If you’ve been following along with Curious Handmade on social media or if you’re part of The Curious Crew email newsletter, you probably know that The Handmade Sock Society Season 6 is opening soon!
With the first pattern release just around the corner on May 1st, this seemed like the perfect time to answer some common questions about this mystery sock collection and how the Society works.
While some elements (mainly about the deigns must remain mysterious — it is a secret society, after all — here’s everything I can share to help you decide if this knitting adventure is right for you.
What is The Handmade Sock Society?
The Handmade Sock Society is a mystery pattern collection for knitters who love handmade socks and delightful surprises. Over six months, I release six secret sock patterns, and members participate in a lively knitalong for each design. It’s always a wonderful experience of discovery and connection.
This time around, Season 6 finds inspiration in books, writing, and the quiet creative corners we carve out for ourselves
How do I join The Handmade Sock Society Season 6?
Simply purchase The Handmade Sock Society Season 6 Collection on Ravelry or Gumroad. The Early Bird discount is automatically applied until May 1st – no coupon code needed.
What’s included in my Handmade Sock Society membership?
Your membership grants you access to six brand new, secret sock patterns which will be released monthly from May through October 2025. The patterns will remain completely exclusive to Society members until the final design is published.
Is this an MKAL?
Unlike a traditional mystery knit-along where you receive the pattern in small “clues,” and don’t know what it will look like until it’s done, each Handmade Sock Society pattern is released in its entirety. Every month, yu’ll get the complete sock design with all details, photos, charts, and instructions at once. So it’s more of a “surprise” KAL than an MKAL. 🙂
Once I purchase the collection, how will I receive the patterns?
When you buy the collection during the pre-sale period, you’ll initially receive an information sheet in your library with all the details and release dates for each pattern.
If you purchase on Ravelry, the collection will be automatically updated with each new pattern in your Ravelry pattern library on release day.
(Please make sure you’re logged into your Ravelry account when purchasing to ensure all patterns are automatically downloaded to your library.)
If you purchase through Gumroad, you’ll receive an email notification each time a new pattern is released. Log into Gumroad, visit your Gumroad Library, and click on The Handmade Sock Society 6 image to see the released patterns.
What is the price of the collection?
Right now, you can join at the special Early Bird price of £10.75 (plus any applicable taxes) until the first pattern is released on May 1st. This is over 40% off the regular collection price of £18.00!
This price includes all SIX sock designs and works out to less than half the cost of buying all patterns individually.
The email/blog post said the cost was £10.75, but the price looks higher on Ravelry page, what’s going on?
The base Early Bird price is £10.75, but VAT may be automatically added for EU countries and other regions where applicable. Unfortunately, this is beyond my control, but the collection still represents significant savings compared to purchasing patterns individually, especially at the Early Bird price!
Will there be information about yarn choices before each pattern release?
Yes! While all patterns use fingering weight/4-ply/sock yarn (making this an excellent opportunity to shop your stash), I’ll post hints before each pattern is released.
For those who enjoy treating themselves to something special or need inspiration for stash diving, I’ll share details about the sample yarns in my newsletter and Curious Handmade Ravelry Group. There will be some serious enabling going on, so consider yourself warned!
The first pattern features a beautiful “Flourish” colourway from NNK Yarns on their High Twist Merino Cashmere Sock base – a light tonal with gentle speckles that shows off the lace details beautifully.
What types of yarn work best for these patterns?
Generally, a wool-based yarn with a strong twist and a percentage of nylon will create sturdy, long-lasting socks. That said, people knitting socks long before nylon existed, so use whatever yarn you prefer, as long as it’s the right weight to get gauge!
Single-ply yarns tend to be very soft but may wear through more quickly, so you might want to save those for shawls or other accessories that don’t have to work so hard for a living.
For patterns with lace or delicate details, semi-solid or lightly speckled colourways will showcase the stitch patterns best. However, wildly variegated or self-striping yarns can be really fun to use. The only rule is that is you love the yarn, use it and create beautiful, cosy socks that will make you smile every time you wear them.
I don’t have access to hand-dyed yarn. Will commercial yarns work with these patterns?
Absolutely! While we love to celebrate indie dyers and small businesses, plenty of knitters use regular commercial sock yarn to create beautiful socks. I want you to use whatever yarn works for you, in whatever colours bring you joy.
How difficult are the patterns?
While experienced knitters will find these designs engaging, I’ve designed the patterns to be accessible even for adventurous beginners! With six patterns to work through and our supportive community, I’m confident that most knitters can participate fully at their own pace.
Each pattern includes clear, detailed instructions, and I take care to introduce new techniques with plenty of guidance. There’s always someone in our community willing to help if you get stuck.
If you purchase the collection and later find it’s not suitable for your skill level, I’m happy to offer a refund.
Can I knit these socks two at a time?
Yes! The patterns are primarily written for magic loop, making them simple to adapt for two-at-a-time knitting. (And if you prefer double-pointed needles, they’re easy to adapt for that method as well.)
Are these socks knit top-down or toe-up?
All six patterns in Season 6 are written for top-down construction.
What sizes are included in the patterns?
Each pattern includes three adult sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. They typically work with 56, 64, and 72 stitches (or quite close to that, depending on the specific stitch patterns).
Do I need to finish each pair of socks before the next pattern is released?
Not at all! There’s absolutely no pressure to complete each pair on any specific timeline. We have knitters of all different speeds in our community.
Some members cast on the moment a new pattern is released, while others collect all the designs and knit them at their leisure. The knitalong remains active well beyond the final pattern release, so you’re welcome to work at your own pace and savour the experience.
I’m brand new to sock knitting. Is there any extra help available?
If you’re just starting your sock-knitting journey, you might want to try my free Simply Curious Socks Workshop first. This provides a solid foundation in basic sock construction and will help build your confidence before tackling the Society patterns.
The workshop includes a free instructional sock pattern written specifically for beginners, plus a step-by-step email series that mentors you through every stage of the process. You’ll learn how to choose the right yarn and needles, get a snug fit, navigate the heel turn, finish up the toes, and more.
With that said, don’t let being new put you off diving right in! We only learn by doing, and in the Handmade Sock Society, you’re never alone. If you are stuck or have questions, there’s always a friendly fellow member in the Ravelry Group to help you along.
Where does the knitalong happen?
Our knitalong takes place in two main spaces:
- The Curious Handmade Ravelry Group, where you’ll find dedicated threads for each pattern and the collection as a whole
- Instagram, using the hashtags #THSS6, #TheHandmadeSockSociety6, and #TheHandmadeSockSociety
These community spaces are filled with inspiration, helpful tips, and encouragement. It’s also inspiring (and fascinating!) to see how each knitter interprets the patterns through their unique yarn choices and personal modifications.
Is there a giveaway for this collection launch?
Yes! It’s a Curious Handmade tradition to host a giveaway when launching a new mystery collection. This time, we’re inviting you to share what inspires your creative spirit – perhaps a favorite book, a special writing spot, or a treasured tool.
You can enter on Ravelry or Instagram, or both if you like! One grand prize winner on each platform will receive a yarn gift card to the indie dyer or local yarn shop of their choice, and ten others will win a free Curious Handmade pattern.
I still have questions. How can I reach you?
I’m always happy to hear from you! If you have any other questions, please email support@curioushandmade.com, and my team or I will get back to you as soon as possible.
I hope this answers your questions and gives you a clearer picture of what awaits in The Handmade Sock Society Season 6. There’s something truly special about knitting alongside hundreds of other makers around the world, each of us interpreting the same pattern through our own hands, needles, and yarn choices.
Whether you’re a returning Society member or considering joining us for the first time, I’m so looking forward to sharing this literary sock adventure with you.
Happy knitting!
x, Helen
