Keeping cultural traditions alive in war-torn Iraq has proven to be no easy task. Kurdish socks handspun and handknitted with wool shorn from a family’s sheep serve as more than just practical footwear. These decorative socks represent a connection for the Kurdish people to their heritage after decades of repression and displacement. Vicki Square’s delightful socks are based on Kurdish socks purchased by Barb Sobkoviak in a small shop in Northern Iraq.

Difficulty Intermediate

Finished Size 8.5” foot circumference and 8.5” long from back of heel to tip of toe.

Yarn Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (100% Shetland wool; 115 yd (105 m)/ 7⁄8 oz (25 g)): #104 natural white (MC), 4 balls; #999 black (CC1) and #525 crimson (CC2), 1 ball each.

Needles Size 1 (2.25 mm). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Markers; tapestry needle.

Gauge 30 sts and 40 rnds = 4” in St st.

Notes These socks are worked in the round from the toe up.