For these floral lace socks, you knit them toe up, using the Eastern Cast-On, a short-row heel, and a picot edging. Although only one size is given, the lace pattern is stretchy and accommodates a variety of sizes. You can also adjust sizes by changing needle size (a larger needle produces a larger sock) or yarn thickness (sport weight yarn produces a larger sock).
Size:
W Med
Finished Foot Circumference: 8 inches
Materials:
2 skeins Louet Gems Fingering Weight (100% merino wool, 185 yd./50g) in Mustard
US 0 (2mm) dpns or size needed to obtain gauge
Tapestry needle
Gauge:
7 sts and 9 rounds = 1 inch square in St st
Because these are toe-up socks, you start with the toe:
CO 10 wraps (20 sts total) using the Eastern Cast-On.
Knit the sts on the top needle, rotate, and knit the sts on the bottom needle to complete the CO.
Round 1:
Needle 1: Kfb, k to end of needle. Take up an empty needle.
Needle 2: K to last st, kfb. Take up an empty needle.
Needle 3: Kfb, k to end of needle. Take up an empty needle.
Needle 4: K to last st, kfb.
Round 2:
Needle 1: K1, m1, k to end of needle.
Needle 2: K to last st, m1, k1.
Needle 3: Rep Needle 1.
Needle 4: Rep Needle 2.
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4:
Needle 1: K1, yo, k to end of needle.
Needle 2: K to last st, yo, k1.
Needle 3: Rep Needle 1.
Needle 4: Rep Needle 2.
Rep rounds 3 and 4 until you have 15 sts on each needle. 60 sts total.
Next round: K13, k2tog, k to end of round. 59 sts rem.
The foot is where you begin working the lace pattern.
Next Round: Work Floral Lace chart over next 29 sts, k 30 (see chart at right).
Work even in patt until foot measures 7.5 inches or 2 inches less than desired total foot length, ending at the end of Needle 2. Note the lace patt round on which you ended.
Work the short-row heel.
Work the heel over 30 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K 29 sts onto one needle. Wrap the next st and turn.
Row 2 (WS): P 28 sts. Wrap the next st and turn.
Row 3: K to 1 before previously wrapped st. Wrap the next st and turn.
Row 4: P to 1 before previously wrapped st. Wrap the next st and turn.
Rep rows 3 and 4 until 12 sts rem unwrapped in the middle of the heel.
Now you pick up the wraps.
Row 1 (RS): K to wrapped st. Pick up wrap and work together with st. Wrap the next st and turn.
Row 2 (WS): P to wrapped st. Pick up wrap and work together with st. Wrap the next st and turn.
Row 3: K to double-wrapped st. Pick up both wraps and work together with st. Wrap the next st and turn.
Row 4: P to double-wrapped st. Pick up both wraps and work together with st. Wrap the next st and turn.
5Rep rows 3 and 4 until you have worked all wrapped sts. Do not wrap after you pick up the last double-wraps.
Next Round: Work in Floral Lace patt over 29 sts, m1, k30. 60 sts.
Work the leg.
Next Round: Work 29 instep sts (front of leg) in established Floral Lace patt, k1, work 29 sts (back of leg) in same row of Floral Lace patt, k1.
Work in patt on all sts, maintaining 1 knit st at each side and Floral Lace patt on front and back of leg until leg measures 6 inches from top of the heel.
Knit the picot cuff and finish the sock.
Work 6 rounds in St st (k all sts).
Picot Round: * Yo, k2tog *, rep from * to * around.
Work 5 more rounds in St st. Cut yarn, leaving a 24-inch tail.
Fold picot edge along picot round into sock and sew live sts down to inside, maintaining an even tension.
Weave in ends and block.