Socks of Iceland

With the book Socks of Iceland, Hélène Magnússon is reinventing the tradition of socks in Iceland. Taking inspiration from old Icelandic socks, historical patterns, but also traditional Icelandic mittens, the book contains 17 socks patterns with a definite Icelandic flair. The socks involve all sorts of techniques and constructions that will ravish beginners and more advanced knitters alike. The book also draws a complete history of sock knitting in Iceland.

Mid-calf socks, high socks, half-leg socks, all 17 socks come into multiple sizes and feature all sorts of techniques (stranded knitting, a bit of lace and cables, slip stitches) and interesting constructions, top down or toe up, with quite many variations on heels and toes. Some involve interesting new techniques while others are more straightforward.

The socks in the book are all knitted with Katla Sokkaband, a DK/sport Icelandic lambswool sock yarn created by Hélène and one of its kind! If you wish to use another similar yarn, for most of the socks, the gauge is 26 sts and 32 rows over 10 cm/4“ in Stockinette Stitch. It was achieved with needles 2.5mm / US1.5 but some of the test knitters had to go down 2mm / US0 or up 2.75mm or 3mm / US2 or US2.5