Text: The Periwinkle Dragon Purple dragon eye with yarn ball and text: Original knitting patterns by Carolyn Lisle Text: The Periwinkle Dragon Purple dragon eye with yarn ball and text: Original knitting patterns by Carolyn Lisle
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Alicorn Socks

The Alicorn Socks are inspired by unicorn horn — also known as “alicorn”. As early as 400 BCE, people believed that unicorns were real animals whose horns could protect people from disease and poison. In Medieval Europe, kings coveted items made of alicorn, and the King of Denmark even had a throne made of that mythical substance. Of course, alicorn is actually the “tusk” (an elongated tooth) of a narwhal (Monodon monoceros), making that unusual animal even more arguably the “unicorn of the sea”!

Crossed feet wearing rainbow socks with diagonal slipped-stitch panel and sparkly white heels. Closeup of feet wearing rainbow socks with diagonal slipped-stitch panel and sparkly white heels. Side view of feet wearing rainbow socks with diagonal slipped-stitch panel and sparkly white heels.

These are fun, easy-to-knit socks with an intuitively-patterned panel of elongated stitches on the bias that look like a spiralling unicorn horn. No cabling required! They are knit toe-up with a rounded afterthought heel and a twisted-rib cuff. They are available in three sizes and they are extremely adjustable in length and height. Corresponding written instructions are provided for the chart, which is the same for both socks (although the position of it is mirrored).

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (it is method-neutral to suit any technique you may prefer — double-pointed needles, magic loop/one circular needle, two circular needles, short circular needle, etc. — and is easy to work two-at-a-time, even on the heels) and clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, elongated stitches, and picking up an afterthought heel. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is easily accessible to an intermediate knitter who is just getting started knitting socks.

This pattern is designed to complement any colourway — its structure and patterning work well with any dye technique. Grab your wildest yarn and go for it!

Originally designed for Be A Freaking Unicorn 2021, 40% of the proceeds of all purchases of this pattern (and 100% of anything you might choose to add above the base price at checkout) go to the Ten Oaks Project, which is an organization by and for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in my community. It connects children, youth, and families from 2SLGBTQ+ identities with programs that promote intersectional social justice as well as learning, collaboration, and play.

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