Socks featuring a Saxon-braid cable.

Pattern Description from A Fine Fleece: “These socks are another example of limiting placement of cables for maximum effect. The single Saxon braid makes a bold statement on a small canvas such as a sock. The fact that the braid also works at more than one gauge suitable for socks is a bonus. The three versions shown here illustrate how subtle changes in stitch gauge, especially over a limited surface, can completely change the look and feel of a cable. It can be surprising and delightful how a cable pattern works up at a small gauge.”

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Measurements:

• Sized to fit average women’s foot: Leg length: 7” (18cm); Foot length: 9-1/2” (24cm); Ankle circumference: 8” (20.5cm)
• Sized to fit average men’s foot: Leg length: 9” (23cm); Foot length: 10-1/2” (26.5cm); Ankle circumference: 8-1/2” (21.5cm)

Yarn

• Women’s: 320 (350, 370) yds (293 320, 339m) sock or fingering weight
• Men’s: 350 (400, 470) yds (320 366, 430m) sock or fingering weight
• 2 (2, 2) 2 (3, 3) skeins Lorna’s Laces Yarns Shepherd Sock, 2-oz (57g) skeins, each approximately 215 yds (197m), 80% superwash wool, 20% nylon, Denim
• 2 (2, 3) 2 (3, 3) skeins Footpath Yarn, 2 oz (57g) skeins, each approximately 175 yds (160m), 85% wool, 15% nylon, Elderberry

Needles and Notions:

• One set of four double-pointed needles in US size 3 (3.25mm), 2 (2.75mm), or 1 (2.25mm), or size needed to obtain gauge
• Cable needle
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Gauge:

• 32 sts = 4” (10cm) in St st using US size 1 (2.25mm) needles
• 24 sts = 4” (10cm) in St st using US size 3 (3.25mm) needles
• 28 sts = 4” (10cm) in St st using US size 2 (2.75mm) needles
• Adjust needle size as necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Note: Pattern is given in 3 different gauges. The pattern is written for the gauge obtained using US size 3 (3.25mm) needles with US size 2 (2.75mm) and US size 1 (2.25mm) needles given in parentheses. The first set of numbers, in bold, refers to the women’s sock in each gauge. The second set of numbers refers to the men’s sock in the three gauges. When only one number appears, it applies for all gauges.

The pattern was originally available individually through the designer’s now-defunct website, but is no longer offered since its inclusion in her book. The pattern has now been excerpted on the Canadian Living website.