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arisaigsamuscinxiajosephineblackberryrevolutionlacey
leaves in reliefbloomellaflorahipsterfalling leavesbubby
edgarastrodomepumpkinstit bitsyorick

These socks were inspired by a combination of my two favorite things to knit, lace and socks.

The lace motif is from Knitting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein and the colors were inspired by autumn leaves.

When choosing a variegated yarn for this project, look for one with short stretches of each color (6-8 inches) to avoid pooling or flashing. I think the variegation and lace complement each other nicely in this instance, but have included an example in a solid sock yarn as well.

Multicolored sock: model: Jessica Landers photos: Kristina Celario
Solid sock: model: Kristina Celario photos: Jessica Landers

SIZE
To fit foot circumference: 8[9, 10] inches
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Foot circumference = 7.25"[8", 9"]
Sole length is adjustable to fit the individual's foot
Cuff length = 6" or as desired

 

MATERIALS

[Variegated version] Koigu Painters Palette Merino [100%merino wool; 175yd/160m per 50g]; color: #823, 2 skeins
or

[Solid version] Patons Kroy [85% wool/15% nylon; 230yd/207m per 50g]; color: Forest Green; 2 skeins

1 40-inch US #1/2.25mm [2.5mm, US 2/2.75mm] circular needle
See Pattern Notes before selecting needles for this project.
Waste yarn (a smooth yarn is recommended)
Stitch holder
Crochet hook

GAUGE
40[36, 32] stitches = 4 inches in pattern stitch
PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations can be found here]

This pattern is worked using the "Magic Loop" technique. If you are unfamiliar with this technique, instructions may be found here and here.

If you prefer, the socks may be worked on double-point needles, or on two circular needles. If you prefer to use double-point needles, I suggest dividing the stitches between the needles in multiples of 12.

Crochet Cast On
Using waste yarn, work a crochet chain several sts longer than the number of sts to be cast on. Starting 1 or 2 sts in from end of chain and using working yarn, pick up and k 1 st in the back loop of each st until the required number of sts have been worked. Later, the chain will be unraveled and the resulting live sts picked up.

Turning Short Rows
When turning short rows in this pattern, the directions will instruct you to work a yarn over (yo).

When beginning a purl row, work the yo as follows:
Bring yarn between needles to back of work. Bring yarn over right needle to front of work, ready to purl the first st.

When beginning a knit row, work the yo as follows:
Bring yarn between needles to front of work. Bring yarn over right needle to back of work, ready to knit the first st.

When instructed to untwist a stitch, do so as follows:
Bring right needle around back of stitch, insert needle into stitch from back to front, and drop stitch from left needle. Slip stitch back to left needle; stitch is now oriented properly on left needle.

Lace Chart

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Key

\ = ssk
/ = k2tog
- = k
0 = YO

Chart only shows odd numbered rows, k all stitches on even numbered rows, k all stitches for bottom of foot.

 
DIRECTIONS

Toe
Using Crochet Cast On, CO 36 sts.
Row 1: P all sts.
Row 2: K35, turn work.
Row 3: Yo, p34, turn work.
Row 4: Yo, k33, turn work.
Rows 5-24: Work as for Rows 3 and 4, working each row 1 st shorter than the last.
Row 25: Yo, p12, turn work.
Row 26: Yo, k12, untwist next st (yo from previous row), k2tog (yo has been knit tog with next st on needle), turn work.
Row 27: Yo, p13, sl next 2 sts knitwise, one at a time, to right needle, sl these sts back to left needle and p2tog tbl, turn work.
Row 28: Yo, k14, untwist next 2 sts, k3tog, turn work.
Row 29: Yo, p15, sl next 3 sts knitwise, one at a time, to right needle, sl these sts back to left needle and p3tog tbl, turn work.
Rows 30-47: Work as for Rows 28 and 29, working each row 1 st longer than the last.
Row 48: Yo, k34, untwist next 2 sts, k3tog.

Remove crochet chain from CO and place resulting 35 live sts on needle, k these sts, m1. You will now commence working in the round.

Instep
Next Round: K3tog tbl (remaining 2 yarn overs decreased), k to end of round. 72 sts on needle.
Next Round: Work 12 sts of Lace Chart 3 times, k36.
Cont in patt as set, working 36 sts in Lace pattern, and 36 sts in stockinette st, until work measures 2 inches less than length of sole of foot.

Next Round: Work 36 sts in Lace patt as set, place sts just worked on st holder. Work Heel over rem 36 sts in same way as Toe to Row 47.

Row 48 [Heel]: Yo, k34, untwist next 2 sts, k3tog, replace held sts on needle and work them in Lace patt.
Next Round: K3tog tbl (remaining 2 yarn overs decreased), work to end of round in patt as set.
Next Round: Work 12 sts of Lace patt 6 times.
Beg Lace Chart for back of leg at current row of Lace Chart for front of leg, so that the Lace patt is at the same point around the whole cuff.

Cont in patt as set, working all sts in Lace patt, until sock is 1 inch shorter than desired length.
Work in 1x1 Rib for 1 inch. BO all sts loosely.

Make second sock same as first.

 
FINISHING

Weave in ends.

Wash and block sock. Socks are purposely designed on the small side so blocking can bring out the lace pattern. I block mine by washing them, rolling out most of the water in a towel and putting them on my feet to shape them. Then I take them off and lay them flat to dry.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Jessica is a law student in San Diego and knits to unwind. Her favorite projects are socks, which she drags everywhere on the bus, and lace.

You can read about her knitting at her blog.