Spruce Stocking

The **Spruce Stocking** is a bulky-weight project worked from the cuff down in the round, with instructions for the magic loop method. A folded 2x2 ribbed cuff leads into bold 4/4 cables that run the full length of the stocking. Waste yarn is placed at the end of the leg to mark a forethought heel. Once the foot and toe are complete, the waste yarn is removed to reveal the heel opening, and the heel is finished the same way as the toe. Finally, a short i-cord loop is worked and sewn to the top of the stocking for hanging. **Size** One size. **Finished measurements** Approx. 15" (38 cm) circumference × 20" (51 cm) length. **Gauge** 20 sts × 16 rows = 4 × 4" (10 × 10 cm) in cable pattern, after blocking. **Needles** 7.0 mm (US 10¾) circular needle, 80 or 100 cm (32 or 40") long, for the stocking. 4.0 mm (US 6) circular needle or DPN for the i-cord loop. For reference, I'm a very tight knitter. **Yarn needed** 250 g / approx. 300 yd (274 m) of bulky weight yarn, OR 250 g / approx. 485 yd (443 m) of worsted weight yarn held double (total; about 243 yd per strand). **Notions** Stitch marker, cable needle, tapestry needle, waste yarn for the forethought heel. **Yarn used** 3 skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Linen, held double. **A note on fiber** I usually avoid acrylic, but I find acrylic/wool blends turn out sturdier and hold weight better. Samples I knit in 100% wool are softer with more drape, but they also tend to have more give. Pick whichever fiber suits your preference and how you'll use your stocking. **Techniques used** Cables (worked from a chart), working in the round with magic loop, 2x2 ribbing, decreases, forethought heel (waste-yarn placement), Kitchener stitch at the toe and heel, and i-cord. **Difficulty** Adventurous beginner