3 BASIC CUFFS
Mix up your sock looks by choosing a different cuff!
STANDARD CUFF
The standard stitch pattern used for cuffs is a ribbed one, which creates plenty of stretch without sacrificing strength where your sock needs it most.
Options for rib rounds
1x1 rib (cast-on stitch count needs to be a multiple of 2) *K1, P1; rep from * to end. 2x2 rib (cast-on stitch count needs to be a multiple of 4) *K2, P2; rep from * to end. 3x3 rib (cast-on stitch count needs to be a multiple of 6) *K3, P3; rep from * to end. 4x4 rib (cast-on stitch count needs to be a multiple of 8) *K4, P4; rep from * to end.
Note For these rib patterns to work, the cast on needs to be a multiple of a certain number. If this doesn’t work for your main stitch count you can increase a few stitches after the rib, but avoid having to increase more than 10% of your stitches after the cuff as this may make your cuff too tight.
LACE CUFF
Lacy cuffs work beautifully on sweet ankle socks for babies and children.
Cast on double the number of stitches required. Join to work in the round. PM. Rnd 1 Knit.
Rnd 2 Purl.
Rnd 3 Knit.
Rnd 4 *K2tog, yo; rep from * to end. Rnd 5 *Yo, K2tog; rep from * to end. Rnd 6 Knit.
Rep last 4 rounds twice more.
Next round *K2tog; rep from * to end.
Work in 1x1 or 2x2 rib until you have your desired cuff depth (note your row count). Turning round Turn your work inside out, w&t.
Repeat your rib section again.
Continue for leg as given in your pattern, folding ribbed cuff in half so that lace frill sits at bottom edge.
CABLE CUFF
Cable stitches have less stretch than rib stitches, so stick to a small stitch repeat. If adding a cable cuff to a plain sock, you may need to increase the number of cuff stitches to make up for the lack of stretch.
Two options for cable sock cuffs 2x2 cable rib
Round 1 *C2F, P2; rep from * to end. Round 2 *K2, P2; rep from * to end. Repeat these 2 rnds for pattern.
4x2 cable rib
Round 1 *K4, P2; rep from * to end. Round 2 As Round 1.
Round 3 *Cr4, P2; rep from * to end. Round 4 As Round 1.
Repeat these 4 rnds for pattern.
(Cr4 Slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold at back, K1 from left needle, slip 2 leftmost sts from cable needle to left needle, and hold cable needle at front, K2, K1 from cable needle)