Kiya's feet resting against a big tree branch. She's wearing colourful, striped, textured socks.

My new sock pattern collaboration with Catherine at Gauge Dye Works, A Checklist of Birds, is a great basic sock pattern that I think you’ll love for all sorts of projects! In case you’ve been thinking about casting on, but have questions, I’ve put together a quick list to answer what you might be wondering about.

FAQ

Toe-up or top down?
- Toe-up. Catherine explained why so clearly, so I’m gonna quote her: “We knew they were going to be toe-up socks, because that’s the best way to control exactly how much yarn you use for a pair of socks. Starting at the toe and knitting upwards means you knit the foot and heel first. You can make sure they’re the right size for your feet, and after that you knit the leg until you’ve used as much yarn as you want. Generally, no one gives a hoot (look at me with the bird puns) if the cuff is an inch longer or shorter.” You can read more from Catherine on this project on her blog.
What kind of heel do they have?
- Short row. I love a good short row heel! It’s perfect for self-striping socks because the stripe width isn’t messed with, like you’d have with a heel flap. I find the short row heel to be really intuitive and easy to work too, and I love that it’s worked during the main sock knitting process, not after (like an afterthought heel) because it allows me to try the sock on as I go to make sure my foot length was right. The only bit that could be tricky is finishing the double wrap-and-turns, but I made a video tutorial to help!
Can I use a different yarn?
- Yes! Catherine designed some very clever self-striping colourways inspired by birds that are fun to knit because they just change colour without you doing anything! But I always include instructions for how to substitute yarn, including detailed colour maps to help you figure out how much yarn you’ll need. I’m really hoping some folks go stash diving for colours that represent their favourite local birds! The only down side to subbing is that you’ll have more ends to weave in.
Do they come in my size?
- I designed this pattern in four sizes from 6.5”/16.5 cm - 9”/23 cm foot circumference. To find your foot circumference just measure your foot around the ball and choose a size that’s slightly smaller than that so that you’ll get a good, snug fit.
What makes this pattern special?
- Trish, a fellow knitter said, “I just read through this stunning pattern and, as always, I am so impressed by the level of detail and clarity. Thank you Andrea for another fantastic piece of art. You and Catherine never fail to deliver an amazing experience.” Thanks for the love, Trish!
- I write all my patterns with clear, concise details that let you know what to expect, what to do, and that you’re on the right track. I work with technical and copy editors, as well as testers to bring you a pattern that will be a joy to knit!
- The photos in the pattern will inspire you and also help you see technical details.
- I designed the layout of this pattern to be printer-friendly. That means I use black text and don’t include photos on the instruction pages. There’s also a note telling you what to print out if you want just the instructions so you don’t waste ink.
- I really planned the details carefully!
  - Thoughtfully-placed increases create a gorgeous rounded toe that I find simply beautiful.
  - Ribbing along the back of the leg looks cute and give a snug fit around the ankle. The bottom of the foot is left smooth in Stockinette for comfort.
  - Foot and ankle lengths are adjustable and the toe-up construction means it’s easy to try on as you go to make sure the fit is just right for you.
  - The 24-stitch panels along the fronts of the feet are actually charts showing how common certain birds are throughout the year here in Victoria. The instructions for those charts are written and charted so you can use the method that suits you best.