Product Description
These socks would be ideal for intermediate sock knitters who would like to try out lace knitting.
The design for these socks was inspired by my Old Shale Shawl. For some time now, I have wanted to design sock patterns that would match my four free shawl patterns. The thought of knitting lace can be slightly daunting to some knitters, but this is a very straight forward lace pattern to follow: there are only four rounds in this pattern repeat and only one of these four is a pattern round. I’m also hoping to help knitters understand how cuff down socks with a traditional gusset develop with this very simple yet elegant sock pattern.
Pattern contains links to five tutorial videos on my YouTube channel to help with various techniques used while knitting these socks.
Old Shale Socks by Amanda (Shuttermonkey)
What is Being Made
Old Shale Socks are a pair of lace-patterned socks designed for intermediate knitters. These socks feature a sophisticated lace design inspired by the designer's Old Shale Shawl, making them an ideal companion piece for knitters who have already completed that shawl pattern. The finished medium size features a foot circumference of 8 inches (20.3 cm) and is constructed using the cuff-down method with a traditional gusset.
Techniques and Construction
These socks are worked from the cuff down using a straightforward approach that helps knitters understand how traditional gusset construction develops. The lace knitting technique is presented in an accessible way, with a simple yet elegant pattern repeat that contains only four rounds total, of which just one round is a pattern round. This design choice makes lace knitting less intimidating for those new to the technique while still producing a refined finished garment.
Stitches Used
The primary stitch used throughout most of the sock is stocking stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base. The lace pattern is integrated into this foundation, using yarn overs and decreases to create the characteristic openwork design inspired by the Old Shale motif. The straightforward four-round repeat makes the pattern easy to memorize and execute.
Materials and Specifications
- Yarn: 290 meters / 317 yards of Drops Fabel in shade 115 Light Grey (4-ply weight)
- Needles: 2.25mm double pointed needles in a set of five
- Notions: 1 stitch marker
- Gauge: 32 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches in stocking stitch using 2.25mm needles (measured after blocking)
- Finished Size: Medium, with 63 stitches cast on and 8 inches (20.3 cm) foot circumference
Skill Level
Rated as intermediate difficulty, these socks are designed for knitters who have experience with basic sock construction and are ready to explore lace knitting in a manageable format. The pattern provides an excellent introduction to combining lace techniques with fitted garment construction.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | 4 Ply |
| Pages: | 10 |
| Designer: | Amanda (Shuttermonkey) |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | You may have to adjust your needle size to achieve the required tension. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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