Embarking on cable-knit kilt hose

[sydnie7]

Just worked up a test swatch for some cable-knit kilt hose I'm contemplating. Many of the patterns I've seen run the cable down the shin, but I'd rather have it down the outside of the calf. So I purchased a knot pattern here and am figuring out how to incorporate it into cuff and leg.

I intend to put the knot at the "four compass points" of the cuff with plain knitting in between (and a small edging from the cast-on). Shown is the full knot pattern, which is not quite deep enough for cuff, so maybe 1.5 of the pattern to form the cuff depth. BTW I worked the swatch in green left over from my last pair, but the cable pair will be done in red from the same Paton line.

Then k3p3 ribbing for the garter area, decreasing to the stitch count needed for the top of the calf. Cable down the outside (so I have to plan L and R hose) with the rest of the body a simple k12p3 ribbing as shown at top of swatch. Decreases would take place along a 12 stitch block down the back of calf, like the CalanaCraft pattern KAL1.

One area I'm still wrestling with is the garter directly in line with the cuff cable that continues down the outside of hose. Theoretically I should decrease for that area of garter, then increase again before starting calf. But I wonder if the ribbing will accommodate the extra stitches. . . I'm leaning toward no decrease in that area unless strongly advised otherwise.

Second area that I may plan when I get there is the end of the cable in ankle area. There will be more decreasing at end of cable, which I'd like to hide below the top-of-shoe line, but fear that will create an uncomfortable line of "lumps" inside the shoe. Alternative is to end it above the shoe and have "lumps" showing. I should knit up the cable again on this swatch, work the decreases, and see what they look/feel like.

This will be an adventure (and a slow one) but I'll post my progress.



P.S. There is a minor error in the purchased pattern, should you buy it let me know and I'll pass the info along (chart is accurate, text has one glitch).