Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, inspiration and arts and crafts in ancient Roman mythology.
The Minerva socks are knitted toe up with a flowery cable pattern. The socks are started with Judy's magic cast on and are best worked with the magic loop technique. The instep and later on the back of the leg are worked in a beautiful cable pattern with twisted stitches. The heels are worked with gussets and a heel construction that mimics the French heel. The heel flaps are knitted in a reinforced stitch pattern to give them durability.
All techniques needed for completing these socks are explained in this pattern. Both socks are identical, so you can easily work the socks two at a time.
The Minerva socks look best in solid or slightly variegated colors for the stitch pattern to show in its full glory.
Size
1 (2)
Circumference 21 (23) cm / 8.25 (9) inches, to be worn with slight negative ease
Length adjustable
Yarn
300-350 m / 330-385 yards of fingering weight sock yarn
Sample: 1 skein of Säie Wool Merino Sock (75% merino wool, 25 % nylon; 425 m / 465 yards per 100g), shown in colorway Tropic Pop.
Needles
2.5 mm / US 1.5 DPNs or circular needles with a cable suitable for small circumference knitting or Magic loop.
Gauge
30 sts and 38 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Stockinette stitch, in the round after blocking.
Note: Always choose the needle size that gets you the right gauge. If you can't match the gauge both across the stitches and across the rounds, choose the needle size that gets you closer to the gauge across the stitches.
Notions
- 2 stitch markers
- tapestry needle
- cable needle (if using)
- blocking tools (sock blockers)