Ulster Socks

The Ulster Socks are part of the “Provinces of Ireland” sock designs, all using traditional Aran stitches to create interesting socks to knit and wear. The cable stitch used in the Ulster Socks is probably the most common of Aran stitches, found in the majority of Aran jumpers. The cable represented the fisherman’s ropes, and the promise of good fortune and safety at sea.

The socks are written for knitting in the magic loop method, but can be easily adapted to suit double-pointed needles or a short circular.

They are knit from the cuff down with a traditional heel flap and gusset. However, the heel can be substituted for your own choice of heel. Folklore Yarns “Faerie Folk” Donegal Tweed is used in colours representative of the Ulster coat of arms. The Faerie Folk yarn produces a really warm and durable fabric. The pattern has written instructions and a chart for the cable. It is knit using a magic loop but can be adapted with dpns or a short circular.