Embarking on cable-knit kilt hose

[sydnie7]

The cable pattern looks fabulous!

But if I understand you correctly, you want the cables _only_ on the outside of the calf. In that case, you'll have quite a challenge placing it accurately on the side, as the cable pattern will be much narrower than k12p3 ribbing with the same yarn and needles (as your swatch shows). Basically, the centre back and centre front of the sock will warp outwards towards the cable unless there's an equal amount of tension on both sides of the centre. (This is why single cable hose usually have the cable centre front)

I've not done this, so I don't really know how, but it must be possible to figure out how many more stitches you need on the cable side compared to the stockinette side to ensure that the centre back and centre front are straight lines. The easy way out is of course to put a cable on each side ;)

Btw are you doing toe-up or top-down? I prefer toe-up with cable patterns, I feel the cables look upside-down if knitted from the top down. But as I've previously stated, Im anal...

Interesting points about tension. I'm going to swatch a bit of the calf for sizing purposes, will do at least one full knot which I hope is enough to show if that tension issue raises its ugly head.

I'm knitting top-down, the only way I know how at this time.

And thanks Friday for the suggestion about ending the cable, that's a good idea to make it look more finished.

I've got one cuff cast on and working. If the size is OK that will be the start of the first hose. Might have some progress to show in a week or so. . . have a few kilts to sew up as well, so this is not going to go quickly! Thanks for the encouragement and info!

[Heming]

Interesting points about tension. I'm going to swatch a bit of the calf for sizing purposes, will do at least one full knot which I hope is enough to show if that tension issue raises its ugly head.

You won't find out for sure until you start decreasing down the centre back. What you could do is guesstimate a number of stitches you need to move the back decreases off centre (away form the cable) to counter the warping. Try putting the decreases e.g. 6 stitches off centre and see where that takes you. In short you need more stitches on the cable side than on the ribbing side. Good luck! Post progress pictures...

btw, PM me for a universal toe-up pattern! Though unless you plan on wearing the hose at my house, nobody will notice and/or care that the cables run downwards. It's just one of my hang-ups.

Heming