This unisex toe-up sock uses a simple but striking cable pattern, similar to the long thin pairs of Rowan leaves, which is easily memorised. It works over a ten-round repeat but only three of those rounds require any cable stitches. The pattern is written for magic loop but can easily be adapted for your preferred method of small circumference knitting.

A note on fit: The cable pattern does tend to draw in slightly over the ankle and instep. This shouldn’t be a problem for the ‘average’ sized foot but if you are knitting for someone with a broad ankle or higher than average instep then it is easy to customise the pattern to add a few stitches at the side of the foot. Adding 1 ktbl to the beginning and end of N1 and N2 for example will give an extra 4 stitches and offer that additional bit of ease.

Also on the subject of yardage, as with all cable designs there is a tendancy to use more yardage than a simple pair of ‘vanilla’ socks. If knitting the larger size, or if knitting for those with very large feet it is advisable to ensure that you use a skein of yarn with in excess of 420 yards just to ensure that you have sufficient yarn to complete your project.
Materials and Pattern specifics

2.5mm 100cm circular needle for magic loop (the instructions are written for magic loop but are easily adaptable to other methods of small-circumference knitting)
1 x 100g sock yarn (MC) sample knit as shown used approx. 55g MC (for a UK size 6)
Approx 20g sock yarn scraps (CC). Each colour band uses less than 2g yarn.
GAUGE: 32 stitches x 44 rows = 10cm/4” in stocking stitch, blocked
SIZE: M (L): 20 (22.5)cm/8 (8.75”) circumference, designed to fit with approx 2cm/0.75” negative ease