Hibernal DK Socks from Summer Lee Knits – Pattern Review
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than slipping on a pair of socks. Especially when they’re thick, cozy, and hand knit! This week, on the podcast I share with my sister, Make It Always, we dove into the Hibernal DK Socks by Summer Lee Design Co.
If you’re not already familiar with Summer Lee, definitely check her out! You can find her colorful knitting inspiration on Instagram (@summer.lee.knits), Ravelry, her website, and her book The Sock Project.
Why We Chose the Hibernal DK Socks
I love a good DK-weight sock. It’s thicker, warmer, and knits up much faster than fingering or sock weight yarns. The Hibernal DK Socks have such a fun texture that looks intricate, but you don’t even need a cable needle. The pattern that feels advanced but is still totally doable for knitters who are newer to sock knitting!
If you’re looking for free patterns to try before committing, Summer Lee also offers two on her website:
- Weekend Shorty Socks – playful colorwork and a shorter style that’s great for everyday wear.
- Leap Year Socks – a fun textured design with a bit of colorwork at the cuff.
Both are great introductions to her design style and just knitting socks in general!
Our Yarn Choices
For our Hibernal Socks, we used Quince & Co Chickadee, a lovely 100% wool DK-weight yarn that’s soft yet sturdy. We picked ours up at Sew to Speak, our local yarn/fabric/craft shop that always seems to have just the right thing for every project.
How It Went
I did this project with my sister, Cecelia. It was her first sock and she definitely leaned into the “first sock learning curve”. Along the way she learned more knitting lingo (like YO, and SSK), how to turn a heel, and just managing tension. She tends to gravitate more towards crochet projects, but so far she’s enjoyed knitting this sock pattern!
I, on the other hand, just finished my SECOND pair and can’t stop wearing them. (They’ve officially become a winter/fall staple!) My second pair I knit up with a super lush wool blend yarn that my mother-in-law picked up for me while she was on a trip in Ireland. (It’s the blue yarn featured in some of these photos!)
Next Knitting Patterns I’m Considering
Of course, once you finish one cozy knit, your mind starts racing about the next project.
I’m eyeing Summer Lee’s Colorwork Cuff Club socks for something playful or maybe the Hello Sailor Sock Set, which includes four patterns (one DK-weight!) and lots of opportunities for creative color combinations.
In the podcast episode I also mentioned the Tendril Cowl from Purl Soho, a beautiful cabled design cowl that looks like such a satisfying knit. SPOILER: it was! I already finished it. So fun and gorgeous.
Final Thoughts
The Hibernal DK Socks are the perfect project for knitters looking for something warm, quick, and satisfying. Whether you’re knitting your first pair or your fifteenth, this pattern combines comfort, speed, and a touch of texture that makes it feel a bit more special and keeps things interesting while working through the project.
Grab your favorite DK yarn, put on a good podcast (maybe ours!), and get started. You’ll have cozy new socks in no time.
