Some people travel with a destination in mind, and others like to get outdoors and follow where the path leads. These sport-weight, unisex hiking socks are inspired by the wandering type of adventure – the kind that surprises and delights, even if you don’t always know what’s around the next bend.

We cast on at the toe, then take an unexpected turn by introducing a new color. We knit straightforwardly for a bit, then allow the stitches to begin to twist to form charming little offset cables that wander in opposite directions on each sock. We detour into color at the heel and then take a long run up the leg before diverting back into our contrast color at the top of the cuff. In the end, we wind up with socks that are tall enough to be worn under boots, extra-cushiony for long treks, and long-wearing, thanks to the high twist in Morehouse Farm’s Gator yarn and the firm gauge to which they are knit.

The cables in the left sock cross to the left, while the cables in the right sock cross to the right, because I find that charming. There is a note at the end of the pattern that gives the instruction to reverse the shaping for the other sock. You are of course welcome to disregard that suggestion and make two identical socks, or even to sometimes wear the left-cross sock on your right foot and the right-cross sock on your left foot, if it pleases you.

I’ve provided plenty of trail maps for your sock adventure. If these are your first socks, or your first time working some of these techniques, you’ll appreciate the step-by-step instructions and photos, with links to video tutorials.

Four sizes are given but notes are also included for customizing width and length to any size of foot.

Skills/Techniques: Judy’s magic cast-on, knitting in the round, increasing, decreasing, cabling, afterthought heel, sewn bind-off. Detailed instructions and photos are included for these techniques, with video links for most.

Video Tutorials:
Getting started, you can use my favorite trick that improves Judy’s Magic Cast On, in this video tutorial.
To make your socks fly faster, visit my 1/1 RC and LC tutorial here on YouTube.
When it’s time to place the yarn for the afterthought heel, you’ll appreciate this video tutorial.
Here’s a tutorial for my favorite sewn bind off.

Construction: These socks are knit from the toe up with an afterthought heel. They are knit on two short circular needles but the pattern gives adaptations for using dpns or magic loop.

Yarn: Morehouse Farm Gator sport weight 100% merino yarn (220 yards per skein), or another tightly-spun sport weight yarn in 100% wool or a wool-nylon blend; 1 (2, 2,2) skeins MC, 1 skein CC, or approximately 220 (250, 330, 410) yards MC and 30 (40, 50, 60) yards CC. Sample is knit in Pebble and Mineral Red.

Needles: Two US #3 US (3.25 mm) circular needles 16” to 24” in length, or size to obtain gauge. Can also be knit on double pointed needles or one long circular needle using magic loop method.

Notions: Stitch marker, cable needle, scissors, tapestry needle, 18” of smooth scrap yarn that does not contrast strongly with your MC. Suggested: spare needles several sizes smaller for picking up stitches.

Gauge: 22 stitches and 32 rows to 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch. 24 stitches and 32 rows to 4”/10 cm in cable stitch.

Sizes/Finished Measurements:
Adult S, M, L, XL
Because the cable pattern on these socks pulls in when relaxed and stretches when worn, choose your size based on the suggested foot circumference rather than the sock circumference.
S: 6” finished sock circumference to fit 7-7 ¾” foot circumference; 9” length; 9” height
M: 7” finished sock circumference to fit 8-8¾” foot circumference; 9 ¾” length; 9 ¾” height
L: 8” finished sock circumference to fit 9-9 ¾” foot circumference; 10 ¼“ length; 10 ¼” height
XL: 9” finished sock circumference to fit 10-11” foot circumference; 10 ½” length; 10 ½” height