Let’s play

Let's Play Mystery Socks by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren

Project Overview

Let's Play is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of mystery socks designed by independent designer Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren. This intermediate-level sock pattern is created for fans of the Playful Day Podcast and features a playful combination of cables and lace work. The pattern provides stitch counts for multiple sizes—small, medium, and large—making it adaptable for different foot dimensions.

What is Being Made

This pattern creates a complete pair of socks worked from the cuff down using circular or double-pointed needles. The socks are constructed in the round, a traditional method for sock knitting that eliminates seams and creates a seamless, comfortable fit. The mystery element of the pattern invites knitters to discover the design as they work through the clues provided throughout the instructions.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for 100 grams of 4-ply sock yarn as the primary yarn, with an optional 5 grams of 4-ply sock yarn in a contrasting or coordinating colour for accent details. The 4-ply weight provides the ideal thickness for sock knitting, offering durability and a comfortable fit inside shoes while maintaining breathability.

Needles: Knitters may choose between 2.25mm and 2.5mm needles, with the option to work on either double-pointed needles (dpn) or circular needles. The pattern specifies using the larger 2.5mm needles for the main gauge measurement, while the smaller 2.25mm needles may be used for ribbed sections such as cuffs to create a snug, elastic finish.

Additional Notions: A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends, a cable needle for managing cable stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and optional waste yarn for holding stitches.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Cable Work: The pattern incorporates cables as a primary design element. Cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing raised, twisted rope-like textures. The pattern notes that although cabling is included, it should not draw the fabric in excessively, meaning the cable tension and stitch counts are balanced to maintain the intended sock dimensions and comfort.

Lace Work: Lace techniques feature prominently in the design, created through yarn-over increases paired with decreases. This creates openwork patterns that add visual interest and breathability to the socks.

Core Stitches Used:

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch that creates the base fabric
• Purl (p): The reverse of a knit stitch, used for texture and pattern variation
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches knitwise and knitting them together
• Slip stitch (sl): Moving a stitch from one needle to another without working it, used in cable techniques and shaping
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso): A decrease method where a slipped stitch is passed over a worked stitch

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes a gauge of 32 stitches and 44 rows over 10 centimetres in stocking stitch using the larger 2.5mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper sock fit and sizing. The pattern accommodates three sizes through adjustable stitch counts, allowing knitters to customize the sock to fit small, medium, or large feet.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized with clues that reveal the design progressively. The first clue indicates that the combination of cables and lace creates the visual theme, inviting knitters to engage with the mystery element as they progress through the sock construction.