Magpies

Magpies Cat Socks by Johannalin

What is Being Made

Magpies is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of cat-themed socks designed by Johannalin. These are calf-height socks knitted in the leg-to-toe construction method, featuring charted colorwork depicting cat imagery. The pattern is sized for UK 5/5.5, US 7/7.5, and European 38/39. The left and right socks feature mirror-image designs, creating a coordinated pair with distinct visual interest.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental sock-knitting techniques. The socks are constructed using leg-to-toe construction, beginning at the cuff and working downward to the toe. The pattern includes charted colorwork for the main leg and toe sections, allowing knitters to follow a visual guide for color placement. A reinforced heel is incorporated to increase durability in this high-wear area. The pattern uses two separate charts—one for the leg section and one for the toe section—which must be worked in sequence without interruption to maintain the integrity of the cat design across the heel.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, flat fabric ideal for colorwork. The cuff features ribbing, typically a knit-purl combination that provides stretch and helps the socks stay in place on the leg. The reinforced heel and toe are knitted in solid black using stockinette stitch, while the charted sections incorporate stranded colorwork (also called Fair Isle technique), where two colors are carried across the row to create the cat motif. This technique requires managing two yarn colors simultaneously to achieve the pattern.

Materials and Yarn

Magpies is designed for DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that produces a fabric with good stitch definition for colorwork. The pattern provides yardage requirements for two specific yarn brands with suggested color options:

• Novita Nalle: 175 yards (160 meters) in black and 154 yards (141 meters) in white
• Schachenmayr Regia 6-ply: 98 yards (90 meters) in black and 85 yards (78 meters) in white

The pattern notes that Kaupunki Rotvalli is also suitable, or any other DK weight yarn in two contrasting colors. The recommended needle sizes are UK 11 / US 2.5 / 3 mm for the ribbed cuff and UK 9.5 / US 4 / 3.5 mm for the main body. Needles should be double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle suitable for small circumference knitting. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, measuring tape, scissors, and two sock blockers for finishing.

Gauge Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. In stockinette stitch, the pattern specifies 22 stitches and 32 rows over a 4-inch (10 cm) square on the larger needles (UK 9.5 / US 4 / 3.5 mm). The colorwork sections have a slightly different gauge of 25 stitches and 31 rows on the same needle size, reflecting the tighter tension that typically occurs when working with two colors.