B&B Socks Knitting Pattern

B&B Socks Knitting Pattern by Betty Balcomb

Project Overview

The B&B Socks is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Betty Balcomb for Cascade Yarns. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a pair of knitted socks in one size that fits most adults. The design features a distinctive braid panel detail combined with textured ribbing, making it an engaging project for knitters with some experience.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a complete pair of socks with a fitted construction. The socks feature a cuffed top with a braid panel running down the center front, combined with ribbed texture panels on the sides. The construction uses the traditional sock-knitting method, working in the round from the cuff down to the heel, then completing the foot and toe shaping.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns Heritage in color #5686 (China Blue). This yarn is composed of 75% Superwash Merino Wool and 25% Nylon, providing durability and easy care. One skein of 100 g (3.5 oz) containing 437 yards (399.6 m) is sufficient for the project.
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) set of 5 double pointed knitting needles for working in the round
• Additional Tools: Cable needle for executing cable stitches and yarn needle for weaving in ends

Knitting Techniques Used

The B&B Socks pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The project begins with a cast-on of 70 stitches distributed across three double pointed needles, then joins for working in the round. Knitters will practice ribbing as the foundation of the cuff, using a K2, P2 ribbing pattern worked for 12 rows after an initial decrease row. The pattern incorporates cable knitting as a central design element, featuring an 8-stitch cable panel that runs vertically down the sock.

The construction demonstrates circular knitting using double pointed needles, requiring knitters to manage stitches across multiple needles while maintaining even tension. The pattern includes stitch increases and decreases for shaping, including evenly spaced increases in the leg section and strategic decreases when transitioning to the heel flap. The heel flap is created using a slipped stitch edge, a traditional technique that strengthens the heel and makes it easier to pick up stitches for the heel turn.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and specialized cable abbreviations. Basic stitches include:

• K (Knit) and P (Purl) for creating the stockinette and reverse stockinette textures
• K2tog (Knit 2 together) and P2tog (Purl 2 together) for decreasing stitches
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit) for left-leaning decreases
• PM (Place Marker) for tracking pattern sections

The pattern features two cable stitches that form the distinctive braid panel:

• C8F (Cable 8 Front): Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 4 stitches from the left needle, then knit 4 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists to the left.
• C8B (Cable 8 Back): Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 4 stitches from the left needle, then knit 4 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists to the right.

Pattern Structure and Gauge

The B&B pattern is worked in repeating 8-row sequences that create the braid panel detail. The pattern is repeated 8 times to achieve a cuff length of approximately 7 inches when combined with the ribbed cuff section. The gauge is established at 28 stitches and 42 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, which is important for achieving proper sock fit.

The sock begins with a ribbed cuff that provides stretch and comfort around the leg. After the ribbing, stitches are increased and rearranged to prepare for