Kestra Socks
Kestra Socks
Meet the Kestra Socks, the third design in a mini collection of quick, stranded knits celebrating geometric rhythm and playful texture. These beauties feature bold chevron colorwork paired with a speckled contrast sole and twisted rib accents for that extra spark of personality.
Worked from the toe up in cozy DK weight yarn, they’re delightfully squishy, warm, and fast—the perfect weekend project (and instant favorite in your sock drawer). The forethought peasant heel, paired with subtle instep gussets, delivers a smooth, comfortable fit without ever cutting your knitting. And to make sure your socks fit just right, the pattern includes heel fit tips so you can avoid that dreaded too-tight feeling across the instep.
With lots of step-by-step video tutorials, the Kestra Socks are approachable for newer knitters and still satisfying for seasoned ones who love a clever construction. You’ll also love the PDF chart layers—toggle them to match your chosen colors and knit without second guessing which shade is which!
Why you’ll love this pattern:
Stranded colorwork with crisp geometric chevrons
Easy enough for your first colorwork project
Fast-knitting sport/DK weight yarn for instant gratification
Detailed video support for every step
Toe-up construction with a comfy, no-cut forethought heel and gussets
Portable, giftable, and guaranteed to make you smile every time you pull them on
💡 Love the striking chevron colorwork? Complete your set and wear it front and center with the Kestra Hat or Mitts.
Testermonials
“If you are a comfortable knitter this will be an easy pattern. If you are a new knitter there are many challenges or new skills to master. But it is a great pattern to try. There are many ways to help you out a long the way. Absolutely recommend.”
“The pattern is inviting, well-organized, and well-illustrated. I felt confident that it would have what I needed to succeed. I have definitely experienced patterns with a variety in amount of detail and visuals, and when they are on the low end it can create a sense of buyer’s remorse or dread after I make the payment and see them for the first time. This pattern would not have that effect!”
“I’m an experienced sock knitter and I found this pattern one of the clearest I’ve ever followed. There are very good practical tips throughout the pattern that I will take with me as I make other colorwork/heavier weight socks in the future.”
What you get:
Comprehensive PDF pattern with clear written and charted instructions.
Interactive PDF layers. Customize your charts to reflect your personal color combo.
Step-by-step video tutorials covering every major technique. Preview the playlist here!
Heel fit tips for a personalized, comfortable result.
Helpful notes and guidance for stranded knitting and sock construction.
Instant download access. Start knitting right away!
Everything you need to know:
Is this pattern beginner friendly for colorwork?
Yes! The Kestra Socks are a great first colorwork project, especially if you are already comfortable with knitting small circumferences in the round. The stranded sections are simple and rhythmic, and the included video tutorials walk you through every step, from holding your yarn in each hand, managing floats, and keeping your knitting stretchy.
What kind of heel does this pattern use?
The Kestra Socks feature a forethought, peasant heel with short row gussets for a smooth, comfortable fit. The pattern also includes heel fit tips to help you customize the depth and avoid socks that feel too tight across the instep.
What is a forethought, peasant heel? how is it different from an afterthought heel?
A forethought, peasant heel is worked by knitting across the heel stitches with waste yarn during the main sock tube, then returning later to work from those stitches—no cutting required! This technique maintains a continuous colorwork pattern and produces a heel that’s easy to replace or adjust for fit.
👉 Want to see how it works? Watch my video tutorial on the forethought peasant heel for a step-by-step demonstration.
What yarn weight Is used?
These socks are knit in a sport/DK weight yarn, which makes them quick to finish and extra cozy to wear. They’re perfect for lounging or layering under boots!
How do the PDF layers work?
The pattern includes interactive chart layers, so you can customize the charts to match your chosen color combination. It’s a simple way to make stranded knitting even more intuitive—no mental color swaps required.
If you’ve never used layered PDFs before, no worries! Here’s a quick guide to walk you through how to turn layers on and off.
Are there tutorials or extra support?
Absolutely! The pattern includes links to step-by-step video tutorials for every key technique used. Whether you’re new to socks or colorwork—or just like a visual guide—you’ll never feel stuck! All eight videos are also available in a playlist.
Life’s too short for boring socks!
Start your Kestra Socks and knit something bold and beautiful.
The Knitty-Gritty
Description
The Kestra socks are the third pattern in a mini collection of quick, stranded knits featuring a geometric chevron pattern and speckled colorwork or twisted rib accents. Worked from the toe up in a DK weight yarn, these socks are delightfully squishy and warm to wear. The forethought, peasant heel—paired with instep gussets—fits the foot nicely and does not call for cutting your knitting!
Sizes
1 (2)
Finished Measurements
7.5 (9)” / 19 (22.5) cm circumference, unstretched
Yarn
Approximately 282 (332) yards / 258 (304) meters plied, Sport/DK weight yarn, with some nylon content:
141 (166) yards / 129 (152) meters main color
143 (168) yards / 131 (154) meters contrasting color
Actual amount needed will depend on foot and cuff length. Yarn estimates provided based on 9.25” (23 cm) foot length and 5.5” (14 cm) cuff length. Socks pictured used Midknit Cravings Comfort Sport [Sport/DK weight; 85% superwash merino wool, 15% nylon] in colorways ‘Shiraz’ (main color) and ‘Petal’ (contrasting color).
Needles
32” (80 cm) circular needles for magic loop (or appropriate needles for your preferred method of knitting small circumferences in the round) in the following sizes:
US 5 (3.75 mm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge for stranded colorwork
US 3 (3.25 mm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge for stockinette stitch
Gauge
Stranded Colorwork: 27 sts and 29 rnds = 4” (10 cm), worked in the round using larger needles, after blocking
Stockinette Stitch: 27 sts and 34 rnds = 4” (10 cm), worked in the round using smaller needles, after blocking
Notions
(1) Locking stitch marker for beginning of round
Waste yarn (same weight as working yarn; in a third, high‑contrasting color; and smooth), for heel placement
(2) 10” (25 cm) strands of fingering weight yarn (different color from working yarns and waste yarn), for lifelines
Tapestry needle
