Tread lightly, for here be cables! Lots of cables!

These socks were named in honor of a dear Ravelry friend (that would be cablefreak) who loves cabled socks. When I showed her the pattern photos, she immediately saw the resemblance to tire treads in the zig-zagging cables on the front, and the V-shaped cables on the back of the sock. This makes the socks doubly fitting to be named in her honor, as she’s a mechanic.

These socks will require a bit of attention but it’s quite easy to get into the rhythm of the cables. There are rest rows on the front and back of the sock, but these don’t always coincide so you’ll be cabling often. Sharp-tipped needles are recommended for easier cabling.

Sizes: The pattern instructions are provided for 3 sizes: medium (8”), large (9”), and extra large (10”). Where the instructions differ, the instructions for the large size are provided in brackets ( ).

Materials:

• 355-450 yards (324- 411m) of fingering sock yarn
• 1 set of 5 US #1 (2.5 mm) double-pointed or circular needles, or size needles required to obtain gauge. (If you prefer using 2.25mm needles for your socks, I strongly recommend swatching and/or going up a size. A medium size test knit on 2.25mm needles was tight over the ankle/heel.)

Shown in Raventwist Starri sock yarn, Sunshine color way.
(395yd/114g) Medium sample sock used approximately 88 g (352 yards/321 m) per sock. Sample knit with 1.5 pattern repeats for the leg and 1.5 repeats on the foot

Skill Level: Intermediate. Knitters should be familiar with knitting cables and sock construction.

Pattern Notes:
The cables in this pattern are simple 2/1 and 1/2 cables. You may wish to cable without a cable needle for a faster knitting experience. The technique of cabling without a cable needle is described in the Knitty Winter 2007 issue, located here: http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/FEATwin07TT.html

This sock is knit from the cuff down. However, experienced knits can easily use the charts to knit toe up socks using their favorite toe, heel, and cuff methods.

The instructions reference the sole and instep stitches rather than specifying needles, allowing you to use your preferred method (4 or 5 needles, magic loop, 2 circular needles). If you wish to add length to the leg of the sock, add the appropriate number of pattern repeats and adjust your yarn requirements accordingly.