Temple Socks Knitting Pattern

Rowan Temple Socks: Knitted Cable Pattern Design

What is Being Made

Temple Socks are an intermediate-level knitted sock pattern designed to fit foot circumferences ranging from 20 to 24 centimeters (7¾ to 9½ inches). This downloadable PDF pattern from Rowan includes instructions for creating a pair of socks featuring decorative cable panel detailing. The pattern provides multiple size options to accommodate different foot measurements, making it suitable for various wearers.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that elevate it beyond basic sock construction. The primary techniques include:

• Cable crossing: Multiple cable techniques are used throughout the design, including C4B (cable 4 back), C4F (cable 4 front), Cr3L (cross 3 left), and Cr3R (cross 3 right) abbreviations. These create the characteristic twisted rope texture of the cable panel.
• Circular knitting: Socks are worked in the round using double-pointed needles, which allows for seamless construction and creates a continuous fabric.
• Ribbed cuff: The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked over 15 rounds total, providing elasticity and a finished appearance at the sock opening.
• Stitch increases: Strategic increases (M1) are incorporated into the pattern, particularly in round 16, to shape the sock appropriately as it transitions from cuff to foot.
• Marker placement: The pattern uses stitch markers to denote the beginning and end of rounds, as well as to mark specific sections of the cable panel for accurate placement.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Temple Socks pattern combines several stitch types to create visual interest and structure:

• Knit and purl ribbing: The initial cuff uses a K2, P2 ribbing pattern that provides stretch and a traditional sock finish.
• Double moss stitch: This stitch pattern is referenced in the tension gauge and creates a textured, reversible fabric base.
• Cable panel: A 32-round cable panel forms the decorative centerpiece of the sock. This panel incorporates alternating cable crosses and purl stitches, with specific rounds repeating established patterns. The cable panel uses combinations of knit stitches crossed over each other to create dimensional, twisted effects.
• Stockinette stitch sections: Areas worked in knit stitches create smooth contrast to the textured cable and ribbed sections.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern specifies particular materials to achieve the correct gauge and finished appearance:

• Yarn: Rowan Sock yarn is used, with quantities varying by size from 2 to 3 balls of 100 grams each. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Ocean 006. This specialized sock yarn is engineered for durability and elasticity in sock construction.
• Needles: The pattern requires two sets of double-pointed needles. The initial cast-on and ribbed cuff are worked using 3½mm (US 4) needles. After the ribbing is established, the pattern transitions to 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body and cable panel work. A cable needle is also required to hold stitches during cable crossing techniques.
• Gauge: The pattern specifies a tension of 27 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimeters when measured over double moss stitch pattern using 4mm needles and two strands of yarn held together. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across the range of sizes offered.

Pattern Construction Overview

The sock is constructed by casting on 72 to 84 stitches (depending on size) using two strands of yarn held together on the smaller needles. These stitches are distributed evenly across four of five double-pointed needles. After working the ribbed cuff, the pattern transitions to the larger needles and begins incorporating the cable panel. Stitch markers are strategically placed to identify the cable panel sections and track round progression. The 32-round cable panel repeats to create the decorative element, while the remaining stitches continue in established patterns. This intermediate pattern requires careful attention to cable placement and marker management to ensure accurate pattern alignment throughout the sock.