Lùbach Socks

Lùbach Socks by Liz Corke

What is Being Made

Lùbach Socks are a pair of knitted socks featuring a distinctive twisting cable pattern that winds its way up the outside of each foot. The name Lùbach means "winding" or "meandering," reflecting the design's flowing river-like aesthetic. These socks are available in three finished sizes: Small (17.5 cm / 7" circumference), Medium (20 cm / 8" circumference), and Large (22.5 cm / 9" circumference). The socks are designed to be worn with up to 0–2.5 cm (0–1") of negative ease for a secure, comfortable fit.

Knitting Techniques

Lùbach Socks are constructed using the toe-up method, which begins knitting from the toe and progresses toward the cuff. This construction method is combined with a gusset and heel flap technique, creating a well-fitted sock with excellent heel durability and comfort. The pattern balances relaxing knit sections with engaging cable work, making it suitable for intermediate knitters who have experience with basic sock construction and cable techniques.

The socks are knitted in the round, which is the traditional method for sock construction and creates seamless fabric. Knitters can use either circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs), depending on their preferred method for working in the round.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout Lùbach Socks is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic sock fabric. The cable pattern features 1/4 LC (left cross) cable stitches, which are created by slipping stitches to a cable needle and crossing them over other stitches to form the twisting cable design. A cable needle is optional but recommended for executing these cable crosses cleanly and maintaining consistent tension.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Lùbach Socks require 425 meters (465 yards) of 4-ply yarn for a single pair. The recommended yarn is Felt Fusion SW Merino/Nylon in Sweet Pea, a high-quality sock yarn composed of 75% Wool and 25% Nylon with a yardage of 465 yards per 100 grams. The nylon content provides durability and elasticity, making these socks long-lasting and resistant to wear.

Gauge and Needle Requirements

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 32 stitches and 44 rows in 10 cm (4") in stocking stitch in the round. This gauge is specific to the recommended yarn and ensures the finished socks will fit correctly according to the specified circumference measurements.

Knitters will need 2.5 mm (US 1.5) circular needles measuring 80 cm (32") or longer, or alternatively, double-pointed needles of the same size. Additional materials include 2 stitch markers per sock for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections, a yarn needle for sewing in ends, and optionally, sock blockers for finishing and shaping the completed socks.

Difficulty Level

Lùbach Socks are rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level assumes knitters have prior experience with sock construction basics, including toe-up methods, gussets, and heel flaps. Familiarity with cable stitches and working in the round is also expected. The pattern offers an engaging balance of straightforward stocking stitch sections with more challenging cable work, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their cable skills within the context of functional sock knitting.