Worked in the round, from the top down, the Tortoise Shells Socks feature cable-and-lace medallions encircling the calves and pretty columns of faux-cable twists that flow down the leg to the foot.

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Size: Women’s medium (64 stitches)

Finished Measurements: About 7 inches/18 cm foot circumference will stretch to fit up to 9 inches/23 cm and about 8.75 inches/22 cm foot length

Materials:
—385 yds/355 m sock yarn. Sample shown was knit with Dream in Color Smooshy with Cashmere 70% superwash merino wool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400yd/366m per 4oz/113g skein, colorway: Strange Harvest.
—US 1.5/2.50 mm set of 5 double-pointed needles (for upper leg)
—US #1/2.25 mm set of 5 double-pointed needles (for lower leg and foot) OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE
—Stitch marker, tapestry needle

Gauge: 16 sts/23 rnds = 2”/5 cm in stockinette stitch

Notes:
—This top-down sock pattern is written for four double-pointed needles, but other methods, such as Magic Loop, may be used instead.
—Because cables have a tendency to pull in, the upper leg is worked on larger needles (US 1.5/2.50 mm). The remainder of the sock is then worked on smaller needles (US #1/2.25 mm). If you have slender calves, you may wish to knit the entire sock on the smaller needles.
—For a smaller size, try using smaller needles and/or light fingering weight yarn. For a larger size, substitute sportweight yarn and larger needles.
—Stitch patterns are provided in both written, line-by-line form and in charts.
—The toes are grafted using kitchener stitch; instructions are provided.