Ruben Socks: A Free Cabled Top Down Sock Knitting Pattern You’ll Want to Knit Again
A free cabled top down sock knitting pattern featuring a heel flap construction, multiple lengths, and classic cables perfect for everyday wear or thoughtful handmade gifts.
This cabled top down sock knitting pattern was designed for knitters who love structure, texture, and socks that actually get worn. The Ruben Socks combine traditional heel-flap construction with clean, wearable cables that look impressive without feeling overwhelming to knit. With both ankle and mid-calf options included, this pattern works whether you want quick everyday socks or a longer pair for cooler weather. Knit in fingering-weight yarn like Malabrigo Sock, they’re ideal for knitters ready to move beyond plain vanilla socks while still enjoying a relaxing, repeatable project.
Why did I design this cabled top down sock knitting pattern?
I wanted a sock that felt classic but still interesting to knit. Sometimes I want cables without committing to a full sweater, and socks are the perfect place to enjoy texture in small, satisfying sections.
The Ruben Socks grew out of that idea. I wanted something that looked polished enough to wear with everyday shoes but still felt comfortable and practical. I knit the crew-length version for myself in a women’s US size 10 wide, and the ankle version in a women’s size 8 — and both quickly became pairs I reached for constantly.
If you enjoy patterns like my Elizabeth Socks or Peter Socks, which are also cable-forward top-down designs, this one fits right into that same family of wearable textured socks.
What is the pattern overview?
Finished Item:
Cabled socks worked top down with heel flap and gusset shaping. Includes ankle and mid-calf lengths.
Skill Level:
Advanced beginner to intermediate.
Construction Style:
Top-down sock construction beginning with a ribbed cuff, followed by a cable panel down the leg and foot, traditional heel flap, gusset decreases, and classic toe shaping.
If you enjoy structured sock knitting that feels predictable once established, this pattern settles into a really comfortable rhythm.
What materials do I need to knit Reuben Socks?
You’ll need just a few trusted tools:
- Fingering weight yarn such as Malabrigo Sock (affiliate link)
- 2.25 mm double pointed needles
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for finishing
- Measuring tape
I used Malabrigo Sock (affiliate link) because it gives beautiful stitch definition for cables while still feeling soft enough for everyday wear. The cables really pop without feeling stiff.
The pattern is written for double pointed needles using 2.25 mm DPNs, but if magic loop is your preferred method, you can absolutely work the pattern that way.
How do these socks fit and what sizing is included?
The Reuben Socks are written with flexible sizing that works for a range of foot widths thanks to the natural stretch created by the cable panels.
Lengths included:
- Ankle length
- Mid-calf (crew length)
The heel flap construction makes fit adjustments straightforward, which is especially helpful if you knit for different family members or need extra room across the instep.
Because socks stretch during wear, the pattern is designed with slight negative ease so they stay comfortably in place.
Why was Malabrigo Sock chosen and can I substitute yarn?
Malabrigo Sock (affiliate link) was chosen because cables benefit from yarn with good twist and stitch clarity. The texture shows clearly without feeling bulky.
Good substitutes include:
- Any fingering weight sock yarn with nylon
- High-twist wool blends
- Durable superwash wool yarns
Avoid very fuzzy yarns if you want the cable detail to stand out clearly.
What gauge notes should I know before starting?
Gauge matters more in socks than almost anything else because it directly affects fit.
Use your 2.25 mm needles and knit in pattern to check gauge rather than plain stockinette. Cables slightly tighten fabric, so measuring after a few repeats gives the most accurate result.
If your socks feel loose, size down a needle. If the fabric feels stiff, go up slightly.
What techniques are used and is this beginner friendly?
This cabled top down sock knitting pattern includes:
- Working cables with a cable needle
- Ribbing
- Heel flap and gusset shaping
- Picking up stitches
- Decreases for toe shaping
If you’ve completed one basic sock before — or followed tutorials from my knitting tutorial page — this pattern is a great next step into textured socks.
The cables repeat consistently, so once you memorize the rhythm, it becomes relaxing knitting.
When would you wear or gift these socks?
These are everyday socks in the best way.
They work well:
- With boots in cooler weather
- With clogs or sneakers year-round
- As handmade gifts that feel extra special
- As a portable knitting project between larger garments
The ankle version is perfect when you want faster gratification, while the mid-calf version feels like a classic heirloom pair.
If you’re exploring more sock ideas, you can browse the full sock knitting pattern page, which includes a wide range of constructions and textures.
What questions do knitters usually ask about this pattern?
Yes. The instructions translate easily to magic loop if that’s your usual method.
Not at all. The cables are balanced so they add texture without creating bulk.
Not at all. The cables are balanced so they add texture without creating bulk.
Absolutely. It’s a natural progression if you want to try cables without adding complicated shaping.
Yes, especially confident beginners who are ready to learn heel flaps and simple cables.
All three are cable-focused top-down designs, but Ruben Socks offer a slightly bolder cable presence while staying very wearable.
Reuben Socks Free Pattern
Materials:
Yarn: 350, 400, 450yds yds of Malabrigo Sock 440yd (402m)/100g
Needles: US #1 / 2.5mm DPNs (or circular for magic loop)
Notions: stitch markers, needle
Gauge: 8sts x 11rows per inch
sizing:
sizing: child, adult small, adult large
Finished measurements (unstretched):
Foot Length (adjustable): 7.5, 9, 10ins or 19, 22.5, 25cms
Leg length (adjustable): 4, 5, 6ins or 10, 12.5, 15cms
Model is a US ladies size 10w for the tall socks made in an adult large and a US women’s size 8.5 for the ankle socks made in adult medium.
Abbreviations can be found on the last page.
Reuben Stitch Pattern
In the Round
Round 1 – [p1, k3, p2, k2, (k1, yo, k1) in the next st, p1] around
Round 2 – [p1, k3, p2, k2, wyib sl3, p1] around
Round 3 – [p1, k3, p2, sl2 onto cable needle and hold in back, k3tog, k2 from cable needle, p1] around
Round 4 – [p1, k3 p1] around
Round 5 – [p1, k2, (k1, yo, k1) in the next st, p2, k3, p1] around
Round 6 – [p1, k2, wyib sl3, p2, k3, p1] around
Round 7 – [p1, sl2 onto cable needle and hold in back, k3tog, k2 from cable needle, p2, k3,p1] around
Round 8 – [p1, k3 p1] around
Flat
Row 1 – [p1, k3, p2, k2, (k1, yo, k1) in the next st, p1] around
Row 2 – [k1, wyif sl3, k2, p2, k3, p1] across
Row 3 – [p1, k3, p2, sl2 onto cable needle and hold in back, k3tog, k2 from cable needle, p1] around
Row 4 – [k1, p3, k1] across
Row 5 – [p1, k2, (k1, yo, k1) in the next st, p2, k3, p1] around
Row 6 – [k1, p3, k2, wyif sl3, k2, p1] across
Row 7 – [p1, sl2 onto cable needle and hold in back, k3tog, k2 from cable needle, p2, k3,p1] around
Row 8 – [k1, p3, k1] across
Cuff
Cast on 50, 60, 70 sts, join for working in the round.
If using dpn separate stitches as follows:
1st needle – 10, 15, 20sts
2nd needle – 15, 15,15sts
3rd needle – 25, 30, 35sts
If working on circulars place a marker at beginning of round and at 25, 30, 35sts
Longer length leg
Work in 1×1 rib (k1p1 around) for 10, 12, 14 rounds
Ankle length leg
Work in 1×1 rib (k1p1 around) for 16, 20, 20 round
Set-up round – [p1, k3, p1] around
Longer length leg
Then work in the Reuben stitch pattern until
Work rounds 1-8 above until piece measures 4, 5, 6 inches or 10, 12.5, 15cms from cast on (or desired length) ending after completing an even round of the stitch pattern
Ankle length leg
Then work in Reuben Stitch Pattern for 4 rounds
Heel Flap
Next round: Work across 25, 30, 35sts in established stitch pattern. Place these stitches on hold. The heel flap will be worked flat, turning after each row, with only the 25, 30, 35 sts on the 3rd needle
Continue working in Reuben Stitch Pattern for a total of 20, 26, 30 rows, slipping the first stitch of each row. Now work 2 more rows only as follows:
Row 1 – sl1, p3, k1 [k1, p3, k1] across to last 5sts, k1, p3, k1
Row 2 – sl1, k3, p1 [p1, k3, p1] across to last 5sts, p1, k3, p1
Heel Turn
Row 1 (RS): sl1, k 13, 16, 19, ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, p4, 5, 6, p2tog, p1, turn work.
Row 3: sl1, knit to 1 st before the gap, ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 4: sl1, purl to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn work.
Repeat rows 3-4 until all stitches have been worked:
15, 18, 21 sts remain.
Knit across these heel stitches slipping the first st.
Gusset
With needle 3, pick up and knit 12, 15, 17 sts along the edge of heel flap, PM, Work across 25, 30, 35 on hold in established pattern, PM,
Pick up and knit 12, 15, 17 sts along heel flap onto needle 2,
K8, 9, 11 sts onto needle 2, mark the new BOR (located at the bottom of the foot). [90 sts]
Round 1: knit to marker, work in pattern to marker, knit to bor
Round 2: knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, work in pattern to next marker, sm, k1, ssk, knit to end [2 sts dec]
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 7, 9, 10 times. [50, 60, 70 sts]
After last round, remove bor marker, knit the stitches on needle 3, place bor marker.
Foot
Continue working in the round in established pattern until the piece measures 5.5, 7, 8ins or 14, 17.5, 20cms (or desired length) from back of heel, or 1.5, 2, 2.25ins or 4, 5, 5.5 cms short of desired foot length. (Example: I wear a US size 10 and need to knit to 8.25ins before the toe decreases.) Ending after completing a round 3, 4, 7, 8 of the reuben stitch pattern.
The Reuben stitch pattern ends here. You will work in stockinette throughout for the remainder of the socks.
Toe
Round 1: k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k2, ssk, knit to 3 sts before end of round, k2tog, k1 [4 sts dec]
Round 2: knit
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 7, 9, 11 times. Until 22, 24, 26 sts remain.
For a left-handed tutorial of these decreases visit my youtube here
Cut yarn leaving a tail long enough to sew the toe closed, then graft toe using Kitchener stitch.
Weave in all ends
Kitchener stitch:
Place half the stitches on one needle, half the stitches on the other needle, (top and bottom NOT side to side)
Cut yarn (leaving a long yarn tail) and thread through a blunt needle.
Set-up steps: Insert needle purlwise (back to front) through the first st on front needle, leaving the st on the needle. Then insert needle knitwise (front to back) through the first st on the back needle, leaving the st on the needle.
Step 1: Insert needle knitwise through first st on front needle, then slip this st off the needle.
Step 2: Insert needle purlwise through the second st on front needle, leaving the st on the needle.
Step 3: Insert needle purlwise through first st on back needle, then drop this stitch off the needle.
Step 4: Insert needle knitwise through second st on back needle, leaving the st on the needle.
From this point to the end, repeat steps 1-4.
Kitchener stitch can be intimidating, but you get into a rhythm:
Front needle: knitwise drop off, purlwise leave on, Back needle: purlwise drop off, knitwise leave on, Repeat!
At the end of the row, there is only 1 stitch left on each needle.
Work steps 1 and 3 once more.
For a left-handed video tutorial of this visit my youtube here
Abbreviations
Bor- beginning of round
k – knit
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
k3tog – knit 3 stitches together
P – purl
pm – place marker
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
sm – slip maker
st – stich
sts – stitches
wyib – with yarn in back
Ready to cast on?
If you’ve been wanting to try cables in socks without making things complicated, this is a really satisfying project to start. The repeats are easy to remember, the fit is dependable, and the finished socks feel like something you’ll actually reach for again and again.
If you knit a pair, I’d love to hear how they turned out — share in the comments and tell me which length you chose.
This post may contain affiliate links. That simply means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to use them. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me continue offering free patterns.
The post Ruben Socks: A Free Cabled Top Down Sock Knitting Pattern You’ll Want to Knit Again appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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