Hibernal DK Socks Knitting Pattern Review
As a knitter, there comes a point when your drawers are overflowing with scarves and hats. That’s when I discovered the joy of sock knitting and I haven’t looked back since. The Hibernal DK Socks by Summer Lee Designs are a beautiful example of what I love most about knitting socks: they’re practical, portable, and cozy, with just enough interesting detail to keep your attention from cast-on to toe.
Why I Love to Knit Socks
Socks are one of the most satisfying things to knit. Unlike another hat you don’t really need, hand-knit socks feel like a true luxury you will use constantly.
They’re a small project, which means they’re easy to carry with you and make progress on during small snippets of time, like waiting at appointments, on road trips, or while watching TV.
They are a perfect project when you want something with a little structure. Between the cuff, heel, gusset, and toe, you get several distinct sections, each with its own rhythm. That change in pace keeps things interesting.
What I especially love about the Hibernal DK Socks is that they don’t require a ton of yarn. It’s a fairly affordable project, making it a great stash-buster or a lower-cost gift knit. Plus, unlike fingering-weight sock patterns that can take a while to knit up, DK weight makes these fly off the needles.
Yarn Choices: Why DK Weight Is My Favorite for Socks
Using DK weight yarn for socks gives you a thick, cozy finished product, which is perfect for wearing around the house or inside larger boots in cooler months. I find that DK socks last longer too, especially if you wear them mostly indoors and avoid heavy wear in shoes. The warmth and softness really can’t be beat.
When knitting socks, be sure to choose a springy wool yarn with good memory, so the socks stay up and retain their shape. If you’re planning to wear them inside shoes, a touch of nylon in the blend can help with durability. But for lounging, a 100% wool like Chickadee is warm, soft, and perfectly cushy.
For the first pair, I used Quince & Co Chickadee yarn in the color Cedar, which is a warm, earthy shade that feels perfect for fall. This yarn is absolutely lovely. 100% wool and made in Italy. It also has a great price point of just $10 USD per skein. I used two skeins.
For my second pair, I used Townhouse Yarns Drury DK yarn in the color Petrol. It is a luscious yarn with 80% super wash merino wool, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. My mother-in-law bought me this yarn on a trip to Ireland and I am so disappointed that I can’t find more of it in the states! I used just a bit more than one skein.
Let’s Talk Texture
One of my favorite things about the Hibernal DK Socks is the texture. The pattern uses simple ribbing paired with mock cables, no cable needle required! That’s a huge plus if you love the look of cables but don’t love the extra step of juggling tools. The texture makes the socks look complex and polished, but the four row repeat is easy enough to memorize after a few rounds.
I knit the size large, and they fit my US Women’s size 9 foot perfectly. I do think if I truly blocked them and stretched them out I should wear a size medium. But I plan on wearing and washing these socks frequently, so for ease of care, I went with the larger size.
The ribbing ensures a snug fit, and the stretch makes them adaptable for slightly smaller or larger feet too. The heel construction was clear and easy to follow, and the mock cable detail continued down the foot in a very pleasing way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to knit something practical, cozy, and just a little addictive, the Hibernal DK Socks are a perfect choice. This pattern by Summer Lee Design Co is beautifully written, well-structured, and delivers exactly what sock knitters want: comfort, interest, and a finished product you’ll reach for again and again.
Whether you’re new to sock knitting or a seasoned pro, this is a pattern you’ll want to come back to each season.
If you’re interested in more sock patterns, Summer Lee Design Co has a great sock bundle called the Sailor Sock Set that I can’t wait to add to my project list! Check out more of Summer Lee Design Co’s sock knitting patterns here!
