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| Photo above © DROPS Design |
Alaskan Cables by DROPS Design is a cozy pair of short knitted socks with a compact cable pattern, ribbed texture and a warm, substantial feel.
These are not delicate fingering-weight socks. They are knitted in DROPS Alaska, a heavier wool yarn, which makes them a satisfying choice if you want warm ankle socks that knit up faster than many traditional sock-yarn projects.
The pattern includes three adult sizes and combines classic sock construction with decorative cables, making it an appealing next step for knitters who already understand basic sock knitting.
Best of all, the original DROPS 125-15 pattern is still available for free from DROPS Design.
✓ Free Pattern Availability
The original Alaskan Cables / DROPS 125-15 knitting pattern is currently available free from DROPS Design. Use the official pattern page linked below for the complete written instructions and cable charts.
Alaskan Cables Socks at a Glance
Official Pattern: Alaskan Cables
DROPS Number: 125-15
Designer: DROPS Design
First Published: July 2010
Category: Short / ankle socks
Sizes: EU 35/37, 38/40, 41/43
US Sizes: Approx. 5/6½, 7½/9, 9½/10½
Foot Length: 22, 24, 27 cm
Leg Length: Approx. 4 cm / 1½ in
Yarn: DROPS Alaska
Yarn Weight: Aran / DROPS Yarn Group C
Yarn Amount: 100 g for each size
Needles: 4.5 mm / US 7 double-pointed needles
Gauge: 18 sts × 23 rows = 10 cm / 4 in in stockinette
Construction: Worked in the round, top-down
Availability: Free from DROPS Design
About the Alaskan Cables Socks
These compact socks combine practical warmth with a decorative cable motif.
Rather than using fine sock yarn and tiny needles, the design uses DROPS Alaska and 4.5 mm needles, producing a thicker fabric and a much more substantial finished sock.
That makes this pattern particularly attractive for lounging, cold-weather wear or use inside roomy boots.
Three Adult Sizes
The official DROPS pattern includes:
- EU 35/37 — foot length approximately 22 cm
- EU 38/40 — foot length approximately 24 cm
- EU 41/43 — foot length approximately 27 cm
The leg section is deliberately short at approximately 4 cm / 1½ inches.
This short cuff is what gives the design its ankle-sock appearance.
Warm Aran-Weight Socks
Alaskan Cables differs from many standard sock patterns because it uses DROPS Alaska, an Aran-weight wool yarn.
Heavier yarn creates a thicker, warmer sock and also means fewer stitches are required than in a typical fingering-weight sock.
For many knitters, that makes the project feel noticeably quicker.
Original Yarn: DROPS Alaska
DROPS Alaska is a classic 100% wool yarn from Garnstudio.
The published pattern calls for:
100 grams for all three sizes
The original sample used color 04, gray.
You can certainly choose another shade or substitute a compatible yarn, but the finished fabric should remain firm enough for socks while still being comfortable.
Gauge
The official gauge is:
18 stitches × 23 rows = 4 × 4 inches / 10 × 10 cm
This is measured in stockinette stitch.
The suggested needle size is:
4.5 mm / US 7 double-pointed needles
As always, use the needle size that gives you the correct gauge rather than relying only on the number printed in the pattern.
Cables Give the Socks Their Character
The defining feature of the design is the cable panel.
DROPS provides charts for the decorative pattern, and the cables create a strong vertical texture across the short upper section of the sock.
Combined with ribbing, the result looks more detailed than a basic stockinette ankle sock without requiring elaborate all-over cabling.
Read the Cable Charts Before You Begin
The official pattern uses cable diagrams, so it is worth spending a few minutes reading the chart symbols before casting on.
The diagrams include standard knit and purl stitches as well as cable crossings and decreases.
Keep the DROPS chart legend visible while working until the sequence becomes familiar.
Worked in the Round
The socks are worked in the round from the cuff downward.
The official pattern uses double-pointed needles.
If you prefer another small-circumference method, such as magic loop, you may be able to adapt the project, but the original instructions are written for double-pointed needles.
Heel Construction
After the short patterned leg, the pattern transitions into traditional heel shaping.
DROPS includes specific heel-decrease instructions for all three sizes.
Follow those stitch counts carefully, especially if you have not worked this style of heel before.
A Good Project for Learning Cabled Socks
If you already understand basic sock construction but have never added cables, this pattern can be a useful introduction.
The short leg keeps the decorative section relatively compact, while the heavier yarn makes individual stitches easy to see.
That can make cable crossings easier to understand than on very fine sock yarn.
Choosing a Substitute Yarn
If you do not use DROPS Alaska, choose a yarn that can comfortably achieve the published 18-stitch gauge.
Pay attention to:
- Gauge
- Fiber content
- Durability
- Elasticity
- Thickness
- Washability
A yarn can match the same nominal weight and still produce a very different sock fabric, so a swatch is useful before making the full pair.
These Are Not Traditional Thin Sock-Yarn Socks
Fit and Use Note
Because this pattern uses Aran-weight wool, the finished socks are substantially thicker than socks knitted with conventional fingering sock yarn. They may be better suited to lounging, slippers or roomy boots than to close-fitting everyday shoes.
Measure the Foot Rather Than Guessing the Size
Whenever possible, use actual foot length rather than relying only on a shoe-size number.
DROPS provides finished foot lengths of 22, 24 and 27 cm, which makes selecting the closest size easier.
This is particularly helpful if you are knitting the socks as a gift.
Why Ribbing Works Well Here
Ribbing helps the short upper section adapt comfortably around the foot and ankle.
It also complements the raised cable structure, creating a design that feels cohesive rather than overly busy.
Blocking and Finishing
Once both socks are complete, gently block them according to the care instructions for your yarn.
Avoid aggressively stretching the ribbing or cables, since the texture is part of what gives these socks their shape.
Weave all ends securely, particularly because socks experience more friction than many other knitted accessories.
Skills Used in Alaskan Cables
- Knitting in the round
- Double-pointed needles
- Ribbing
- Stockinette stitch
- Cable crossings
- Reading cable charts
- Heel shaping
- Picking up stitches
- Decreasing
- Toe shaping
Is the Alaska Ankle Socks Pattern Still Free?
Yes.
The exact original pattern behind this Amazing Knitting page is Alaskan Cables / DROPS 125-15, and DROPS Design still provides it free on its official website.
Amazing Knitting does not reproduce DROPS Design's complete knitting instructions or charts. Use the official source for the full pattern.
Get the Free Alaskan Cables Sock Pattern
Visit DROPS Design for the official pattern, charts and complete instructions:
Get the Free Alaskan Cables Pattern →
You can also view the Ravelry record for project examples and pattern information:
View DROPS 125-15 on Ravelry →
More Free Socks and Slippers
If you enjoy warm footwear projects, continue exploring these patterns already restored in the Amazing Knitting archive:
Or browse:
Before You Start
Choose your size using the published foot measurements, then make sure your yarn produces approximately 18 stitches per 10 cm / 4 inches in stockinette.
Read the two cable charts before beginning and keep a cable needle handy.
Most importantly, remember that these are intentionally thick, woolly ankle socks. If you want a fast, warm pair with more texture than a plain sock, Alaskan Cables is an excellent project to try.
Pattern credit: Alaskan Cables is DROPS Design pattern 125-15, first published in 2010. The existing photograph on this Amazing Knitting page is credited to DROPS Design. Amazing Knitting provides an independent project guide and does not reproduce DROPS Design's complete copyrighted knitting instructions or charts.