll be saved from second sock syndrome, but the socks themselves can look 100% boring to the untrained eye. Finish with a ribbed cuff and bind off with Jenny's surprisingly stretchy bind off, another interesting (and extremely functional) tool to add to your repertoire.
posted by telegraph at 3:11 PM on January 10, 2018 [3 favorites]

Nancy Bush's Gentleman's Socks with Lozenge Pattern would look pretty understated in black yarn! It's from Knitting Vintage Socks, which also has a few other patterns that might fit the bill.
posted by quatsch at 12:53 PM on January 11, 2018

Also, I haven't knit this pattern myself but Petty Harbor looks like it might be good.
posted by quatsch at 1:00 PM on January 11, 2018

Perhaps still too embellished, depending on his tastes, but Business Casual would look smart in black.
posted by cellar door at 4:38 PM on January 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

I like the look of Mock Cable Socks or Bavarian cable Socks by Wendy Johnson for this project.
posted by bq at 5:12 PM on January 12, 2018