The Vastness of Space Socks are inspired by… the vastness of space. (Sorry, this one was pretty literal!) When I bought this fantastic solar system yarn, with accurate sizes and distances to scale, I knew it needed a pattern that suited it; something that was as nerdy and unique as it was, without losing the integrity of the striping. So I developed this pattern — a striping-friendly sock with a cable that uses the Fibonacci sequence to determine how far to go before crossing the cable again. The crosses get farther apart as you work the sock, like how the objects in our solar system spread out as you travel away from the sun.

Pattern Description

These socks have tidy, well-defined cables placed asymmetrically on each sock and with subtly mirrored crossing directions. The socks are knit toe-up with an afterthought heel and a twisted-rib cuff. Optional afterthought gusset shaping instructions using German short rows are also provided to accommodate a higher instep. They are available in three unisex adult foot circumferences and the foot length and leg height are completely adjustable. Corresponding written instructions are provided for the charts.

This pattern requires the knitter to knit a small circumference in the round (the pattern is method-neutral to suit your preferred technique) and clearly explains techniques such as relevant cables and picking up an afterthought heel. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is easily accessible to an intermediate knitter who is just getting started knitting socks.

Yarn Requirements and Sizing

Sizes available: Adult Small (Medium, Large) for for foot circumferences of 18 (20.5, 23) cm / 7 (8, 9) inches — 56 (64, 72) st — with completely-adjustable foot lengths and leg heights

This pattern requires fingering or light fingering weight yarn appropriate for socks; you will need up to 325 (350, 375) m / 350 (375, 400) yards total to complete all 10 cable crosses (so if you choose to stop earlier, your yarn requirements will be lower).

This pattern was designed for self-striping yarn, but it is compatible with any colourway. In a solid or semi-solid, the cable really stands out, and it still holds its own with a variegated yarn — even one that pools!

These socks are rated 2/5 — Easy — on my sock pattern difficulty scale. This is because most rounds on the socks are worked identically, and the cable chart is short and intuitive.

This pattern is available on the knitCompanion app! You can get a version prepared specifically for kC compatibility here. #kcdesign