Cleave (plus giveaway)
There’s something about taking a classic like a ribbed sock (comfy, easy, fits perfectly) and adding just a little bit of a something special that gets me every time. The special bit could be dropped stitches or lace or even a fancy cuff. Whatever you pick, it’s always more fun than it has any right to be. For Cleave, I went with an absolutely delightful cable and a little bit of a twist for the heel.
The construction on these is really fun. Instead of working flat over half the stitches to make a heel flap, then picking up stitches to make a gusset, you keep working in the round, increasing on each side of the foot to make the heel flap, gusset, and top of your foot all at once. The fit is similar to a traditional heel flap, there’s just a bit more working in the round (which I generally prefer) and a bit less picking up stitches (which may not be my very favorite knitting task ever). I think you’ll have fun with it!
Though of course, if you’re really not in the mood for something new, I’ve got you covered. The pattern includes instructions for how to make them with a traditional heel as well (and I promise I won’t mind…I totally get that sometimes sticking with something familiar is the way to go).
These are made in String Theory’s Caper Sock, which is an absolutely delightful yarn. I discovered String Theory when I kept seeing gorgeous socks on ravelry, clicking through to investigate the yarn, and finding their name again and again. When I was planning these socks, I couldn’t decide between two of their colors, and so got both. I ended up using the lighter of the two for the pattern (just because it’s a bit easier to photograph light yarn if we’re being honest), and that means I have the other one to send off to one of you.
If you think it should be you, just leave me a comment telling me how you feel about ribbed socks. Are they your go-to favorite? Too boring to bear? Ok so long as there’s something going on to add a little excitement? There’s no right or wrong answer, I just like to know what you like!
And for everyone I can’t send yarn to (I’m just not cool enough to get yarn to everyone, sorry!), I’ve got a coupon for Cleave. You can use the code RIBBED to get 10% off between now and Friday. Just put Cleave in your ravelry cart, click on the ‘use a coupon code’ button, and type in the code RIBBED. You’ll see the change in price reflected right away.
Oh, and for anyone paying really shockingly close attention, a version of this pattern first came out in New Directions in Sock Knitting way back in February of last year. The rights have reverted to me, and I wanted to add in the info about how to work this with a traditional heel, so I thought I’d bring them out as an individual pattern. But just in case you already have that book, you’ve got a copy in there already!
Comments left between now and the end of the day (eastern time) Friday, June 23, 2017 will be entered to win. I’ll pick a winner, contact them to get their addresses, and arrange to send yarn their way. Be sure to use a real email address so I can contact you if you’ve won (I won’t do anything with those email addresses besides notify the winner). If I do email you, I need to hear back from you within 72 hours or I will pick a new winner and contact them. Sorry, but I can only ship physical prizes to US addresses.
I knit more hats than socks and always, always have a ribbed band of some sort. While I prefer 2×2 ribbing, even with 1×1 there’s something very soothing about the rhythm of the knitting to me.
I feel like some ribbing is a must to hold the sock up (the people I knit socks for all like them a bit long in the leg, so no-drooping is especially important.)
And less picking up stitches? YES PLEASE!
I love the fit of ribbed socks, and the simple rhythm of making them makes them the perfect carry around project. Designs with a little change-up are especially nice! Something interesting to break up the “same old, same old”. Lovely pattern!
Since I just finished my first magic loop sock, non-ribbed, successfully, I’ll gain a little experience before trying cables on socks! I’ll love this pattern and the colorway – beautiful as always, Hunter!
Ribbed socks, either totally or in part, are my favorite for gift knitting. I don’t worry about the fit. This is a great pattern!
I like how ribbed socks feel. They’re a hug for your feet. I generally prefer to knit cables though, so these are just about perfect! I think all the ribbing might make these good gift socks!!! I feel like this might be the first time I’m seeing these somehow….GORGEOUS!!! 🙂
Ribbed socks are great – especially when knitting for someone else as they will always fit. I appreciate having a little detail just to make them special
You’re so right about ribbed socks looking so neat and tidy and so appealing, but I also agree that whenever I start a pair I am immediately thinking, this is going to be a long, boring process and then I usually go and do a different pair with a more intricate design. Yet, whenever it is time to make a new pair, I yearn for the neat, tidy, sharp effect of simple ribs. Love that this pattern has both the ribs AND something more!
These are gorgeous! I love this cable! I really like ribbed socks because they fit so well and they go so fast!
I love ribbed socks; especially to make for gifts. It’s easier to make sure they fit feet that aren’t right in front of you!
I get bored knitting ribbed socks, but love to wear them. And picking up stitches on the heel flap is also not my favorite task so I’m excited to try this pattern. Gorgeous!
I’m not going to lie – ribbed socks are not my favorite. The only thing I find more tedious than ribbed socks are stockinette and garter socks. Give me lace, cables, or a combination of the two! Something challenging and different to keep me interested.
I love ribbed socks, and cables, and String Theory. Win-win-win!
Ribbing on socks is the way to go, even if there isn’t anything else going on in the pattern!
I don’t mind ribbed socks–I like the look. The only thing I don’t like about them is if it is just rows and rows of endless ribbing:-) I need a texture/cables to liven things up a bit:-)
Love the yarn–it’s beautiful!
Ribbed socks take the cathartic process of knitting stocking stitch in the round and add an elegant geometry. Perfect!
I really only like ribbed socks if there’s something else going on as well. One of my favorite ribbed socks is Freshman Cable Socks, with just a little cabling every now and then. 🙂
I’ve been meaning to make these ever since New Directions… came out. Soon I will I hope! 🙂
I like ribbed socks because they usually stay up fairly well. Nothing worse than having your hand knit socks scrunched up around your ankles. By the way, I really like your Cleave sock pattern. Not overly complicated, and still quite interesting and lovely.
When I’m migraine free I love to stretch my limits with something new but otherwise ribbed is about all I can manage. Love String Theory – found them at Stitches East and fell in love, hard.
I goofed with my e-mail address so I didn’t know if this would fix it or not
I can imagine dancing in socks ribbed with some cables to tickle my feet and legs while delighting everyone’s eyes! A nice Summer project for toe up TAAT knitting. Thanks for the design Hunter!
I like ribbing in socks. I think it makes for a nice fit.
I do like ribbed socks. They stay up so nicely. Thanks
I’ve only done one pair of ribbed socks so far. This pattern looks so lovely I may have to go for a second! I enjoy following your patterns.
I like to wear ribbed socks because they stay up and don’t slouch down on your foot, which I dislike. However, I don’t much like knitting them because it does get boring knitting the same round after the same round. This pattern looks like a perfect combination of pleasure and function.
This is so pretty. Your socks are always so amazing!