Don’t be frightened by this cabled design. it isn’t as complex as it looks, and once you’ve got going, you’ll find it quite intuitive. The back of the sock is ribbed, for a comfy fit, and so you only have to work the cabled design once.

The cables twist and cross like the brambles and briars surrounding the castle of a sleeping princess.

Two widths are provided in the pattern (9’’ and 10’’ circumference measured at the ball of the foot) and the socks can be knitted to the desired length.

First published in The Second Drawer Down, print copies are available from truly hooked.