Ornamental is a sock pattern designed by Andrea Rangel in collaboration with Gauge Dye Works. It's a fun and festive knit-along project for December featuring stranded colourwork and self-striping yarn.
What’s the best part of this project?
It’s the community! The knit-along brings together knitters from all over, and it’s always a warm, welcoming, and inspiring space. Plus, choosing and customizing your own colourwork motifs makes it your own one-of-a-kind creation.
When does the knit-along start?
We’ll be casting on December 1. You can join in any time after that, but we’ll be knitting through December together.
Where is the knit-along happening?
We’re hosting the KAL in the Gauge Dye Works Ravelry group. That’s where we’ll share progress photos, ask questions, and connect with each other throughout the month.
Do I need to sign up?
No need to sign up separately. If you’ve got the yarn and the pattern, you’re in. Just show up in the Ravelry thread when you're ready.
How do the colourwork motifs work?
Andrea has designed five different stranded colourwork motifs. You can mix and match them to create a decorative band around the sock leg, or even design your own. The pattern includes a planning template so you can sketch out your favourite combinations.
Do I have to knit both socks in December?
Not at all. This knit-along is meant to be low-key and fun. Knit at your own pace and enjoy the process.
Can I participate if I don’t celebrate Christmas?
Absolutely. While the project is holiday-themed, it’s more about celebrating the season with a bit of creativity and community. The colourwork is non-religious and totally customizable.
Is this beginner-friendly?
The colourwork section is short and comes early in the sock. If you’re new to stranded knitting, this is a great way to try it out with support from the community. Basic sock-knitting skills are recommended.
What’s included in the kit?
Your kit includes:
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One 100 g skein of self-striping yarn
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One 25 g skein of undyed yarn
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A download code for the pattern
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Access to the Ravelry knit-along
When will I get the pattern?
We’ll email you a Ravelry download code for the pattern in November so you can get everything set up before December.
Can I buy the yarn or the pattern separately?
Not right now. The yarn and pattern are only available together as a kit. This project is a collaboration between designer and dyer, and offering them as a bundle is the best way for us to keep everything fair. They’ll be available separately next year.
What sizes does the pattern include?
There are four sizes:
Finished foot circumference of 16, 18, 20.5, or 23 cm (6.25, 7, 8, or 9 inches). More pattern details are available in the Ravelry listing here.