The Cloudberry Swirl Slipper Socks: A Free Knitting Pattern for Cozy, Textured House Socks

Wrap Your Feet in Luxury: The Cloudberry Swirl Slipper Socks

There’s nothing quite like slipping your feet into a pair of hand-knit slipper socks after a long day. The Cloudberry Swirl Slipper Socks are designed to be the ultimate cozy companion, featuring a unique, swirling cable pattern that mimics the delicate layers of a cloudberry. This pattern creates a thick, squishy fabric that feels like a warm hug for your feet. Whether you’re lounging by the fire or curling up with a good book, these socks will keep you snug and stylish. Best of all, this is a free pattern that’s perfect for intermediate knitters looking to add a touch of texture to their handmade wardrobe.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: 2 skeins (approximately 300 yards) of super bulky weight yarn. For a marled effect, try Malabrigo Rasta in ‘Natural’ and ‘Pebble,’ or use a single color like ‘Dusty Rose’ for a solid look.
• Needles: US 11 (8.0 mm) circular needles with a 16-inch cable for magic loop, or a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size.
• Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a tape measure.
• Gauge: 10 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for a perfect fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: Women’s Small/Medium (US 6-8) / Women’s Medium/Large (US 9-11)

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together
• SSK: slip slip knit
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker
• St(s): stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

• These slipper socks are worked from the toe up using the magic loop method or DPNs.
• The cable pattern is a 4-stitch repeat that creates a beautiful swirling effect.
• The heel is worked using a short-row method for a snug, comfortable fit.

Toe

Using the Turkish cast-on method, CO 8 stitches (4 stitches on each needle).

• Round 1: Knit all stitches.
• Round 2: *K1, M1L, knit to last stitch on needle, M1R, K1* repeat for the second needle. (12 stitches total)
• Repeat Round 2 until you have 20 stitches total (10 stitches on each needle).

Foot

Set up the cable pattern:

• Round 1: *K2, P2* repeat across.
• Round 2: *C4F, P2* repeat across.
• Round 3: *K4, P2* repeat across.
• Round 4: *C4B, P2* repeat across.

Repeat Rounds 1-4 for the cable pattern. Work even in pattern until the foot measures 6 (7) inches from the toe, or 1.5 inches less than your desired total foot length.

Heel

Work the short-row heel on the first 10 stitches (heel flap):

• Row 1 (RS): K9, turn.
• Row 2 (WS): P8, turn.
• Row 3: K7, turn.
• Row 4: P6, turn.
• Row 5: K5, turn.
• Row 6: P4, turn.
• Row 7: K3, turn.
• Row 8: P2, turn.

Now work back:

• Row 9: K3, turn.
• Row 10: P4, turn.
• Row 11: K5, turn.
• Row 12: P6, turn.
• Row 13: K7, turn.
• Row 14: P8, turn.
• Row 15: K9, turn.

Now knit across all 20 stitches.

Leg

Continue in the cable pattern as established for 4 (5) inches, or until the leg reaches your desired length.

Cuff

• Round 1: *K2, P2* repeat across.
• Repeat Round 1 for 1 inch.
• Bind off loosely in pattern.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block the socks gently to shape, taking care not to flatten the cable texture. Allow them to dry completely before wearing.

Now, slip your feet into your new Cloudberry Swirl Slipper Socks and enjoy the cozy, handcrafted luxury you’ve created!