I’m one of those sock knitters who bend and break needles and make socks as stiff as shoes. I know, however, that not everyone makes socks like this. So, this pattern comes in two sizes: one for loose knitters and one for tight knitters. The cabled rib lends some stretch, and foot size is adjustable, so both versions should fit different sizes. For a knitter with medium gauge, the small size also works with DK weight sock yarn.

Gauge for loose size: ca 28 sts = 10 cm
Gauge for tight size: ca 34 sts = 10 cm

These socks have a lot of details, to keep the knitting interesting at all times. Worked top down, the leg has a ribbing with tiny cables, and when the front centre cables travel to the sides they make room for a leaf lace panel. The heel flap, which usually is by far the most boring part of a sock, has a small celtic cable motif flowing from the ribbing. Suggestions for several modifications are included.