These socks were born because I wanted some warm and cosy socks for my husband to wear in his work boots. He is out in all weathers driving across to the Isle of Skye and his route takes him alongside the River Carron (Abhainn Carrann in Gaelic) after which these socks are named. He regularly sees deer in this area so whether the main cable pattern reminds you of antlers or the flowing waters of the river it seemed an appropriate name.

Method: These cable socks are knit in the round from the cuff down. They feature two cable patterns that run the length of the sock, the smaller one also extends down each side of the heel flap.

These socks can be knitted on dpns, by magic loop, or on a short circular (in which case you will still need dpns for the heel and toe decreases).

The cable design in this pattern is both charted and written out. You do not need to be comfortable working from charts in order to enjoy knitting this design! This pattern contains two pdfs. The written instructions for the charts are in a separate pdf named “Abhainn Carrann Socks Chart Equivalent”, you will need this pdf and the main pdf if you do not want to work from the charts.

Size: This pattern is written in 5 sizes referred to throughout the pattern as XS, S, M, L, and XL. All instructions that differ depending on the size you are knitting are color coded.

Yarn: You can use any DK sock yarn that you like and with which you can get gauge to knit these socks. Please note I do not recommend using yarns with a high cotton content as cotton doesn’t stretch as much as other fibers and this will affect the fit of your socks.

This pattern works well with a solid, a long gradient, or a self-striping yarn (as in the pair pictured). You could also choose to use up some leftovers or mini skeins and work the cuff, heel, and toes in a contrast color. Be creative, have fun, but keep in mind the “busier” the yarn is the less the cable pattern will stand out.
The amount of yarn required will depend on how many colors you pick, where you choose to use them in the sock, and which size you are knitting. As a guide for the pair pictured (size XL in one self-striping color) I used the following quantity of West Yorkshire Spinners Aire Valley Essential DK:

MC – 891 Technicolor approx. 305 metres (335 yards)