Years ago, when I worked at Interweave, I designed the free sock knitting pattern, Cable Rib Socks. It appeared in a free eBook called Knitting Patterns for Knitting Accessories. A new version of this eBook is on the site now, and the sock pattern isn’t in it. Since people have asked me for the pattern, so I decided to put it on The Craftermath.
Download the free pattern here: Cable Rib Socks.
Sorry for the HORRIBLE PHOTOS. Funny story, I only knit one of these, and through the magic of Photoshop, two appeared in the eBook. Yeah, fake news. I’m going to knit these again so I can have a better photo, and a complete pair of socks.
The original pattern was knit from Zauberball Crazy, which I love, but I really think the stitch pattern would shine with a solid yarn. I’ll have to search my stash and see what I have. Probably nothing—yay, time to shop!
I’m not the most prolific sock knitter, and truthfully, I don’t really enjoy knitting socks. I tend to have a death grip on those tiny needles, and my hands aren’t happy. Maybe I should try knitting on bamboo needles. Do any of you sock knitters have advice on this?
I’m heading to Phoenix in a couple of weeks, and this will be my travel project. Here’s hoping I can finish them up!
Cheers,
P.S. Let me know if you have any sock-knitting advice for me. I could use it!
The Craftermath 
If you’re hanging onto to DPNs like grim death, it’s because you’re worried about them slipping or dropping. Try using two circulars, or one long circular with magic loop. Your stitches will feel more secure on the needles and you can ease off a bit. And bamboo/wood instead of metal needles helps too, regardless of DPNs or circs.
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Thank you! I haven’t tried two circulars. I think that might be the ticket.
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I do magic loop, one needle, two socks at a time. Use a nice long cable and when you finish you have 2 socks all done!
Or, I also like using 2 cable needles. You knit with both ends of the first needle, then turn your work and knit with both ends of the second.
Experiment! You will problably need a few adjustments so you don’t get ladders and to pay attention so you don’t knit your socks together!
I am off to try your pattern, thanks!
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Thanks for the advice, Karen! I hope you enjoy the pattern.
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Hi Kathleen—I don’t enjoy DPNs, so I knit socks using magic loop. Even with the heel flap etc., it’s easy to figure out—I just use three markers for beginning of row, needle 2 and needle 3. Thank you for the pattern!
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I love magic loop. I’ll give it a whirl.
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I’m not a whiz at socks, but I love 2 circular needles. I tried magic loop, didn’t do so well, but that was my first attempt at 2 socks at a time. Love the pattern, Kathleen, thanks for sharing!
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I took a class in 2-at-a-time, and it made sense at the time, but I’d have to start fresh. I’m going to try the two needles method, I think.
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I’ve only knit a few pairs of socks so far, but I love it. I either use dpns or magic loop and like both. I also like toe up or cuff down. Haven’t tried 2 cables yet, but I’d probably like that too! Chiaogoo lace circs and zings are my favs because I like slippery needles for sock yarn. Thanks for sharing your pattern, it’s really nice looking. I have some denim colored WYS that should suit the pattern perfectly.
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I love the denim idea!
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I find that metal needles work best for socks, but I have used bamboo. If you have a hard grip though you will likely break those size 1s. I’m also a fan of 9” circulars but they take a bit of getting used to since the needle tips are pretty short, but you can really fly through a pair of socks with them and it sure beats dropping a DP on a plane or in the car. Good luck!
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Thanks, Kim. I do have some 9-inchers. Maybe I’ll give them a try!
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If one has bigger feet, would you recommend going up a needle size? By the way, I miss your regular pieces at Interweave. Thank you. Michele
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Hi Michele! You could go up a needle size, but it would be better to find a pattern that fits your feet. The reason is that loose fabric doesn’t wear as well as tightly knitted fabric, especially for socks, which get a lot of wear. Many people even go down a needle size for the foot portion of their socks. So there’s, a long, maybe unhelpful answer for you! 😉
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