Slippery slopes

Slippery Slopes Ribbed Socks by Babushka

What Is Being Made

Slippery Slopes is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of ribbed socks designed for women's medium foot size with approximately 20 cm circumference. The pattern offers two distinct design options, both featuring decorative mock cable panels created through slipped stitches that extend down the leg and continue across the heel construction.

Design Options

The pattern provides flexibility with two knitting variations. Option 1 features classic ribbed construction with mock cable panels made from slipped stitches. Option 2 incorporates the same mock cable detail but adds lacy panels for a more intricate, openwork aesthetic. Both versions maintain the distinctive slipped stitch cables that run continuously from the leg ribbing down over the heel.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Ribbed stitch construction for the sock leg
• Mock cable panels created using slipped stitches rather than traditional cable crossing
• Slipped stitch techniques in both knitwise and purlwise directions to create texture and visual interest
• Yarn over increases for the lacy option variant
• Heel shaping with integrated mock cable pattern continuation
• Grafting technique for seamless toe closure using tapestry needle
• Circular knitting on double-pointed needles

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with specialized slip stitch techniques. Knit (k) and purl (p) form the foundation stitches. Purl-wise slip stitches (psl) are executed by inserting the right needle into the front of the first stitch on the left needle from right to left, then transferring the stitch without knitting it. Knitwise slip stitches (ksl) follow the same principle but insert from left to right. Yarn overs (yo) create the openwork elements in Option 2. These slipped stitch techniques build the mock cable texture without the complexity of traditional cable stitches.

Materials Required

The pattern is worked in 4-ply yarn weight, demonstrated in the sample using Schoppel Admiral Shade 1309deg. Knitters will need 2.25 to 2.75 mm double-pointed needles (set of 4) for the main sock construction, with needle size adjusted to achieve the correct gauge of 34 stitches and 40 rows per 10 centimeters in stocking stitch. A tapestry needle is required for grafting the toe closure.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters. The combination of ribbed construction, slipped stitch mock cables, and the optional lacy panels requires solid understanding of tension control, stitch manipulation, and the ability to read and follow complex stitch patterns while working in the round on multiple needles.