These undulating knee socks were imagined and knit to the soundtrack of the 1963 Bill Evans and Jim Hall album Undercurrent, played on repeat. The cable pattern seemed a fitting match for the effortless and nuanced way their piano and guitar intertwine, and the knee-high length adds an appropriately retro vibe. The cuffs are worked in 1x1 rib, knit extra long and then doubled over for a truly heirloom quality finish that will stand the test of time.

The pattern also includes a standalone collar, which is quickly worked up from your leftover yarn. The simple but polished finished appearance is due to knitting on the bias in the round (which means no edges to curl up), with a few short rows added to hug the neckline. Topped off with a single button, it’s a quirky way to add a bit of warmth and complete the vintage look.

SKILLS NEEDED:
Magic loop, knitting in the round, cables, knitting from a chart, short rows, provisional cast-on, grafting, i-cord

SIZING:
SOCKS: S [M, L] to fit 12 [14, 16]“ calf and 8 9, 10” foot

COLLAR: One size, suitable for neck circumference 11” - 13”

YARN: 2 skeins of Cascade Heritage Silk [85% Merino Superwash/15% Mulberry Silk; 437 yards per 100g skein], or 880 yards of comparable sock-weight yarn. Sample shown in color 5603 Marine.

GAUGE:
SOCKS: 32 sts and 43 rows = 4” in stockinette
COLLAR: 24 sts and 36 rows = 4” in stockinette

RECOMMENDED NEEDLE SIZES:
SOCKS: US 2 (2.5mm) circular, recommended 40” or longer for Magic Loop
COLLAR: US 5 (3.75mm) circular, recommended 40” or longer for Magic Loop For the collar only, instructions are also provided for DPNs.

NOTIONS:

• 1 small button for collar
• Waste yarn for provisional cast on
• Cable needle
• Additional US 2 (2.5mm) or smaller needle for picking up provisional stitches
• 2 stitch markers (if using Magic Loop for collar)