These socks make use of a simple clustering technique to give the impression of armour plates. Elongating the stitches to be slipped helps keep the socks stretchy and comfortable while also bringing out the subtle colour details we all love in hand-dyed yarns.

These socks are knit toe-up. They feature a contrasting rounded short-row heel and a twisted-rib cuff. The right and left socks are worked identically, and corresponding written instructions are provided for the chart. Alternate directions for adjusting the foot length are also included in the pattern.

This sock requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (the pattern is method-neutral to suit your preferred technique for socks) and clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, yarn over short rows, clustered stitches, and elongated stitches. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is easily accessible to an intermediate knitter.

This pattern is suitable for smooth gradient yarns, as well as solid, semisolid, lightly speckled, and subtly variegated yarn. Self-striping yarns and variegated yarns with significant shifts in colour may obscure the stitch pattern.