These toe-up socks feature interwoven drop cables, with both long columns of dropped stitches from cuff to toe and smaller sections of dropped stitches between cable crosses. On the leg, alternating columns of dropped stitches include varying widths of pre-strung beads. This mirrored pattern completely fills the instep, gusset, and leg. The socks have a reinforced gusset and heel flap heel using German short rows and a cabled cuff that flows smoothly from the leg pattern. The gussets are patterned with additional drop cables that flow smoothly from the instep.

This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (the pattern is method-neutral to suit your preferred technique for socks — double-pointed needles, magic loop/one circular needle, two circular needles, short circular needle, etc. — and they can be worked two-at-a-time from the toe to the end of the foot) and explains all techniques required. Corresponding written instructions are provided for all charts. This pattern has some unusual techniques, so it is best-suited to an experienced sock knitter who is comfortable with cables.

This pattern is written for one size; however, changing the gauge allows for three adult foot sizes. Note that in all sizes, it is easy to make the foot length longer or shorter than the lengths listed in the pattern.

These socks are best suited for a solid or semi-solid colourway of yarn. Because of the heel style, I do not recommend self-striping or continuous gradient yarns.

This pattern was featured in the 2021 Sock Madness 15 competition. Find more sock competition patterns here!