Product Description
This is an exclusive Tripping Yarn Balls Yarn Club pattern. It will be available for general release in October 2015.
The possibilities are endless with these socks, which combine simple 2/2 cables with sections of ribbing. Done in one color, they are a quick, satisfying knit with just enough detail to keep you interested. For color work lovers, add flare by combining a solid with a variegated or self-striping yarn.
Pattern flexibilty The pattern itself is very customizable. The cables form a V-shaped patttern down the leg.
- When working in a single color, substitute simple ribbing (no cables) or stocking stitch on the back of the leg for a faster knit with added stretch.
- In 2 colors, I strongly recommend working the cables only on the front of the sock and doing ribbing on the back to provide enough stretch as stranded cables pull the fabric in.
The pattern photos show both plain and color work options.
Skills Needed: Must be familiar with sock
Retro Cables Cuff Down Socks by Maureen Foulds
What is Being Made
Retro Cables is a downloadable knitting pattern for cuff-down socks designed by Maureen Foulds. This intermediate-level sock pattern is available in two sizes: Medium with an 8-inch leg circumference, and Large with a 9-inch leg circumference, both measurements taken after light blocking. The socks feature a classic cable design that gives them their distinctive retro aesthetic.
Knitting Techniques Used
This pattern employs fundamental sock knitting techniques suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. The socks are constructed using the cuff-down method, meaning knitting begins at the cuff and progresses downward toward the toe. This construction approach allows for easy customization of leg length and provides a traditional sock-knitting experience. The pattern includes instructions for working both the sole and instep sections, which are essential components of sock construction.
Stitches and Cable Work
The defining feature of this sock design is the cable stitch work that creates the retro aesthetic. Cable stitches involve crossing groups of stitches over one another to create raised, twisted patterns along the fabric. The gauge for this pattern is 34 stitches by 48 rounds over 4 inches in the cable sections, measured after light blocking. This relatively tight gauge is typical for fingering-weight sock yarn and ensures a durable, well-fitting garment.
Materials and Yarn Requirements
The pattern calls for 460 yards (420 meters) of fingering-weight yarn per pair of socks. The original design was created using Play at Life Fiber Arts Boundless Sockie Maki, a high-performance sock yarn blend containing 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon. The nylon content adds durability and elasticity, making it ideal for socks that will receive regular wear and washing. Knitters may substitute any fingering-weight yarn of equivalent yardage.
Needles and Notions
This pattern requires US #1.5 (2.5mm) needles for working in the round, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Knitters have flexibility in their needle choice and may use double-pointed needles (DPNs), one long circular needle, or two short circular needles, depending on personal preference and experience level. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections.
Pattern Details
This is a downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Maureen Foulds, copyrighted in 2014. The pattern provides clear instructions with size variations noted in brackets, making it accessible for knitters working on either the Medium or Large size. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that knitters should be comfortable with basic sock construction, cable techniques, and working in the round before beginning this project.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Designer: | Maureen Foulds |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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