Lanyard socks

Lanyard Socks by Corrina Ferguson

What is Being Made

Lanyard Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of socks designed by Corrina Ferguson for picnicknits.com. This intermediate-level project creates functional socks featuring decorative lanyards or eyelet details. The pattern is offered in two sizes: small/medium and medium/large, allowing for customization based on foot measurements and preferred fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

This sock pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The design incorporates yarn overs (yo), which bring the yarn to the front of the work before knitting the next stitch, creating small eyelet holes that are characteristic of lanyard-style sock designs. The pattern also uses knit through back loop (ktbl) stitches for twisted stitch effects and kf&b (knit into the front and back) increases to shape the sock construction. Advanced shaping techniques include wrap and turn (w&t) methods, commonly used in heel construction to create smooth, fitted heel cups. A skyp (slip, knit, yarnover, pass slipped stitch over) decrease is also featured, which creates decorative decreases while maintaining stitch count in certain sections.

Stitches Used

The foundational stitches in this pattern include:

• Knit (k) – the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (p) – used for texture variation and ribbing
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the eyelet holes characteristic of the lanyard design
• Knit through back loop (ktbl) – adds twisted stitch texture
• Kf&b (knit front and back) – increases stitches for shaping
• Skyp (slip, knit, yarnover, pass slipped stitch over) – decorative decrease
• Stockinette stitch – the primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit and purl rows

Materials and Specifications

The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Sugarbee Studios' Politically Incorrect Yarns 100% Wool Sock Yarn in the Slap & Tickle colorway. One 100-gram skein provides 400 yards of yardwork, which is sufficient for completing the socks. The yarn weight is 4-ply fingering weight, a standard choice for sock knitting that creates durable, well-fitting garments.

The pattern requires a 40-inch size 2 circular needle (3.0 mm) for working the socks in the round, the traditional method for seamless sock construction. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing, a small crochet hook used for the cast-on method, and smooth fingering or sport weight waste yarn for provisional cast-on techniques.

Sizing and Gauge

The pattern accommodates two sizes: small/medium (60 stitches) and medium/large (72 stitches). The gauge is approximately 30 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch, which is typical for fingering-weight sock yarn on size 2 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished socks fit correctly and have the intended drape and structure.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate project, Lanyard Socks is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and stitch techniques. The combination of eyelet work, heel shaping with wrap-and-turn methods, and decorative decreases requires comfort with reading pattern instructions and managing multiple stitch types simultaneously.