The front and back “planes” of the cubes appear to change places, creating two possible perspectives. Because we view objects from above far more often than we view objects from below, our brains may prefer the interpretation that the cube is viewed from above. Much of the time, then, most of us interpret the lower-left face to be in front.

Named for Louis Necker, these textured socks are knitted in the round. The different faces of the cubes are delineated by areas of stockinette stitch and seed stitch. Alternatively, you may knit the pattern in two colors instead, using the same chart, as shown in the featured photos.

Sizes: About 7½ (8)“ (19 20.5 cm) foot circumference, unstretched, and 9¼ (10¾)” (23.5 27.5 cm) foot length from back of heel to tip of toe (length is adjustable). To fit U.S. women’s shoe sizes 7–8 (men’s 9½–10½); European shoe sizes 38–40 (43–45).