Celtic Braid Socks

Before casting on, read thoroughly the entire pattern. There are several illustrations to the pattern. Click on the pictures to enlarge. There is also 4 charts, in which every row (excluding the heel) is illustrated. In chart 2 the needle numbers are also marked.

In the written pattern you will find description for every row. For each row, I explain how to knit each needle of the row. For some rows the instructions are only for the 2nd needle (the cable pattern needle). In these cases, knit the first and the third needles as is described earlier in the pattern.

These socks are knitted with 3 needles. For this reason, the pattern is written for 3 double pointed needles. If you knit the socks using some other method, you might need to adjust parts of the pattern for your needs.
You may also knit these socks using 4 needles. In this case, please remember that your needles 2 and 3 are needle II in the pattern, and your needle 4 is needle III in the pattern.

It is possible to knit these socks in circular using Magic Loop technique or shorter (12”) circular needle. I have provided some tips for this in the pattern.

List of abbreviations:
s = stitch(es)
r = row(s)
I, II, III = 1st, p2d, 3rd needle. The beginning of the row is at the beginning of the first needle, the third needle is the last needle of the row.
k = knit
p = purl
rpt = repeat
st s = stockinette st
ndl = needle
tbl = through the back loop
tfl = through the front loop
M1 = make 1 (increase). You can increase using any method of increasing you know.
K1F&B = knit 1 stitch first through the front loop and then through the back loop; then slip the stitch off the left hand needle. This will increase your stitch count by one.
K2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease 1)
K2tog tbl = knit two stitches together through the back loop (decrease 1)
[K2F, K1, SB] = knit the second stitch on the front side of the knit, then knit the first stitch, then slip both stitches off the needle.
[K2B, K1, SB] = knit the second stitch on the back side of the knit, then knit the first stitch, then slip both stitches off the needle.
4SCR = 4 s cable to the right = slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle to the back of the knit, K2, knit the stitches on the cable needle.
4SCL = 4 s cable to the left = slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle to the front of the knit, K2, knit the stitches on the cable needle.
[2F, P1, K2] = slip 2 s onto a cable needle to the front of the knit, purl 1, knit the two stitches on the cable needle.
[1B, K2, P1] = slip 1 s onto a cable needle to the back of the knit, knit 2, purl the stitch on the cable needle.

These abbreviations also apply to the charts.

NOTE: The charts have been updated on April 2nd, 2006!

Chart 1 includes the key.


In chart 2 the foot is described.


Chart 3 will guide you through the gusset increases and decreases.


In chart 4 you will find the instructions for the cuff. The first row on chart 4 is row 103.

Yarn: Knitpicks Essential Burgundy (50 g/1,75 oz = 231 yards). 2 balls, 1,75oz each. You will also need yarn of same weight but in contrasting color for cast on and knitting the heel.

Needles: double pointed needles or a circular needle in US size 0 (2,0 mm).
If you use Magic Loop technique or use a short circular needle to knit the socks, you might find it handy to mark the individual needles in the pattern with stitch markers.

Notions: (stitch markers), (row counter), blunt needle for weaving in the yarn ends, T-pins for blocking.

Gauge: 28 s in stockinette st = 10 cm/4 ".

Size: woman (size US 10 1/2). For adjusting the size of the foot see pattern. If you knit the provisional yarn for the Afterthought Heel earlier than in the pattern, the finished foot will be shorter (for smaller show sizes); if later, the foot will be bigger. You might have to fit the foot before knitting the provisional yarn for the heel. See pattern.

Level: Advanced. Not recommended for beginners.

Begin by casting on with the yarn in contrasting color. You will knit a small tube to ease grafting with kitcheners stitch later. You may choose to graft the toe when the foot is finished, or when the whole sock is finished. When switching from the provisional yarn to the sock yarn, leave a piece of yarn (approx. 14") for grafting later on. You will find the illustrated guide to grafting cast on technique here.



Cast on 16 s with provisional yarn and knit 5 to 7 r in circular. Switch to the sock yarn.
row 1: k.
If you use a circular needle, place markers as follows: first one after 4 s (=I), then after 8 s (=II) and then after 4 s (=III).

rows 2 to 5:
I: k to the s before the last, K1F&B , k1.
II: K1F&B, k to the s before the last, K1F&B, k1.
III: K1F&B, k to the end of needle.

row 6:
I: k to the s before the last, K1F&B, k1.
II: K1F&B, k6, [2.Eo, 1.o., PM], k5, K1F&B, k1.
III: K1F&B, k to the end.

row 7: k. Knit ndls I and III on every odd numbered rows from here on. Increase on ndls I and III on every even numbered rows from here on.

The following is for ndl II only!

row 8: K1F&B, k6, [K2F, K1, SB], k5, K1F&B, k1.
9: k9, p2, k9.
10: K1F&B, k6, [K2F, K1, SB], p2, [K2B, K1, SB], k5, K1F&B, k1.
11: k9, p4, k9.
12: K1F&B, k6, [K2F, K1, SB], p4, [K2B, K1, SB], k5, K1F&B, k1.
13: k9, p6, k9.
14: K1F&B, k6, [K2F, K1, SB], p2, [K2B, K1, SB], p2, [K2B, K1, SB], k5, K1F&B, k1.
15: k9, p3, k2, p3, k9.
16: K1F&B, k6, [K2F, K1, SB], p2, [K2F, K1, SB], [K2B, K1, SB], p2, [K2B, K1, SB] k5,
K1F&B, k1.
17: k9, p3, k4, p3, k9.
18: K1F&B, k6, [K2F, K1, SB], p3, 4SCR, p3, [K2B, K1, SB], k5, K1F&B, k1.
19: k9, p4, k4, p4, k9.
20: K1F&B, k6, [K2F, K1, SB], p3, [1B, K2, P1],[2F, P1, K2], p3, [K2B, K1, SB], 5 o,
K1F&B, k1.

20th row is the last row on which you'll increase. You should have 64 s (16+32+16 s) in total. Knit I and III in st s from here on on every row.



row 21: k9, p4, k2, p2, k2, p4, k9.
22: k7, [K2F, K1, SB], p3, [1B, K2, P1], p2, [2F, P1, K2], p3, [K2B, K1, SB], k7.
23: 8o, p4, k2, p4, k2, p4, k8.
24: k6, [K2F, K1, SB], p2, 4SCR, p4, 4SCL, p2, [K2B, K1, SB], k6.
25: k7, p3, k4, p4, k4, p3, k7.
26: k5, [K2F, K1, SB], p2, *[1B, K2, P1], [2F, P1, K2], p2,* rpt *-*, [K2B, K1, SB], k5.
27: k6, p3, *k2, p2*, rpt *-* total of 3 times, k2, p3, k6.
28: k4, [K2F, K1, SB], p2, *[1B, K2, P1], p2, [2F, P1, K2]*, rpt *-*, p2, [K2B, K1, SB], k4.
29: k5, p3, k2, p4, 40, p4, k2, p3, k5.
30: k3, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, 4SCR, p4, 4SCR, p4, 4SCL, p1, [K2B, K1, SB], k3.
31: 40, p2, 40, p4, k4, p4, k4, p2, k4.
32: k2, [K2F, K1, SB], *p1, [1B, K2, P1], [2F, P1, K2], p1*, rpt *-* total of 3 times, [K2B, K1, SB], k2.
33: k3, *p2, 20*, rpt *-* total of 5 times, p2, k3.
34: k1, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, *[1B, K2, P1],p2, [2F, P1, K2]*, rpt *-* 2 more times, p1, [K2B, K1, SB], k1.
35: 20, p2, k2, p4, k4, p4, k4, p4, k2, p2, k2.
36: [K2F, K1, SB], p1, [1B, K2, P1], p5, 4SCL, p4, 4SCL, 4, [2F, P1, K2], p1, [K2B, K1, SB].
37: k1, p2, k2, 5n, 40, p4, k4, 5n, k2, p2, k1.
38: switch the last s on I and the first s on II so that the first stitch of II remains on top and k both, p1, [1B, K2, P1], p4, *[1B, K2, P1],[2F, P1, K2]* p2, rpt *-*, p4, [2F, P1, K2], p1, switch the last s on II and the first s on III so that the last stitch of II remains on top and k both so that there's 1 s on both ndl.
39: p2, k2, 5n, *k2, p2*, rpt *-* total of 3 times, k2, 5n, k2, p2.



row 40:
I: k15, k1 tbl.
II: p2, k2, p4, *[1B, K2, P1], p2, [2F, P1, K2]*, rpt *-* viela kerran, p4, k2, p2.
III: k1 tbl, k15. Knit I and III like described for row 40 from here on. In what follows, only instructions for ndl II are marked.

row 41: p2, k2, p4, k2, p4, k4, p4, k2, p2.
42: p2, k2, p4, k2, p4, 4SCR, p4, k2, p4, k2, p2.
43: p2, k2, p4, k2, p4, k4, p4, k2, p4, k2, p2.
44: p2, k2, p4, *[2F, P1, K2], p2, [1B, K2, P1]*, rpt *-*, 4 n, k2, p2.
45: p2, k2, 5n, *k2, p2*, rpt *-* total of 3 times, k2, 5n, k2, p2.
46: p2, [2F, P1, K2], p4, *[2F, P1, K2],[1B, K2, P1]*, p2, rpt *-*, p4, [1B, K2, P1], p2.
47: p3, k2, 5n, k4, p4, k4, 5n, k2, p3.
48: p3, [2F, P1, K2], p4, 4SCL, p4, 4SCL, p4, [1B, K2, P1], p3.
49: p4, k2, p4, k4, p4, k4, p4, k2, p4.
50: p4, [2F, P1, K2], p2, *[1B, K2, P1],[2F, P1, K2], p2*, rpt *-*, [1B, K2, P1], p4.
51: 5n, *k2, p2*, rpt *-* 4 more times, k2, 5n.
52: 5n, *[2F, P1, K2],[1B, K2, P1], p2*, rpt *-* 2 more times, p3.
53: p6, k4, p4, k4, p4, k4, p6.
54: p6, 4SCR, p4, 4SCR, p4, 4SCR, p6.
55: p6, k4, p4, k4, p4, k4, p6.
56: 5n, *[1B, K2, P1],[2F, P1, K2], p2*, rpt *-* 2 more times, p3.
57: 5n, *k2, p2*, rpt *-* 4 more times, k2, 5n.
58: p4, *[1B, K2, P1], p2, [2F, P1, K2]*, rpt *-* 2 more times, p4.
59: p4, k2, p4, k4, p4, k4, p4, k2, p4.
60: p3, [1T, k2,p1], p4, 4SCL, p4, 4SCL, p4, [2F, P1, K2], p3.
61: p3, k2, 5n, k4, p4, k4, 5n, k2, p3.
62: p2, [1B, K2, P1], p4, *[1B, K2, P1], [2F, P1, K2]*, p2, rpt *-*, p4, [2F, P1, K2], p2.
63: p2, k2, 5n, *k2, p2*, rpt *-* total of 3 times, k2, 5n, k2, p2.
64: p2, k2, p4, *[1B, K2, P1], p2, [2F, P1, K2]*, rpt *-*, p4, k2, p2.

The pattern repeat is rows 41 through 64 (24 rows). After you have knitted row 64 (above), knit again rows 41 through 55. You should have 79 rows in total and the length of the foot should measure 3/4" before your heel.



Now begin gusset increases (5). The increases are knitted on every other row, on ndls I and III. For ndl II, follow the pattern repeat as instructed for every row (see below).

row 80:
I: 1k5, M1, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 56 (see above).
III: k1 tbl, M1, 1k5.
row 81:
I: k16, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 57.
III: k1 tbl, k16.
row 82:
I: 1k6, M1, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 58.
III: k1 tbl, M1, 1k6.
row 83:
I: k17, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 59.
III: k1 tbl, k17.
row 84:
I: 1k7, M1, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 60.
III: k1 tbl, M1, 1k7.
row 85:
I: k18, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 61.
III: k1 tbl, k18.
row 86:
I: 1k8, M1, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 62.
III: k1 tbl, M1, 1k8.
row 87:
I: k19, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 63.
III: k1 tbl, k19.
row 88:
I: 1k9, M1, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 64.
III: k1 tbl, M1, 1k9.
row 89:
I: k20, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 41.
III: k1 tbl, k20.



After gusset increases your sock should measure to the beginning of your heel.



row 90:
K the first ndl. Then knit the provisional yarn using the s of ndls I and III so that you'll knit the 38 (19+19) s in the middle. Then k
II: as on row 42.
III: k1 tbl, k20.
row 91:
I: 20o, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 43.
III: 1 Ko, k20.
row 92:
I: 1k9, k2tog.
II: as on row 44.
III: k2tog, k19.
row 93:
I and III: o.
II: as on row 45.
row 94:
I: 1k8, k2tog.
II: as on row 46.
III: k2tog, k18.
row 95:
I and III: o.
II: as on row 47.
row 96:
I: 1k7, k2tog.
II: as on row 48.
III: k2tog, k17.
row 97:
I and III: o.
II: as on row 49.
row 98:
I: 1k6, k2tog.
II: as on row 50.
III: k2tog, k16.
row 99:
I and III: o.
II: as on row 51.
row 100:
I: *k1 tbl, p1* rpt *-* 8 times, k1 tbl.
II: as on row 52.
III: *k1 tbl, p1*, *-* rpt 8 times, M1.

You have now finished the gusset increases and decreases, and your heel gusset should look like this:



And this is how it'll turn out in the finished sock after blocking:







From now on, knit ndls I and III as follows
I: *k1 tbl, p1*, rpt *-* 8 times, k1 tbl.
III: *k1 tbl, p1*, rpt *-* 9 times.

Rpt rows 53 through 64 of the pattern, then rpt rows 41 through 64 once, and rpt rows 41 through 45.

In what follows, every s on rows 142 and 143 are described. From row 144 on, only instructions for knitting ndl II has been described. Knit ndls I and III as described for row 141.

row 142: *k1 tbl, p1*, rpt *-* total of 8 times, [K2B, K1, SB], p1, [2F, P1, K2], p4, ^[2E, p1,
k2],[1 T, k2, p1]^, p2, rpt ^-^, p4, [1B, K2, P1], p1 [K2F, K1, SB], p1, *k1 tbl, p1*, rpt
*-* 8 times.

row 143:
I: *k1 tbl, 1 n*, rpt *-* total of 8 times.
II: k1 tbl, k1, p2, k2, 5n, k4, p4, k4, 5n, k2, p2, k1, k1 tbl.
III: p1,*k1 tbl, p1*, rpt *-* total of 8 times.
You will have more s on ndl II than before.
Knit ndls I and III like described above from now on until casting off.

row 144: k1 tbl, [K2B, K1, SB], p1, [2F, P1, K2], p4, 4SCL, p4, 4SCL, 4 n, [1B, K2, P1], p1, [K2F, K1, SB], k1 tbl.
145: k1 tbl, p1, k1, p2, k2, p4, k4, p4, k4, p4, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1 tbl.
146: k1 tbl, p1, [K2B, K1, SB], p1, [2F, P1, K2], p2, *[1B, K2, P1], [2F, P1, K2], p2*, rpt *-*, [1B, K2, P1], p1, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, k1 tbl.
147: k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, k1, p2, *k2, p2*, rpt *-* 6 times, k1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl.
148: k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, [K2B, K1, SB], p1, *[2F, P1, K2],[1B, K2, P1]*, p2, rpt *-*, [2E, p1, k2],[1B, K2, P1], p1, [K2F, K1, SB], k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl.
149: k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1, p2, k4, p4, k4, p4 k4, p2, k1, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl.
150: k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p1, [K2B, K1, SB], p1, 4SCL, p4, 4SCR, p4, 4SCR, p1, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl.
151: k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, k1, p3, k2, p4, k4, p4, k2, p3, k1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl.
152: k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p1, 1 Ko, [K2B, K1, SB], p2, [2F, P1, K2], p2, [1B, K2, P1],[2F, P1, K2], p2, [1B, K2, P1], p2, [K2F, K1, SB], 1 Ko, 1 n, 1 Ko, p1, k1 tbl.
153: k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1, p3, *k2, p2*, rpt *-* 3 times, k2, p3, k1, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl.
154: (k1 tbl, p1)x3, [K2B, K1, SB], p2, *[2F, P1, K2],[1B, K2, P1]*, p2, rpt *-*, p2, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x2, k1 tbl.
155: (k1 tbl, p1)x3, k1 tbl, k1, p3, k4, p4, k4, p3, k1, (k1 tbl, p1)x3, k1 tbl.
156: (k1 tbl, p1)x3, k1 tbl, [K2B, K1, SB], p2, 4SCL, p4, 4SCR, p2, [K2F, K1, SB], (k1 tbl, p1)x3, k1 tbl.
157: (k1 tbl, p1)x4, k1, p4, k2, p4, k2, p4, k1, p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x3, k1 tbl.
158: (k1 tbl, p1)x4, [K2B, K1, SB], p3, [2F, P1, K2], p2, [1B, K2, P1], p3, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x3, k1 tbl.
159: (k1 tbl, p1)x4, k1 tbl, k1, p4, k2, p2, k2, p4, k1, (k1 tbl, p1)x4, k1 tbl.
160: (k1 tbl, p1)x4, k1 tbl, [K2B, K1, SB], p3, [2E, p1, 2p], [1B, K2, P1], [K2F, K1, SB], (k1 tbl, p1)x4, k1 tbl.
161: (k1 tbl, p1)x5, k1, p4, k4, p4, k1, p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x4, k1 tbl.
162: (k1 tbl, p1)x5, [K2B, K1, SB], p3, 4SCL, p3, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x4, k1 tbl.
163: (k1 tbl, p1)x5, k1 tbl, k1, p3, k4, p3, k1, (k1 tbl, p1)x5, k1 tbl.
164: (k1 tbl, p1)x5, k1 tbl, [K2B, K1, SB], p2, [K2B, K1, SB], [K2F, K1, SB], p2, [K2F, K1, SB], (k1 tbl, p1)x5, k1 tbl.
165: (k1 tbl, p1)x6, k1, p3, k2, p3, k1, p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x5, k1 tbl.
166: (k1 tbl, p1)x6, *[K2B, K1, SB], p2*, rpt *-*, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x5, k1 tbl.
167: (k1 tbl, p1)x6, k1, p6, k1, (k1 tbl, p1)x6, k1 tbl.
168: (k1 tbl, p1)x6, k1 tbl, [K2B, K1, SB], p4, [K2F, K1, SB], (k1 tbl, p1)x6, k1 tbl.
169: (k1 tbl, p1)x7, k1, p4, k1, p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x6, k1 tbl.
170: (k1 tbl, p1)x7, [K2B, K1, SB], p3, [K2F, K1, SB], p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x6, k1 tbl.
171: (k1 tbl, p1)x7, k1 tbl, k1, p2, k1, (k1 tbl, p1)x7, k1 tbl.
172: (k1 tbl, p1)x7, k1 tbl, [K2B, K1, SB], [K2F, K1, SB], (k1 tbl, p1)x7, k1 tbl.
173: (k1 tbl, p1)x8, k2tog, p1, (k1 tbl, p1)x7, k1 tbl.
174-175: *k1 tbl, p1*, the whole row.
Cast off using 3-stitch I-cord bind off.

The heel: Pick a total of 76 s (4x19s) on both sides of the provisional yarn.



Remove the provisional yarn and k 1 r. While knitting this first row, pick also 1 s on each needle, 1 s at the end of ndls I and III and at the beginning of ndls II and IV. You will now have 80 s. The beginning of the row is at the same place as it was when knitting the sock (at the beginning of ndl I).

row 2: decrease at the end of ndls I and III (k2tog) and at the beginning of II and IV (k2tbl).
row 3: k.
rpt rows 2 and 3 8 times in total, until you have 12 s remaining on each ndl. Then rpt row 2 8 more times until you have 4 s on each ndl. Bind off using kitchener stitch.

The finished heel:



Weave in yarn ends, steam with steam iron lightly. Be careful not to flatten the cables. Block. Knit the second sock and wear proudly!





Copyright: Tuulia Salmela.

This pattern is for personal use only. All rights reserved.