In repeating patterns, it’s important to pay attention to the size of individual assets in the design. Keep in mind that designs on a sock stretch when worn. Too big, and the image will become very big as it stretches around the wearer’s ankle or foot. Too small, and the design will not render legibly on the sock.

The number of colors used in a design will affect the execution of the sock. The general rule is to use no more than 8 colors in a single design (including the background, heel, toe and top colors), and of those, no more than 5 colors can change through one horizontal line of the sock. Generally speaking, the more complex designs execute better when fewer colors are used.

Every time color changes, the yarn of that color is cut and tied off inside the sock. The fewer cuts, the better – designs that have frequent color changes are bulkier, don’t stretch as easily, and run a higher risk of knitting errors. Color accuracy is one of the most important things combining design and production,