These toe-up socks combine chains of contrast-colour elongated stitches and small cables to form crisscrossing braid motifs that let you play with up to twelve different colours. They feature a classic gusset and heel flap construction and a twisted-rib cuff. Corresponding written instructions are provided for the charts.

This pattern is available in three foot circumferences and the socks are completely adjustable in length and height. It requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round, and 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. Working two-at-a-time is possible, as well, if you are comfortable managing twice as many contrast-colour strands at once.

This pattern requires a background colour, plus it has one complex motif requiring six contrast colours, and two simpler motifs that each require three contrast colours. So you can use six colours like I did, or you can use up to twelve colours and make every strand unique!

Feeling intimidated? Don't panic! This pattern has lots of helpful resources, including links to video tutorials, full written instructions on how to work the colourwork cables without a cable needle, and extensive photo tutorials for the colourwork and the cables. It's much easier to do than it might appear, and yet the finished product is so impressive to show off!