Rowan Footsies

Rowan Footsies by Dagmar Mora

What is Being Made

Rowan Footsies are thick and warm socklets designed to keep your feet toasty during chilly autumn evenings. These are short socks or sock-like slippers available in three women's sizes: Small (to fit feet with a circumference of approximately 7⅛ inches / 18 cm), Medium (8 inches / 20.5 cm), and Large (9 inches / 23 cm). The length can be adjusted according to personal preference as described within the pattern instructions.

Design Inspiration and Stitch Pattern

The stitch pattern used in Rowan Footsies is reminiscent of the distinct pinnate leaves of the Rowan tree. Rowan trees are known for displaying vibrant autumn colours, and the name "Rowan" is thought to derive from the proto-Germanic word raudnian, which means "getting red." This botanical inspiration makes these socklets particularly fitting for keeping warm during the autumn season.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental knitting techniques and stitches to create the finished socklets:

• Cast On (co): The foundation technique for creating the initial stitches on the needles
• Knit (k): The basic knit stitch forming the primary fabric structure
• Knit Through Back Loop (k1tbl): A variation that creates a twisted stitch, often used for texture or shaping
• Purl (p): The reverse of the knit stitch, used to create texture and pattern variation
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A decrease technique that combines two stitches into one
• Purl Two Together (p2tog): A decrease technique using purl stitches
• Place Marker (pm) and Marker (m): Tools used to track pattern repeats and stitch sections
• Pick Up (pu): A technique for creating new stitches from existing fabric edges

The pattern incorporates stitch repeats to build the leaf-inspired texture throughout the socklets.

Materials and Tools

Rowan Footsies are knitted using aran weight yarn, a medium-heavy yarn that provides the warmth and substance needed for cosy footwear. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 100g (approximately 154 metres / 168 yards), while both Medium and Large require 200g (approximately 308 metres / 336 yards) each. The pattern specifies Wendy Traditional Aran as a suitable yarn choice, though any aran weight yarn of similar characteristics will work.

Knitting is worked on a set of 4.5mm / US 7 double-pointed needles, or needles sized to obtain the correct tension. Double-pointed needles allow for seamless circular knitting, which is the traditional method for creating socks and socklets. The pattern specifies a tension of 17 stitches and 24 rows over 10 centimetres (4 inches) in the stitch pattern, which should be checked before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Skill Level

Rowan Footsies is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with double-pointed needles and simple stitch patterns. The combination of knit and purl stitches creates the leaf-like texture, while decreases shape the socklets to fit the foot comfortably.