Once Upon a Time Socks

From Cinderella to Rapunzel, fairy tales leave their marks on all of us at an early age, and they’ve been doing so for centuries, shifting and changing a little bit with every new generation.

These socks scream fairy tale to me--maybe it’s the whimsical color scheme I chose or that the bold cluster cables remind me of a certain princess’s long hair tumbling out of a tower. Either way, I think that like our favorite fairytales, they’ll stand the test of time and prove infinitely adaptable--pick your prettiest Disney princess pastels like me or go for something darker and moodier. This story is what you make of it, but like all fairy tales, it starts with a Once Upon a Time…

Knit cuff down with an eyelet ribbed cuff and wide cluster cables down the leg and foot, the Once Upon a Time socks feature a slipped stitch heel flap and gusset construction for a highly customizable fit.

You might notice that the sample socks are fraternal twins, with cables mirroring one another--a happy accident that I decided to embrace because I liked the look. The pattern includes instructions on how to get the same effect, but also instructions for an identical pair if you prefer!

Sizes
Small: 16.5cm/6.5in
Medium: 19cm/7.5in
Large: 21.5/8.5in
This size refers to the measurement of the sock un-stretched. To figure out which size to knit, measure around the ball of your foot at the widest part. Most people like their socks to fit a little snug so if you’re between sizes, I recommend knitting the smaller size. The size only refers to the width of the sock, the length can be customized as you knit. Please note that the cabling creates a tighter fabric, so be sure the circumference will fit around your lower calf as well, and if in doubt, I’d recommend sizing up!

Gauge
32 stitches x 44 rows per 10cm/4in

Yarn
Fingering weight – 50 (60, 70) grams based on average foot length of 23cm/9in so you may need more or less depending on your measurement.

I used Filcolana Arwetta in Delicate Orchid for the body of the sock and CoopKnits Socks Yeah! in Lepidiolite for the heel and toe.

Needles
The pattern is written for small (23cm/9in) circular needles, switching to double pointed needles or Magic Loop for the toe decreases, but can be worked using double pointed needles or Magic Loop throughout, according to your preference. I use 2.5mm needles, but use whichever size gets you the above listed gauge. You will also need needles a size smaller (I use 2.25mm) for the cuff.

Notions
Cable needle
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers
Scissors
Sock blockers (optional)