Clam Shell Socks

Growing up, I would visit family in Washington state which always involved going to the beach. If you have never been, beaches along the Salish Sea in Washington tend to be more rocky than sandy and full of all sorts of treasures! I grew up in a landlocked state so to me these were the definition of “the beach”. Because of this, some of my favorite beach activities include looking at shells and rocks.

The Clam Shell Socks are inspired by a windy walk along the water reveling in the magic of found shells – lost homes waiting for their next visitor. Or perhaps the exciting moment of finding a shell still inhabited!

When you make and wear these socks, I hope you are reminded of the simple magical treasures that spark curiosity and connection.

Links to Videos and Blog Instructions for all Specific Techniques

Exclusive Video Tutorial of the Clam Shell Details (including colorwork)

Extensive Tips and Tricks — Recommended for Beginners!

Tips on Mixing & Matching Leg and Foot Circumferences

Tips on Changing the Leg Length to Your Preference

Charted and Written Instructions for the Colorwork and Texture Motifs

Facts of the Pattern

Construction: These socks are knit top-down/cuff-down with a German Short Row heel. Both the heel and toe have instructions for optional colorwork.

Materials:

For all needles, use your preferred length/style for small circumference knitting such as small circular needles, magic loop, or double-pointed needles (DPNs).

  • US 1 / 2.25 mm

  • US 2 / 2.75 mm

    • Note that DPNs or magic loop in this size is required for the toe

  • Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)

  • Beginning of Round Marker (stitch marker, scrap yarn or other)

Gauge:

  • 29 stitches and 43 rows in 4"x4" / 10 cm by 10 cm in stockinette using US 2 / 2.75 mm needles knit in the round unblocked

  • 32 stitches and 48 rows in 4”x4” / 10 cm by 10 cm in 1x1 ribbing using US 1 / 2.25 mm needles knit in the round unblocked.

Skills in this Pattern:

  • German short rows

  • Twisted German Cast On or Preferred Stretchy Cast On

  • Right Leaning Decrease (Knit 2 Together)

  • Left Leaning Decrease (Slip, slip, knit)

  • Knit yarn wrapping twice

  • Kitchener Stitch OR 3 needle bind-off

  • Reading a lace/texture chart OR written instructions

  • Knit stitch

  • Purl stitch

  • Knitting flat

  • Knitting in the round

  • Ribbing

Yarn:

222 yds - 317 yds / 203 m - 290 m of fingering weight sock yarn.

For my samples, I used yarn that was primarily superwash merino wool, nylon, and some cashmere.

Sizing:

Size is determined by your foot circumference. Below is a chart including foot circumferences in inches and centimeters.

All sizes have about 0.5”-0.75” / 1.3-2 cm of negative ease.


1 (2, 3) intended for a foot circumference of 7 (8, 9) inches or 17.5 (20.5, 23) centimeters

See full schematic for all measurements.

Tester Round Up

Tester Round Up

Take a look at some of the tester’s Clam Shell Socks!

Pattern Support

I am happy to help! If you have an issue, error, or question about a pattern please email me at hello.cmw.create@gmail.com.

Always include the title of the pattern in your email subject line