If you love bold designs and playful color contrasts, this poppy socks knitting pattern will capture your heart. These socks combine modern colorwork with timeless structure. The design features a ribbed cuff, a reinforced heel flap, a stockinette foot with a large poppy flower on top, and fun stripes on the sole. The toe is finished with a neat star shape for a clean look. The dark green and light gray combination gives these unikko knitted socks a calm yet striking appearance.
In this post, you’ll learn how to knit colorwork socks inspired by the famous Marimekko Unikko pattern. The steps are easy to follow, even if you are new to knitting colorwork socks. You’ll find detailed tips for each part, from cuff to toe. Plus, you’ll get ideas for adapting this flower socks knitting pattern to your own color palette.
Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Flower Socks Knitting Pattern
These socks are a wonderful project for knitters who want to combine structure and creativity. The design balances practical elements with artistic flair.
Here’s why this pattern stands out:
- Beautiful design: The large poppy flower on top of the foot makes a bold statement.
- Comfortable fit: The reinforced heel flap and star toe ensure lasting comfort.
- Playful details: The stripes on the sole add a touch of surprise—and warmth since the stranded colorwork pattern makes the sole basically double layered.
- Versatile color choices: You can change the colors to suit any season.
You’ll enjoy both the process and the finished result. These socks make a lovely gift or a joyful addition to your own wardrobe.
Materials and Tools
Before you begin knitting colorwork socks, gather the following materials:
- Medium or aran weight yarn
- Choose 2 different colors: main color and contrast color
- A set of 5 double pointed needles
- Tape measure
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Skills Required: Cast on, bind off, knit, purl, colorwork, basic sock shaping
Dimensions: Fits women’s shoe size US 7–8 (EUR 38/39)
Yarn: About 218 yards (200m) or 7oz (100g) of medium/aran weight sock yarn in main color and 55 yards (50m) or 2oz (25g) in contrast color
Needles: Size US 4 (3.5mm) or according to your personal knitting gauge
Gauge: 24 sts = 4 inches (10cm)
These instructions will give you a classic top-down sock with a reinforced heel flap. This is hands down my favorite method for knitting socks. The directions will give you a good fit for women’s size US 7–8 (EUR 38/39).
However, if you want to knit socks in a different size, check the number of stitches you need to cast on for different sizes on this knitted sock size chart. Keep in mind that the colorwork pattern is 24 stitches wide (and 26 rows long), so you will need at least 12 stitches per needle to create the pattern.
I am using Novita 7 Brothers sock yarn in color 343 Vihreitä kuulia (dark green) as the main color and 047 Lichen (light gray) as the contrast color. You want to choose colors that create a bold contrast so that your poppy flower stands out beautifully.
I am using US 4 (3.5mm) needles for these colorwork socks knit in two colors. If your gauge differs, adjust needle size as needed. Tight knitters may need larger needles; loose knitters may go smaller.
Unikko Knitting Pattern
The catch of these socks is the colorwork pattern that brings the poppy flower to life. The design is inspired by Marimekko’s iconic Unikko print, simplified into a bold single-flower motif.
- Placement: The flower should be centered across the front of the sock. It starts below the cuff after the gusset decreases and extends over the top of the foot.
- Petals: Use the contrast color for the large, rounded petals.
- Background: Keep the rest of the stitches in main color for a bold contrast.
🔲 = Main Color (MC)
⬛️ = Contrast Color (CC)
Work the chart in the round. Read each round from right to left and from bottom to top. For even tension, spread your stitches on the needle frequently and catch long floats every 4–5 stitches.
Note! Remember to reverse the pattern for the other sock! In other words, read each round of the pattern from left to right.
Knitting Colorwork Socks Step by Step
Next, I will walk you through the instructions for knitting colorwork socks, step by step. If you need further instructions, make sure to check out my tutorial with detailed images for how to knit a sock the easy way.
You can also read more about colorwork knitting in this guide with tips for successful stranded colorwork.
Step 1: Knit the Ribbed Cuff
Start by casting on 48 stitches. Then divide the stitches on four needles so that you’ll have 12 stitches on each needle. Join in the round, making sure your stitches aren’t twisted.
Ribbing pattern:
- Knit 2, purl 2. Repeat to end.
Work in ribbing for about 7 inches (18cm), that is about 50 rounds. This cuff gives a snug, stretchy edge that holds up well.
You can make the cuff longer for extra warmth or shorter for a lighter look.
Step 2: Knit the Reinforced Heel Flap
Once your cuff section is complete, it’s time to shape the heel.
First, you’ll work the reinforced heel flap, which strengthens the sock and adds durability.
Start by knitting all stitches from needle 1 onto needle 4 in 2×2 rib stitch pattern (needle 1 becomes now your working needle).
Knit the heel flap by slipping 1 and purling across the wrong side. Then turn your work and slip 1, and *knit 1 and slip 1* across the right side. Repeat these two rows until you have 24 rows in your heel flap. Finally, knit the wrong side one more time.
Step 3: Shape the Heel Turn
Next, it’s time to shape the cup of the heel.
Start by dividing the stitches of the heel flap on three needles so that you’ll have 8 stitches on each needle. You will knit the heel turn with the stitches of the middle needle and decrease the stitches on the side needles.
First, knit the stitches on your right side needle the same way as you knitted the right side rows in the heel flap. Continue knitting the stitches on the middle needle the same way until you have 1 stitch left. Slip this last stitch purlwise. Then knit the first stitch on the left side needle onto the middle needle and pull the slip stitch over the stitch you just knitted on the middle needle.
From now on, alternate these two rows until there are no stitches left on the side needles:
- Wrong Side Rows: Slip the 1st stitch purlwise and purl until you have 1 stitch left. Lift the last stitch onto the left side needle and purl together the last stitch of the middle needle and the first stitch of the left side needle.
- Right Side Rows: Slip the 1st stitch purlwise, then knit 1 stitch and continue this until you have 1 stitch left. Slip this last stitch purlwise. Then knit the 1st stitch on the left side needle onto the middle needle and pull the slip stitch over the knit stitch.
Finally, knit a right side row as the last row of the heel turn.
Step 4: Shape the Gusset
After turning the heel, pick up 12 stitches along each side of the heel flap and one extra stitch next to needle 2 on both sides to eliminate a hole at the top of gusset. Now, you will have 17 stitches on needles 1 and 4.
Start by knitting one round even in stockinette (remember to knit the stitches you picked up through the back loop to make a twist) and after that, start the gusset decreases on needles 1 and 4. You’ll decrease gradually to return to your original stitch count that is 12.
Round 1:
- Knit until you have 2 stitches left on needle 1. Knit these last 2 stitches together.
- Knit all stitches across needles 2 and 3.
- Slip the 1st stitch purlwise on needle 4. Knit 1 stitch and pull the slip stitch over the knit stitch. Knit the rest of the stitches on needle 4.
Round 2:
- Knit all stitches.
Repeat these two rounds until you’re back to the original stitch count.
Step 5: Knit the Foot – Flower and Stripes
After finishing the gusset decreases, it’s time for the fun part: knitting the colorwork pattern. You’ll work the large poppy flower inspired by the Marimekko Unikko pattern. The flower appears on top of the foot and there will be stripes on the sole.
Start the colorwork pattern in stockinette stitch on the next round after you’ve finished the gusset decreases. You will work the flower pattern on the stitches of needles 2 and 3, and the stripes on the stitches of needles 4 and 1.
Start by knitting all stitch on needle 1 with your main color.
Then, start working on the colorwork pattern on needles 2 and 3 with both your main color and contrast color. Work the chart in the round and read each round from right to left and from bottom to top. Remember to reverse the pattern for the other sock!
Use stranded colorwork and carry both yarns loosely behind the work and catch long floats every 4–5 stitches to anchor them to the fabric. To do this, wrap the working yarn around the floating yarn and knit normally with your working yarn. Make sure floats aren’t tight; your fabric should stay stretchy.
Finally, you will knit the stripes on the sole. First, knit 3 first stitches of needle 4 with main color. Then knit 1 stitch with contrast color and 2 stitches with main color until you have 2 stitches left on needle 1. Knit these 2 last stitches with the main color. The idea is to create a bit of empty space with the main color between the stripes and the flower so that the flower will pop up beautifully.
Once you have finished knitting all 26 rows of the colorwork pattern, continue knitting the stripes still on needles 4 and 1. Then continue knitting stockinette stitch with the main color until the end of round (or until the foot of the sock covers the little toe, if your foot is longer).
Tip! If you are new to colorwork, practice tension by knitting a small swatch. Keep both strands visible to prevent twisting.
Step 6: Shape the Star Toe
Next, it’s time to start shaping the star toe, which gives a lovely, symmetrical finish. Here’s how to do it:
- Round 1: Knit until you have 2 stitches left on the needle, knit 2 last stitches together. Repeat this on all four needles.
- Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Repeat these two rounds until you have half your stitches left, that is 6 stitches on each needle.
Then repeat only Round 1 until you have 2 stitches on each needle.
Finally, cut the yarn, thread through the remaining stitches twice, and pull tight. Weave in ends securely with a tapestry needle.
Now you have your very own Unikko knitted socks—fresh, modern, and handmade!
As the very last step, block your socks gently in warm water. Blocking smooths the colorwork and helps the flower motif bloom beautifully.
Tips for Successful Colorwork Socks
- Keep an even tension. Loose floats make your socks stretchy and too tight floats will cause puckering and bunching.
- Use high contrast colors. Dark color and light color show off the poppy well.
- Check your fit as you go. Try on your sock after the heel to ensure comfort.
- Block before gifting. It gives a professional finish and enhances the flower design.
Variations and Customization Ideas
This flower socks knitting pattern is versatile and easy to personalize.
Try different color combinations to make it your own. Choose bright red for a classic poppy look or soft pink for a gentle, feminine style.
Another great idea is to use a third color for the flower center for depth.
You can also add small flowers along the cuff or use stripes throughout the cuff. Alternatively, you can switch to 1×1 ribbing instead of 2×2 ribbing or work cables or mock cables for the cuff. The structure of this pattern makes it easy to customize.
If you want to have a unique look that stands out when knitting colorwork socks, use contrasting colors for each sock. That is, if the colors of your choosing are green and gray, one of the socks will have a gray flower on green background and the other one a green flower on gray background.
For a cozy winter feel, use merino wool. For summer, try a cotton blend.
Why This Pattern Is Perfect for Colorwork Practice
This design lets you practice colorwork on a small scale. You can focus on tension and yarn handling without a large project commitment.
It’s also ideal for experimenting with design placement. The single large flower motif is easy to follow and rewarding to knit.
Once you master this, you can explore more advanced patterns like fair isle or multi-flower motifs.
Final Thoughts
Knitting colorwork socks with this simple flower pattern combines beauty, structure, and creativity. You’ll enjoy the process and end up with socks that feel as good as they look.
The ribbed cuff keeps them secure. The reinforced heel flap ensures durability. The poppy flower adds charm, and the star toe provides a neat finish.
If you love the iconic Marimekko Unikko pattern, this design will give you that same cheerful energy in a handmade form. You can pair the sock with cozy loungewear for a pop of art-inspired flair or give them as a handmade gift—they’ll make anyone smile. Let the pattern shine!
So, grab your yarn and needles, and try this unikko knitted socks pattern today. With each stitch, you’ll bring a touch of modern art to your knitting.
Happy knitting!
Read also:
- How To Knit a Sock the Easy Way
- A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting Socks
- Knitted Sock Size Chart: A Guide to Perfect Fitting Socks
- Knitting Sock Toes: 7 Different Techniques
- Colorwork Knitting: A Simple Guide to Knitting with Multiple Colors
- Mock Cable Sock Pattern for Beginners: Simple and Beautiful Texture
- Here’s How To Make Your Own Sock Blockers
- 31 Gifts To Knit for Every Occasion