Diana Socks

Diana Socks by Nikkie Knits

What is Being Made

Diana Socks is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pair of cuff-down socks designed by Nikkieknits. Inspired by Diana from the podcast Northern Knits, these socks are crafted for knitters who appreciate lace detailing without overly complex stitch work and prefer to avoid centre double decreases. The design features a sophisticated combination of lace panels and cable work, making them an excellent project for intermediate-level knitters seeking a balance between visual interest and technical accessibility.

Techniques Used

The Diana Socks pattern incorporates several fundamental and intermediate sock-knitting techniques worked in the cuff-down construction method. The sock begins at the cuff and progresses downward toward the toe, allowing knitters to try on the sock as they work and adjust the length as needed.

• Ribbed cuff: The pattern starts with a 1x1 rib, creating an elastic, fitted opening that holds the sock securely on the leg
• Colour blocking: A contrasting colour lace panel is introduced after the ribbed cuff, adding visual dimension before returning to the main colour
• Lace work: Lace panels are featured on the front of the sock, providing an elegant, open-work design that is neither overly complicated nor too simple
• Cable work: A cable runs down the back of the leg, adding texture and traditional sock appeal
• Heel flap and gusset: Standard sock construction techniques are used to create a reinforced heel
• Instep shaping: Lace continues on the instep while stockinette stitch is maintained on the sole for durability and comfort
• Wedge toe: The sock concludes with a classic wedge toe decrease, a straightforward toe closure method

Stitches Used

The Diana Socks pattern employs a variety of knitting stitches to create texture, structure, and visual interest throughout the design.

• 1x1 rib: Alternating knit and purl stitches create the elastic cuff
• Stockinette stitch: Smooth knit-side-facing fabric used on the sole and as the base for lace and cable sections
• Lace stitches: Yarn overs and decreases (specifically excluding centre double decreases) form the open-work lace panels on the front and instep
• Cable stitches: Crossed stitches create the textured cable running down the back of the leg

Materials

The Diana Socks pattern is designed to be worked in fingering weight yarn, the standard weight for sock knitting, requiring approximately 80-100 grams of yarn in total. The pattern calls for 2.25mm needles or needles sized to obtain the correct gauge. The original design uses specific yarn choices: Richard Devries yarn in the colourway Bonfire for the main colour (80 grams of 80% superwashed merino and 20% nylon) and Patons Kroy in Red for the contrast colour (20 grams of 75% washable wool and 25% nylon). Both yarns are wool-based with nylon content for durability and stretch. Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends, a measuring tape for sizing, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and optional sock blockers for finishing and display.