Stone Harbor

Stone Harbor Socks by Vanessa Ewing

What Is Being Made

Stone Harbor is a pair of knitted socks designed by independent designer Vanessa Ewing. These are adult-sized socks available in three finished circumference options: 7 inches (18 cm) for Adult Small, 8 inches (20 cm) for Adult Medium, and 9 inches (23 cm) for Adult Large. The socks are intended to be worn with negative ease of ½ to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm), meaning they fit snugly against the leg for secure wear and optimal performance.

Design Features

The defining characteristic of Stone Harbor is the pebbled eyelet lace pattern that runs down the front of each sock. This lace motif features eyelet increases that grow in a pointed pattern, creating visual interest and texture. The designer has specified a firm gauge to ensure optimum wear resistance and crisp stitch definition, allowing the delicate lace details to stand out clearly against the stockinette background.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: The pebbled eyelet increases require yarn overs and decreases to create the characteristic openwork pattern
• Stockinette stitch: Forms the main body of the sock for a smooth, classic finish
• Wrapping stitches: Advanced technique used within the lace pattern to create texture and stitch definition
• Circular knitting: Worked on double-pointed needles in the round, the traditional method for sock construction
• Decreases: Both k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) are used to shape the lace pattern
• Yarn overs: Create the eyelet holes that define the lace design

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The lace stitch pattern is worked over 17 stitches and repeats across multiple rounds. The pattern combines knit and purl stitches with strategic yarn overs and decreases. Key stitches include:

• Stockinette stitch: Knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side, creating a smooth fabric with a V-pattern texture
• Purl stitches: Used to frame and define the lace sections
• Yarn overs (yo): Create the eyelet openings
• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for balanced lace
• Wrap stitches: Advanced technique that adds dimensional texture to the pebbled effect

Materials and Tools

Stone Harbor is designed for sock or fingering weight yarn, which is a 4-ply weight classification. The pattern requires 310 yards for Adult Small, 330 yards for Adult Medium, or 350 yards for Adult Large. The sample shown was knitted using Cape May Fiber Company Yak Sock in the Red Cottage colorway, a premium blend containing 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Yak, and 10% Nylon, with 437 yards per 100-gram skein. This fiber blend provides durability, softness, and washability ideal for everyday sock wear.

Knitting needles required are US Size 2 (2.75 mm) double-pointed needles in a set of 5. Additional tools include 3 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. The stockinette stitch gauge is 32 stitches and 44 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) when blocked. The lace stitch gauge is 16 stitches and 22 rounds over 2 inches (10 cm) when blocked. The difference in gauge between stockinette and lace reflects the openwork nature of the eyelet pattern. Knitters should swatch and block before beginning to ensure the finished socks fit as intended.

Difficulty Level

Stone Harbor is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the basic construction uses fundamental sock knitting