Minimalist 3 is a textured sock pattern featuring mirrored cables that flow from the leg onto the instep, paired with a smooth stockinette sole for a comfortable fit.

The socks are worked cuff down and feature a Strong Heel construction, shaped with increases and short rows — no picking up stitches.

The pattern is written for two knitting methods — DPNs and Magic Loop, with separate instructions where needed, so you can use the method you prefer.

Sizes

Size 1 — EU 35–37 / US Women’s 5–6.5 / US Men’s 3.5–5
Size 2 — EU 38–40 / US Women’s 7–9 / US Men’s 5.5–7.5
Size 3 — EU 41–43 / US Women’s 9.5–11.5 / US Men’s 8–10

US shoe sizes are approximate and may vary slightly by brand.

Yarn Requirements

Size 1: approximately 80–100 g / 3–3.5 oz
Size 2: approximately 100–120 g / 3.5–4.2 oz
Size 3: approximately 120–150 g / 4.2–5.3 oz

Yarn requirements are approximate and may vary depending on your gauge, foot length, and desired leg length.

For durable everyday socks, I recommend using a fingering-weight sock yarn containing approximately 75–80% wool and 20–25% polyamide or nylon (about 400–425 m / 437–465 yds per 100 g).

Needles

2.5 mm (US 1.5) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle suitable for the Magic Loop method.

Adjust the needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Optional: For a firmer-fitting cuff, you may use needles 0.25 mm smaller for the ribbing, then switch to the main needle size for the leg.

Gauge

30 sts × 42 rounds = 10 × 10 cm / 4 × 4 in in stockinette stitch, measured after washing and blocking.

Please check your gauge before starting. If necessary, adjust your needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

Construction Details

• Cuff down
• Two cuff options: classic 2×2 rib or a more decorative cuff
• Mirrored cable charts: 3/3 Left Cross and 3/3 Right Cross
• Smooth stockinette sole
• Strong Heel with increases and short rows — no heel flap and no picking up stitches
• Adjustable leg and foot length

The pattern includes

• Written instructions for all 3 sizes
• Charts and written instructions for the cables, with left- and right-crossing options
• Step-by-step instructions for the Strong Heel
• QR codes linking directly to visual tutorials for the trickiest Strong Heel steps
• Instructions for both DPNs and Magic Loop
• Detailed stitch distribution, calculations, and helpful tips

Minimalist 3 was test knitted before release.