Garden Gate Socks

Garden Gate Socks by Keya Kuhn

What is Being Made

Garden Gate Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed by independent designer Keya Kuhn. These socks feature an enticing combination of traditional cabling and ribbing techniques that work together to create a tight yet elastic fit suitable for both the foot and leg. The pattern is available in two sizes: Medium (fitting 8.0–9.0 inch leg circumference) and Large (fitting 9.0–10.0 inch leg circumference). The medium size incorporates slightly less ribbing than the large size due to differences in stitch count, though the cabling remains consistent across both sizes.

Techniques Used

The Garden Gate Socks employ two primary knitting techniques to achieve their distinctive appearance and fit. Cabling creates textured, twisted columns that add visual interest and structural integrity to the sock. Ribbing, which alternates knit and purl stitches in vertical patterns, provides elasticity and ensures the socks maintain their shape around the leg and foot. Together, these techniques create a fabric that is both decorative and functional, offering compression without sacrificing comfort.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Garden Gate Socks is stocking stitch, which forms the base fabric. This fundamental knit stitch creates a smooth, even surface ideal for showcasing the cable and ribbing details. The pattern incorporates cable stitches for textured interest and ribbing stitches for elasticity, all worked in the round to create seamless socks.

Materials

• Yarn: 394 yards (100g) of fingering weight yarn. The sample pictured was knitted with Cedar Hill Farm Company's Rocket Sock Medium in the colorway Green Apple. Actual yardage requirements will vary depending on the desired length of foot and cuff.
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) circular needle with a 42–47 inch cable required for the two-at-a-time method, or two 12-inch cables for independent circular needles. Alternatively, 4–5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) depending on personal preference.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, one locking stitch marker, and two sliding stitch markers if working the single sock instructions.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 8 stitches by 10 rounds per 1 inch in stocking stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct fit and should be verified before beginning the project. The finished measurements accommodate two sizes: Medium fits a leg circumference of 8.0–9.0 inches, and Large fits 9.0–10.0 inches.

Difficulty Level

Garden Gate Socks are rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the combination of techniques required, including working in the round, managing cable stitches, and maintaining ribbing patterns while shaping the sock. Knitters should have foundational skills in circular knitting and be comfortable reading stitch patterns before attempting this design.