Under-armor

Under-armor Socks by Heather Laws

Project Overview

Under-armor is an intermediate-level knitted sock design created by independent designer Heather Laws. This downloadable PDF pattern guides knitters through creating a pair of socks using the knitting craft, specifically designed for those with some prior knitting experience who are ready to tackle more complex stitch techniques and shaping methods.

What Is Being Made

The Under-armor pattern produces a complete pair of socks. The sample featured in the pattern was knitted in the colorway "One Choice Will Define You" using 716knit 716sock yarn, demonstrating the finished aesthetic that knitters can expect to achieve by following this design.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created entirely through knitting, a fiber craft that uses two needles to loop yarn into interlocking rows of stitches. Knitting allows for the creation of elastic, fitted garments like socks that conform to the foot and leg. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that this pattern incorporates techniques beyond basic knit and purl stitches, making it suitable for knitters who have completed several beginner projects and are comfortable reading pattern abbreviations and following multi-step instructions.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Under-armor pattern employs a variety of knitting stitches and techniques to create structure, shaping, and visual interest:

• Stockinette stitch – the foundational stitch used throughout much of the sock, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric
• Slip stitch (slm) – slipping stitches from one needle to another without working them, often used to maintain stitch count and create clean edges
• Knit stitches (k) – the basic forward loop that forms the primary fabric
• Purl stitches (p) – the reverse of a knit stitch, used in combination with knits to create texture and pattern
• Decreases including ssk (slip, slip, knit) – a left-leaning decrease where two stitches are slipped knitwise individually, then knitted together through the back loop, used for shaping the sock
• k2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one
• sssk (slip, slip, slip, knit) – a double decrease that reduces three stitches to one, creating more dramatic shaping
• k2tog through the back loop and k3tog through the back loop – variations of decrease stitches worked through the back loop for specific directional shaping
• Left twist (lt) – a stitch manipulation where the second stitch on the left needle is knitted through the back loop before the first stitch, creating a twisted effect
• Make one (m1) – an increase technique that creates a new stitch from the horizontal strand between stitches, used to add stitches where needed
• p2tog (purl two together) – a purl-based decrease
• Wrap and turn (w&t) – an advanced technique used in short-row shaping where a stitch is slipped to the right needle, the working yarn is brought between the needles, and the slipped stitch is returned to the left needle; this creates a wrapped stitch that prevents holes when turning the work mid-row
• Markers (pm) – placed on the needle to denote pattern repeats or sections, then slipped as the knitter progresses

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern specifies 716knit 716sock yarn as the recommended yarn, a 4-ply weight sock yarn composed of 80% superwash merino wool and 20% nylon. This fiber blend combines the softness and temperature regulation of merino wool with the durability and elasticity of nylon, making it ideal for socks that must withstand frequent washing and wear. The nylon content enhances the longevity of the finished garment.

Knitters should use US 1 needles (2.25mm) or adjust needle size as needed to achieve the required gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 32 stitches and 42 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch, meaning that achieving this gauge is essential for socks that fit properly. A tapestry needle is also