Eyelet Ankle Socks

Eyelet Ankle Socks by Anna Duran

What is Being Made

The Eyelet Ankle Socks are a pair of women's medium-sized socks designed to fit ladies' shoe sizes 7-8, with finished measurements of 9 inches in foot length and 3¾ inches in width. These are cuff-down socks featuring an elegant eyelet lace pattern in the cuff, combining decorative lacework with functional everyday sock construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The socks are worked cuff-down, meaning construction begins at the top of the sock and progresses downward toward the toe. The pattern uses double-pointed needles (DPNs) for circular knitting in the round, allowing for seamless construction. The cuff features a 1x1 rib stitch worked for 12 rounds to create elasticity and a snug fit around the ankle. The sock transitions from ribbed cuff into stockinette stitch for the leg and foot sections. A traditional heel flap is worked flat using a turn-and-work method, where the knitter temporarily switches from circular to flat knitting by turning the work and purling back across designated heel stitches. This technique creates a reinforced heel section that withstands wear and provides durability.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitches used in these socks include:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches as foundational elements
• 1x1 Ribbing for the cuff, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in every round for 12 rounds total
• Stockinette stitch, the smooth, classic fabric created by knitting all stitches in the round
• Eyelet lace pattern in the cuff area, which incorporates decorative holes for visual interest
• Slip stitch (Sl 1) used at the beginning of heel flap rows to create a neat, finished edge

The eyelet lace detail distinguishes these socks from basic sock patterns, adding an elegant, feminine touch while maintaining the practical functionality of everyday wear.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The pattern calls for 1 skein of 50 grams (1.8 ounces) of sock-weight yarn. The recommended yarn is HiKoo CoBaSi from LoveCrafts or Sharon Undyed Sock Round from Maker's Mercantile. The yarn composition is 55% cotton, 16% viscose from bamboo, 8% silk, and 21% nylon elastic, creating a durable, breathable blend ideal for socks. This blend provides natural fiber comfort with added elasticity and durability for extended wear.

Needles: Size #1.5 (2.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) are required. The pattern specifies using 2 sets of DPNs for working 2 socks at a time, a technique that allows knitters to complete a matching pair simultaneously rather than sequentially.

Gauge: The pattern establishes a gauge of 11 rows and 8 stitches per 1 inch in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional Notions: Bulb stitch markers are recommended to help track stitch placement and pattern repeats throughout the construction process.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, these socks are suitable for knitters with some experience beyond absolute beginners. While basic stitches like knit and purl form the foundation, the combination of circular knitting on DPNs, working a heel flap with flat knitting sections, and incorporating eyelet lace patterning requires solid foundational skills and comfort with sock construction techniques.