Another lace sock

Another Lace Sock by Ailsa Graham

What is Being Made

Another Lace Sock is an advanced knitting pattern for a fitted sock featuring decorative lace detailing across the foot. Designed by Ailsa Graham, this pattern creates a UK size 6 sock with adjustable sizing options based on pattern repeat placement. The sock is constructed from the toe upward using a traditional sock construction method, making it an ideal project for experienced knitters seeking to incorporate lace techniques into wearable accessories.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques that require confidence with sock construction and lace work. The sock begins with Judy's magic cast on, a specialized technique that creates a seamless toe by casting stitches onto two needles simultaneously. The pattern incorporates increases (make one stitches) to shape the toe section, expanding from the initial 24 stitches to 60 stitches across multiple rounds.

The lace design is worked from a pattern chart, requiring knitters to read and follow charted instructions while simultaneously managing stockinette stitch on other sections of the sock. The heel is constructed using the wrap and turn method (abbreviated as W+T), a technique that creates a shaped heel cup by wrapping stitches and turning work mid-row to create short rows. This advanced shaping technique prevents gaps and creates a well-fitted heel section.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) - the foundation stitch used throughout the sock
• Purl stitch (P) - indicated by dots on the chart, used to create texture and lace definition
• Yarn over (YO) - shown as circles on the chart, creates the openwork lace holes characteristic of the design
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) - a left-leaning decrease shown as backslash (\\) on the chart, used to balance yarn overs in the lace pattern
• Knit two together (K2tog) - a right-leaning decrease shown as forward slash (/) on the chart, used to balance yarn overs and shape the sock
• Make one (M1) - used during toe increases to add stitches gradually
• Stockinette stitch (St st) - smooth knit fabric used on the sole and instep sections

Materials

The pattern calls for 50g of Debbie Bliss Rialto Luxury Sock yarn or other loose twist lace weight sock yarn. The specified yarn weight is 4-ply, a fine gauge yarn ideal for creating detailed lace patterns and comfortable, fitted socks. Knitters should use four 2.25mm double pointed needles (or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge of 38 stitches over 10 centimeters in width). The gauge is critical for ensuring proper fit, and knitters are encouraged to adjust needle size as necessary to match the recommended tension before beginning the project.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The sock is divided into distinct sections: the toe, foot with lace patterning, and heel. The pattern is designed with 4 pattern repeats positioned over the foot section, which determines the finished size of UK size 6. Knitters can adjust the final sock size by modifying the number of pattern repeats as needed. The foot section is worked until the sock measures 4 centimeters less than the desired finished length before transitioning to the heel shaping, allowing customization for different leg lengths.