When Cleckheaton’s new Brushstrokes arrived, I was immediately drawn to the playful colour pallet and knew I had some young and knit-worthy recipients that would love the splashes and speckles as much as I did.
So, to test the limits of this new nylon/acrylic blend, I agreed to knit a pair of socks for an 8-year-old who I knew would really put this yarn through its paces.
We found a pattern that we both liked, the Kujira Ikka (reversible) socks, known colloquially in our house as the banana socks 😉.
A quick sock project sized for all feet, big and small. Find my project notes for Kujira Ikka (reversible) socks below.
Enjoy!
Andrea | Loom + Spindle
STUDIO PROJECT | KUJIRA IKKA
INTENTION
Knit Kujira Ikka (reversible) socks and explore:
Working with Brushstrokes
Working a sock, toe to cuff
DESIGN
Kujira Ikka (Reversible) was published in April 2021 by Yucca, a Japanese knitwear designer. It’s available to purchase as a digital download from Ravelry.com.
The pattern is available in 9 sizes, from baby to adult with adjustable foot and leg lengths.
SKILLS
Knitting in the round
Knitting flat
TOOLS
2.5 mm (no US equivelent) sock needles
MATERIALS
2 x Brushstrokes | Future 5501
PROCESS
YARN SELECTION
The pattern provides a gauge for a 4 ply sock yarn, but I loved the look of this design and was keen to try Brushstrokes, a 5 ply / sport weight yarn. I decided to go with it, intending to size down after I figured out my gauge.
CONSTRUCTION
The first step was to determine a needle size. After a quick gauge swatch switching between a few sizes, I found that a 2.5mm needle produced a nice firm fabric with a bit of elasticity, perfect for socks. My stitch gauge was 7 stitches over 2.5cm (1'').
Given the above metrics, a pattern gauge of 8.25 stitches over 2.5cm (1''), and the foot measurements I was working with, I opted to knit size 4-Child S, to get a size 5-Child M.
I followed the pattern as written adding length to the leg. Not sure I would have enough for a full second sock, I did use a second skein to knit the second sock. If I’d made the legs a little shorter one skein would have been enough for two socks.
FINISHING
I used a stretchy sewn bind-off for the cuff.
After weaving in the ends I gave the socks a short soak and lay them flat to dry.
INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
YARN
Brushstrokes is so incredibly soft and delightful to work with.
I did’t alternate skeins in this project and had no problem with pooling with either skein. I’m really happy with the speckle and splash distribution in this small circumference project. Note - if working a larger project I would probably alternate skeins to be on the safe side.
CONSTRUCTION + FINISHING
This pattern was unique for me, the design elements that stood out were the garter stitch sole and short row heel.
I love the 2x1 rib, the reverse side of the fabric being equally as appealing.
The wearer loved the results and was particularly delighted with the cushy garter sole for wearing around the house on the cold hard floors.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The socks are holding up well after a lot of wear and a few washes.
I have it own good authority that they are super comfy and warm.
There have been requests for more pairs, so I’m looking forward to trying out a few more colourways!
Knitting Kujira Ikka (reversible) in Brushstrokes?
Here’s what you’ll need for sizes 1-9: 1 ( 1 , 1) ( 2, 2, 2) (3, 3, 3) skeins
If you would you like to save this project for later add it to your Ravelry favourites HERE.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
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