Hera the Greek goddess of marriage, life, and love is one of the Twelve Olympians. Hera is also the goddess of the sky and starry heavens. Hera is also called ‘The Queen of Heaven’ because she rules over Mount Olympus where all the gods and goddesses live. Long before her marriage to Zeus she ruled over the heavens and the Earth. She is responsible for every living thing, including the seasons and the weather. One story, involving Heracles, also credits her with creating the Milky Way.

This top-down sock pattern uses slipped stitches and cables to depict Hera’s role as Queen of the heavens. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Cable work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a 4 ply sock yarn that is springy, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern is in chart format only.

A toe up version of this pattern, designed by S. L. Meyers, is also available.