These whimsical toe-up ankle socks with patterning on both the sole and instep have an afterthought heel and a 2x2-rib cuff. The double-knit stranded colourwork must be worked differently on each side to create the two different motifs.

Techniques required for this pattern include typical toe-up sock knitting skills, as well as double knitting specific skills, all of which are clearly explained and many of which have video links included in the pattern document. This pattern is written in a method-neutral manner to suit any sock-knitting technique — double-pointed needles, Magic Loop, two circular needles, or a short circular needle. Note when choosing a technique that there are double the usual number of stitches on the needles when making a double-knit sock.

The patterning is provided both as charts and as written instructions. The pattern also offers suggestions about adjusting the width of the heel for accommodating a higher instep. Generally, float management is not required even for complex double-knitting because the floats are all kept between the layers of fabric.

This pattern works best if the two colours used are clearly distinct from each other. Note that you are essentially making four socks, so yarn requirements are relatively high for this pattern.

This pattern was featured in the 2025 Sock Madness 19 competition. Find more sock competition patterns here!

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