A customer of Knits By The Sea in Tofino, BC, saw Bret’s West Coast Stocking in the shop and asked the owner if I would be willing to convert the pattern into a wearable sock. Twist my rubber arm!

Here it is - a sock inspired by the natural beauty of Tofino, sometimes called “Tuff City” by locals. A mama whale and baby whale swim deep in the ocean with fish and waves overhead. The beach is patrolled by a mama bear and cub with a forested background while eagles soar just below the clouds. Anyone that loves the Pacific Northwest will appreciate the motifs.

The pattern is for socks that measure 20 or 23 cm (8” or 9”) around the ball of the foot. It is toe up, with a short row heel. There is the option to increase the number of stitches around the leg, for those of us that are not altogether slim-calved. (Stranded stocking stitch is not as stretchy as one-colour stocking stitch.) There are also suggestions for places where smaller or larger needles might be used to help with custom fitting.

The pattern is written with double pointed needles in mind as I appreciate the reminder at the end of each short needle to ensure the strands are not too tight. However, the pattern can be adapted easily for those that are more fond of, and familiar with, magic loop or other circular methods.

To achieve the landscape look of the sock, there are instances where long carries are required, so this project may be best suited to knitters that are comfortable maintaining a consistent tension while stranding.

Please note the pattern contains many beautiful full-colour charts which are not optimized for black and white printing.

errata: Page 4, Round 1, Needle 1: Pu2, k 40(44), pu2