Spare Rib Socks

These old-school socks are worked top down in easy garter rib, with a touch of cabling to slightly taper the leg. Sport weight yarn makes them cozy and quick to knit. The forethought heels have simple increase shaping at the ankle to keep them from sliding into your shoes. I think you’ll like this fit better than a standard forethought or afterthought heel. Instructions are written to accommodate every needle type--dpns, two circulars, magic loop, short circular, or endless loop. A full schematic, detailed illustrated instructions for how to construct the heel, and both written and charted instructions for cables are included. More about the sock design at [Looky Knits][1]. Tech edited by [Trillium][2]. SIZES US shoe size 0-14 EU shoe size 32 to 47 UK shoe size 12 children's to 12.5 adult See [chart in pattern photos][3] for size details. MATERIALS Yarn: Sport, light DK, or heavy fingering Estimated yardage / meterage by size: XXS: 215 yds / 200 m XS: 235 yds / 210 ms S: 285 yds / 260 ms M: 310 yds / 280 ms L: 370 yds / 340 ms XL: 400 yds / 370 ms Tools: 2 to 3 mm / US size 0 to 2.5 circular or double-pointed needles, or size to fit gauge Smaller needles for picking up heel stitches Cable needle or extra needle of same or smaller size for cabling 3 yds / 3 m of contrasting yarn for heel placeholder stitches Blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends If you’re using a short circular or the traveling loop method, you’ll also need stitch markers for dividing top from heel. This pattern is designed to be knit at the dense gauge that works best for socks in garter rib. You may need to use a smaller needle than what’s recommended on the yarn label. Yarns and needles used in designer photos: Novita Nalle Kivi (grey) and Bluenata (pale green) on 2.75 mm / US size 2 needles Yarn Dragon Happy Sport Lelaine (dark blue) on 2 mm / US size 0 needles. See project pages for more yarn possibilities. [1]: https://lookyknits.blog/2025/02/28/building-a-better-sock/ [2]: https://www.trilliumtechediting.com/ [3]: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spare-rib-socks/slideshow?fullscreen=1&start=142981671