DESIGN INSPIRATION

The Alexander Socks are designed and named for my friend Jordan, who volunteered on Ravelry to test knit my Fireside Cable Socks pattern in 2019. A couple of years later, we met by chance at our local yarn store’s knit night, and we’ve been friends ever since. Jordan patiently reads my millions of texts with knitting-related photos and design musings, and she is always encouraging and enthusiastic. I’m so thankful to have her in my life!

Jordan requested a sock design that features a cabled cuff and heel flap, and as a fellow cable lover, I am happy to oblige. The Alexander Socks are for those of us Hamilton fans who will never be satisfied with vanilla socks. (See what I did there?) They are perfect if you want to upgrade your socks with something fancy but still need to be able to take them on the go. Carefully placed increases and decreases mean that you don’t have to debate which size to knit -- just cast on for your normal size!

CONSTRUCTION

The Alexander Socks are knit cuff down, beginning with a German Twisted Cast-On and a beautiful cabled cuff. The leg of the sock features a relaxing 3x1 broken rib that continues down the foot of the sock. A cabled heel flap levels up the socks, and a traditional gusset makes for a great overall fit. The broken rib texture flows into the rounded toe for a polished look with a comfortable fit. Kitchener stitch is used to finish off the sock.

PATTERN INFORMATION

Difficulty Rating
INTERMEDIATE: Project is worked in the round from the cuff down and includes cables, slipped stitches, increases, and decreases. Kitchener stitch is used to finish off the toe.

Recommended Yarn
Sock by Teal Torch Knits, 75% superwash merino wool/25% nylon, 463 yds (423 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g): 1 skein (shown in Tall Drink of Water) OR approximately 400 yds (366 m) light fingering to fingering weight yarn.

This pattern will play nicely with any fingering weight merino/merino nylon blend yarn in solid, tonal, lightly speckled, or low-contrast colorways.

Needles/Notions

• US #1 (2.25 mm) 32-40” (80-100 cm) circular, or five double-pointed needles; OR size needed to obtain gauge.
• Tapestry needle for Kitchener stitch and weaving in ends.
• 3 stitch markers, at least one of which is a locking stitch marker.
• Cable needle.

Gauge
36 sts and 48 rnds to 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US #1 (2.25 mm) needles.
Pattern gauge was measured after washing and blocking.

Sizes Available
48 {56, 64, 72, 80} sts

Finished Measurements
5.25 {6.25, 7, 8, 9}” (13.5 {15.8, 18, 20.3, 22.6} cm) leg and foot circumference, unstretched.
Recommended fit is 0.5-1.5” (1.3-3.8 cm) negative ease.

The model has a ball of foot measurement of 8.5” (21.5 cm) and leg measurement of 8.5” (21.5 cm) and is wearing a 64 sts sample. The model typically wears 64-st vanilla socks.

To get the best fit, choose the size with the CO stitch count closest to what you would CO for vanilla socks using your preferred needle size and sock yarn.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.