Cabled Knee Socks

A classic knee sock with a cable and rib pattern, invisible calf shaping, and an optional ribbed cuff. Knit from the toe-up (perfect for trying on as you go), this sock uses short-row shaping for the toe and heel. Directions for wrapped stitches are adapted from the Universal toe-up sock formula in the Summer 2006 issue of Knitty.

Size/Measurements

Fits a woman's medium foot (US size 8.5, foot circumference 9", 12" calf)
*Note that because of the cable/rib pattern, this piece is knit with negative ease for a snug fit.

Materials

  • 3 balls Knitpicks Palette (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 231 yd/50 grams) or other fingering weight yarn with similar gauge. Shown in Marble Heather.
  • Set of US size 1/2.25mm DPN's (or size to get gauge)
  • Cable needle
  • Scrap yarn for provisional cast-on
  • Stitch marker (optional)
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

32 sts/44 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Notes

Wrap stitch:
RS row: Knit to specified stitch, bring yarn to front of work, slip next stitch onto right needle, bring yarn around to back, and slip stitch back onto left needle.
WS row: Purl to specified stitch, bring yarn to back of work, slip next stitch onto right needle, bring yarn around to front, and slip stitch back onto left needle.

Work wrapped stitches:
RS row: Knit to wrapped stitch. Slip wrapped stitch to right needle, lift wrap (or wraps if stitch is double-wrapped) onto right needle. Insert left needle into both (or all three) stitches and knit together.
WS row: Purl to wrapped stitch. Slip wrapped stitch to right needle, lift wrap (or wraps if stitch is double-wrapped) onto right needle. Insert left needle into both (or all three) stitches and purl together.

Cable Pattern (10 stitch repeat)
(instructions written for working in round with each row a RS row)
Row 1-3: P2, K4, P2, K2
Row 4: P2, C4F (place two stitches on cable needle and hold to front of work, knit next two stitches, then knit stitches from cable needle), P2, K2
Row 5&6: P2, K4, P2, K2
Repeat rows

Strand Increase (M1)
Pick up strand from previous row between stitches, twist stitch once and place on left needle, Knit or Purl this new stitch as usual.
This method of increasing will avoid holes in your knitting and blends effortlessly into the stitch pattern.

Instructions

  • Toe
  • Cast on 34 stitches using provisional crochet cast on. (Put all stitches on one needle for now)
  • Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
  • Row 2 (RS): Knit to last stitch, wrap next stitch, turn work.
  • Row 3: Purl to last stitch, wrap next stitch, turn work.
  • Row 4: K to stitch before last wrapped stitch, wrap next stitch, turn work.
  • Row 5: P to stitch before last wrapped stitch, wrap next stitch, turn work.
  • Repeat rows 4 & 5 until 14 sts remain between wrapped sts on each end of work (you will end with a WS row).
  • Row 6 (RS): K to first wrapped st, K wrapped st, wrap next stitch, turn work.
  • Row 7 (WS): Slip 1 stitch, P to first wrapped st, P wrapped st, wrap next stitch, turn work.
  • Row 8: Sl 1, K to first double-wrapped stitch, K double wrapped st, wrap next stitch, turn work.
  • Row 9: Sl 1, P to first double-wrapped stitch, P double wrapped st, wrap next stitch, turn work.
  • Repeat rows 8 & 9 until 1 double-wrapped stitch remains at each end of your work.
  • Row 10 (RS): Sl1, K to first double-wrapped stitch, K double-wrapped stitch (do not turn work).
  • Unpick crocheted cast on and put live stitches on 2 needles. Knit across, increasing 1 stitch at each end of new live stitches and then continue knitting to end of round. (70 stitches total)
  • Foot
  • Set up pattern over next round as follows: K4 *P2, K4, P2, K2,* (repeat * 3x), K2, K34. (place markers at start and end of star pattern if yo like)
  • Work in the round in stockinette with cable pattern for stitches between *'s or markers until work measures 8" from tip of toe.
  • Heel
  • Knit across cable pattern, place next 38 stitches on one needle.
  • Turn heel over 38 stitches the same way you formed the toe (Repeat rows 2-10)
  • Work in pattern over all stitches for 1 round, knitting the last two wrapped stitches together with their wraps as you go.
  • Leg
  • Set up all stiches to continue cable/rib pattern and work around in pattern for 4 inches.
  • Increase 7 stitches evenly spaced around the sock (see Strand Increase in notes). Place increases in purl section of rib as follows: *P1, M1, P1, K2, P2, K4 (or C4F if cable row), repeat from *.
  • Work in pattern for 2 inches.
  • Increase 7 stitches evenly spaced in purl section of rib as follows: *P3, K2, P1, M1, P1, K4 (or C4F), repeat from *.
  • Work in pattern for 2 inches.
  • Increase 7 stitches evenly spaced in purl section of rib as follows: *P2, M1, P1, K2, P3, K4 (or C4F), repeat from *.
  • Work in pattern for 2 inches.
  • Increase 7 stitches evenly spaced in purl section of rib as follows: *P4, K2, P2, M1, P1, K4 (or C4F), repeat from *.
  • Work in pattern for 2 inches.
  • Decrease 7 stitches evenly spaced in purl section of rib as follows: *P1, P2tog, P1, K2, P4, K4 (or C4F), repeat from *.
  • Work in pattern for 2 inches.
  • Decrease 7 stitches evenly spaced in purl section of rib as follows: *P3, K2, P1, P2tog, P1, K4 (or C4F), repeat from *.
  • Change to 2x2 rib. Set up in pattern as follows for seamless blending: *K1, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K1, repeat from *.
  • Work in 2x2 rib for 2 inches or 4 inches for cuffed version.
  • Bind off loosely in rib pattern.
  • Weave in ends.

This pattern is copyright © 2009 by julie m. carter. It is intended for personal, noncommercial use. All other uses require permission of the author, including distribution of this pattern through electronic or print media. Reselling copies of this pattern is not allowed, nor is making the item from this pattern for resale anywhere without permission.

(more patterns...)



© 2005, 2007,2009 by Julie M. Carter