A free sock knitting pattern with detailed step-by-step instructions so you don’t miss any of those intricate cables and Bavarian twisted stitches.
I am a huge sucker for regional knitting styles. Luckily, my hometown and the surrounding regions have a long-standing tradition of knitting socks on extremely fine needles. I already published a pattern of traditional Bavarian half-socks.
Beautiful as they may be, I realized they may not be all that accessible to a larger audience. Too complicated, too time-consuming, and where do you wear them anyway if the famous Bavarian festivals and costume parades are thousands of miles away?
So, I thought it was about time to translate the handed-down stitch patterns and constructions to create a more modern sock using bigger needles and simple stitches that still has a distinctive regional look and feel using the traditional Bavarian twisted stitches.
I called the resulting pattern Auf zur Dult, which can be translated into English as “Let’s go to the fair”. Sadly our traditional fairs aren’t happening this year due to the pandemic (such a tragedy really) but I could well imagine wearing these socks together with a more casual look.
(Note: These socks are not meant to be worn with a traditional Bavarian costume. Further adjustments would have to be made).
I do have to say that the task of developing this pattern was quite a bit more difficult than I thought it would be. The problem: I usually knit with 2.00 mm needles or below. With 120 stitches or more in the round on your needles, you have a lot of freedom to shape fantastic gussets and squeeze in unique designs into the shaft.
And after I plotted down a possible design, I found out it didn’t knit up quite as well as I thought it would. So, it did take me like 5 attempts to get it right. But now, I am super satisfied! I’m truly in love with these socks. So, definitely comment below if I should develop some more patterns using Bavarian Twisted stitches.
This sock knitting pattern is, like all my other patterns, exclusively available for my newsletter subscribers. It’s probably more suitable for intermediate knitters since it does not go into too great detail in terms of sizing. The basic pattern is for a men’s size 8.5 (EU 42), but it can be adjusted to other sizes as well. If that has you worried, then my Socke 1 beginner pattern might be more to your liking.
Like almost all traditional Bavarian sock patterns I know, it also relies heavily on your ability to read charts. It is, mind you, quite the simple chart with no crazy repeat, but I know that some knitters might favor written instructions which are not available for this pattern (if you have got a repeat of 40+ stitches, these become way too cumbersome and prone to errors on my side. It’s almost impossible to spot a typo in a sea of knits and purls). You also will have to figure out your own size. This post explains how many stitches you need to cast on for socks.
Note: If you want a simple sock knitting pattern, try out Socke 1 and Socke 2 here on my blog. Or check out my tutorial on how to knit socks for beginners.
If you downloaded one of my patterns before, then you will already know that it does come with tons of extra instructional pictures and lots of explanations. So, despite being a bit more challenging, I always try to make every step accessible to knitters willing to learn new techniques.
Materials Used:
Note: I earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this article.
While most Bavarian sock patterns are quite difficult, you don’t need any crazy equipment (still, make sure to check out my list of 25 things every knitter needs).
- 500 yards/ 460 meters of sturdy sock yarn for needles size 2.5 – 3.00mm. I am using the Wollmeise Twin (Superwash merino 20% Polyamide) in the color Pistazie. Regia 4-ply
can be a nice (and much less expensive) alternative. Or the Regia Trend & Classic (Schachenmayr has been a favorite of Bavarian knitters for quite a loooong time!).
- Double-Pointed Knitting needles 2.5 mm. Frequent readers probably already know that I am a huge fan of the Knitter’s Pride Karbonz because they are the only ones that don’t end up crooked after 5 minutes.
- A tapestry needle and scissors.
- A crochet hook to pick up the stitches for the gusset (optional)
- A measuring tape (optional)
can be a nice (and much less expensive) alternative. Or the Knitting techniques used
This is a pattern suitable for experienced knitters who know how to:
- K = knit
- P = Purl
- KTBL = Knit through the back loop
- PTBL = Purl through the backloop
- TL= traveling to the left
- TR= traveling to the right
- CR = Crossing right stitch in front
- CL = Crossing left stitch in front
- k2tog tbl = Knit two stitches together through the back loop
- TR K2tog = Traveling twisted decrease to the right
- P2tog = Purl two together
- P2tog tbl = purl two together through the back loop
- SL1 = Slip one stitch
These Bavarian socks are knit in the round on double-pointed needles. That’s the traditional way, and I feel it’s much easier to knit the gusset that way. If you are still struggling with that technique, I compiled a very helpful tutorial with 10 tips and tricks to knit on dpns like a pro. You will also need to know how to read a knitting chart.
Anyway, Go download the traditional Bavarian sock pattern and make sure to comment if you have any questions.
Norman, thank you so much for this pattern…it’s frankly beyond amazing. <3
Norman, how do I get this pattern? I love to knit socks and this looks like fun. I already subscribe to your newsletter.
if you enter your email adress despite of that fact, it should sent the pattern over to you.
Hi Norman. I tried to get this pattern but it says “oops”. I love knitting sock and would love to knit this one.
Hm..it seems you are already subscribed to my newsletter. I am currently working on a members area where ppl can download existing patterns. thank you for your patience.
I’ve sent the email 3 x but have not received your email for confirmation.
Hey Judy,
then your email provider is blocking my emails and there is nothing I can do about that. YOU could reach out to them, etc…but probably not worth the effort.
Norman
I plan to make these beautiful socks for myself as I have some very special wool and I know I wouldn’t throw the washer and dryer. I have a pair of socks on the needles right now that I need to finish first.
Hey Sheila,
very happy to hear that. And yeah, these socks deserve a special wool to treat yourself <3
Hi I love these socks! I downloaded the pattern and think I’ll have to resize it if I knit them as I always knit 48 stitches for my feet, I’ll think about this. However I have a question regarding twisting stitches at the beginning of the round which is actually driving me crazy for another pattern (discontinued) : when you have to cross 2 stitches and they are across the beginning of the round, how do you do this? I stop when I have one stitch left before beg of round, do the cable on the 2 stitches (last +first) and continue, but it gives me pain in the brain because it’s like the last stitch of the round lacks one row before the crossing, though I know tubular knitting is like a spiral… 😐 😬🆘
Thanks! One day I’ll have the patience to knit these amazing socks
Hey Eve,
I always shuffle stitches around. So, when I know I have two cross two stitches across the gap int he next round, I just knit one more additional stitch (or a couple of if i know the pattern is moving forward) with each needle.
I don’t cross across gaps.
Thank you for the beautiful pattern! This is my first exposure to Bavarian patterned knitting. This is mad, but I am going to try to adapt the pattern to a vest. I bought yarn in a similar shade but could not find a pattern that “spoke” to me until I saw the twisted stitches.
Hey Marj,
very happy to hear that. Make sure to share a picture once you are finished
Very nice
Norman!!
Love the socks. Messaged before I lived in Bavaria twice. Lived in Garmisch! Took the Zug to Munchen for Octoberfest. Love all the Dirndles and lederhosen. I drooled over the sweaters. Got a loden coat. Hiked the Zugspitze, Dreitortspitze, and the Waxenstein. Driving in to the area takes your breath away! I really, really liked it there. The houses are wonderful, too. I’m going to knit your socks now!!
oh how awesome. Happy knitting and thx for sharing your story with me!
There is nothing about this sock pattern that I don’t LOVE, including the beautiful pistachio color. I’m not a sock knitter, but maybe one day …
Hey Norman
Thank you very much for providing the sock pattern. I haven’t started yet, it will be a Christmas present for my son. I know how to knit cables, although your advice to knit with crossed Bavarian stitches is really very beautiful and practical.
Sincerely. Marina
Geht leider nicht, sehr schade
Thanks so much for sharing this interesting pattern and all its support materials, Norman! Fascinating!
I wonder if you can solve this tangle for me though?
I have knitted a swatch of the pattern in the round, including a mirrored half in reverse order (as you suggest for the other side of the sock). But strangely, the half in reverse order is fine, but the straightforward (right to left) half is jumbled. (Actually, the diamond pattern seems to be inside the tube, against a background of ‘knit’ stitches.) Clueless – can you suggest what’s amiss please?
i am unsure why you would knit two swatches. On top of that, you only reverse the cable crosses (so instead of left, you do right) – nothing else
Just the one round swatch, consisting of three diamonds reading Right to Left (as in order of the stitches on the pattern) and then three diamonds following the stitches Left to Right, as if for the other side of the sock. I think this is what you instruct on p.6 “once you’ve finished a row… start reading from L to R one more time”.??
If anything, I would have expected this reverse order to be wrong, yet it looks perfect. But the basic R to L stitches are the jumble, even though I have followed your Bavarian stitch tutorial precisely…
Only been doing this game six months, 99% taught by your tutorials. Very grateful nonetheless! 😃
You have to adjust those crosses as well and cross in the exact other direction. Either way, you can just knit two idential socks and it will be just as fine.
Aahh – have finally found the difficulty! Because this clever top-down pattern is numbered from the TOP, the raised lines in the pattern do not join up if you follow the symbols exactly… You have to reverse them L-R, R-L.
Thankfully, you can read them ‘as they look’ when continuing on to the other mirrored side of the sock, and coming backwards along the row. Never come across that before… Now I can relax ☺️
Beautiful pattern. I realized after I downloaded that is was a man’s sock. Was hoping to make for myself. LOL I was a size 5. I will try another of your patterns.
This is just a recipe. You have to adjust it to your size regardless of your gender. It’s the same with all my other sock patterns. I do not provide distinct sizes because I do feel that is somewhat a dead end (and more complicated)
Hi Norman,
This is my first time reading charts. I noticed that your chart includes 42 stitches and it is mirrored on the other side which will add up to 84 stitches in total. But I thought the patterns are on 80 stitches at the beginning. Did I miss something that lead to 4 stitches short?
2 columns are “no stitches”. They only exist because the cables are crossing over to the other side (see row 21/13, etc). The chart does actually just have 40 stitches.
I am excited to have found this pattern. I’m a German living in California. I grew up in the suburbs of Munich and I can’t believe I can knit a traditional pattern while still utilizing the local to me knitting community. I can’t wait to give this a try!
Danke, Norman, für all deine wunderbaren Anleitungen und Tutorials!!
Hi Norman,
You already explained the 42 stitches vs 40. But in the first 4 rows there is no indication for no stitch, is that an omission or is something else going on there.
Regards
Romke
well, the ribbing goes on an on. that is something I can chart.
Thanks Norman, this pattern is going to be fun!
Thanks for this pattern. Not only this one is excellent, but all of Norman´s socks are for me a wonderful inspiration and motivation.
Norman, thanks for your precise work and a gift you want to share your skills and experience.