Looking for a free ankle sock pattern that’s fun to knit and totally practical? The Deborah Ankle Socks are just the thing! Check out all of our free patterns here.
Inspired by my need to multitask my swatches, these socks were born from a test run of a stitch pattern for a summer sweater. Bonus? The stitch design reminds me of honeycomb, which makes the name “Deborah” (meaning “bee”) the perfect fit! Grab your needles, your favorite skein of KnitPicks Muse (affiliate link), and let’s dive into this delightful sock project.
👉 Check out the free sweater pattern that inspired these socks!
Why I Swatch with Socks
I don’t know about you, but I hate wasting time. Swatching for a new project? Necessary, but it always feels like a bit of a chore. If I’m going to knit something just to check gauge or test a new stitch pattern, I want it to be useful! That’s how I started using socks as my swatches—and how the Deborah Ankle Socks free ankle sock pattern came to life.
These socks were my test swatch for a Deborah Tee that I’m knitting for my daughter. Instead of knitting a tiny useless square, I cast on a sock and let the stitch pattern unfold in a way that I could actually use. Practical, right?
The Perfect Yarn for These Socks
For the Deborah Ankle Socks, I chose KnitPicks Muse (affiliate link)—and let me tell you, I have no regrets. This yarn is soft but sturdy, with stunning vibrant colors. It was only my second time using it, but it definitely won’t be my last.
One of the things I love most about KnitPicks Muse (affiliate link) is that the colors don’t pool. Now, I know some knitters love color pooling, and that’s totally fine! But for me, I prefer smooth, even color distribution, and KnitPicks Muse (affiliate link) delivers every time.
The Meaning Behind the Name
I put a lot of thought into naming my knitting patterns, and this free ankle sock pattern was no exception. The delicate eyelet stitch reminded me of honeycomb, which led me to the name Deborah—because did you know that Deborah means “bee”? It was meant to bee! (Okay, I couldn’t resist the dad joke.)
Sometimes my pattern names are super obvious, like the Wheat Cardigan, and sometimes they have a more subtle connection, like the Deborah Ankle Socks free ankle sock pattern. If your name happens to be Deborah, you probably already knew about the bee connection, but for the rest of us, now you have a fun little fact to share.
How These Socks Fit
The Deborah Ankle Socks free ankle sock pattern creates a snug, cozy fit that hugs your feet just right. The eyelet stitch gives them a bit of breathability, making them perfect for warmer months. And since they’re ankle socks, they knit up quickly—great for an instant-gratification project!
If you’ve never knit socks before, don’t be intimidated! This free ankle sock pattern is a great introduction to sock knitting, with just enough detail to keep things interesting without being overly complicated.
Why You Need This Free Ankle Sock Pattern
Still not convinced that you need to cast on a pair of Deborah Ankle Socks? Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Quick Knit – Because they’re ankle socks, they take less time than full-length socks.
- Great for Gifts – Who doesn’t love a pair of hand-knit socks?
- Perfect Stash Buster – Use up that one skein of KnitPicks Muse (affiliate link) you’ve been saving.
- Wearable All Year – Breathable enough for summer, cozy enough for cooler weather.
How to Get the Free Ankle Sock Pattern
Ready to knit your own pair? You can grab the full free ankle sock pattern on below right now! I can’t wait to see your versions—be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make them.
Materials and Info
Yarn: 1 hank of Knitpicks Muse (100g/423yd)
Needles: US #1 / 2.25mm DPNs (or circular for magic loop) Notions: stitch markers, needle
Gauge: 8sts x 11rows per inch
sizing: baby (toddler, child,) lg child, adult S, (M, L)
Finished measurements (unstretched):
Leg Length (adjustable): 2.5 (3.5, 4) 4.5, 5, (6, 7)”
Foot Length (adjustable): 4 (6, 7.25), 8, 9, (10, 11.25)”
Deborah Ankle Socks are a shorter version of Deborah Socks. They were initially created as a test swatch for Deborah Tee.
I chose to use KnitPicks Muse because it is durable and the colors are lovely. Short rows are used to make the tab on the ankle. I use a yarn over wrap and turn (w&t) method of short rows but you can use any method that works for you, understanding I will use the w&t abbreviation for where the short row should be turned.
Model is wearing a adult medium.
Abbreviations can be found on the last page.
Deborah Lace Stitch Patten
Rounds 1-3 – knit across
Round 4 – [yo, k1, K2tog, k1] repeat [to] across
Rounds 5-7 – knit across
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1, yo, k1] repeat [to] across
Deborah Ankle Socks Pattern
Cuff
Cast on 40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts, join for working in the round.
Separate stitches on your dpn as follows:
1st needle 20 (22, 26) 28, 30 (32, 36) sts
2nd and 3rd needle 10 (11, 13) 14, 15 (16, 18) sts each needle
Work in Stockinette for 4 (5, 5) 5, 5, (5, 6) rounds.
Short rows:
Row 1 – Work across 1st needle to 1 st remaining on needle, W&T.
Row 2 – Work across to 1 st remaining on the needle, W&T.
Row 3 – Work across to 1 st before last wrap, W&T.
Row 4 – Work across to 1 st before last wrap, W&T.
Repeat rounds 3 & 4: 1 (1, 2) 2, 2 (2, 3) times.
Next round: Work across cuff in stockinette, picking up wraps and working them together with the sts they wrap as you complete this round.
Work in 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 4 (5, 5) 5, 5, (5, 6) rounds.
Next Round: Fold the cast on edge into the sock, lining up the cast on edge with the current working sts. *Pick up the cast on stitch directly above the current stitch, k2tog, rep from * to the end of the rnd, the stitch count will not change.
Heel Flap
Next round: You will work the heel flap on the next 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sts. Place the remaining 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sts on hold.
Row 1 (RS): sl1, knit to end, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, purl to end, turn work.
Repeat rows 1-2 a total of 8 (10, 12), 13, 14, (16, 18) times.
This is a total of 16 (20, 24), 26, 28, (32, 36) rows.
Heel Turn
Row 1 (RS): sl1, k12 (12, 14), 15, 16, (18, 20), ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, p7 (5, 5) 5, 5, (7, 7), p2tog, p1, turn work.
Row 3: sl1, knit to 1 st before the gap, ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 4: sl1, purl to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn work.
Repeat rows 3-4 until all stitches have been worked: 14 (14, 16), 16, 18, (20, 22) sts remain.
Knit across these heel stitches slipping the first st.
Gusset
You will now start working the Deborah lace stitch pattern on the front of the sock. Start by working a round 1. You will begin the Deborah Lace Stitch Pattern as follows (Only the top of foot stitches are mentioned here): knit 0 (1, 1) 0, 1 (0, 0), work 20, (20, 24) 28, 28 (32, 36), knit 0 (1, 1) 0, 1 (0, 0)
.
Pick up and knit 9 (11, 13), 14, 15, (17, 19) sts along the edge of heel flap, PM, Work Deborah lace stitch pattern 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), PM, pick up and knit 9 (11, 13), 14, 15, (17, 19) sts along heel flap, k7 (7, 8) 8, 9, (10, 11) sts, mark the new BOR (located at the bottom of the foot). [52 (58, 68) 72, 78, (86, 96) sts]
Round 1: k 16 (18, 21) 22, 24 (27, 30) sts, work Deborah lace stitch pattern across 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), k 16 (18, 21) 22, 24 (27, 30) sts
Round 2: knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, work Deborah lace stitch pattern 20 (22, 26), 28, 30, (32, 36), sm, k1, ssk, knit to end [2 sts dec]
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 6 (7, 8) 8, 9, (11, 12) times. [40 (44, 52) 56, 60, (64, 72) sts]
Foot
Shift beginning of round (BOR) remove marker as follows: remove marker, k10 (11, 13) 14, 15, (16, 18), place marker – this is the new BOR, located at the side of the foot.
Continue working in the round, keeping the top of foot in pattern, until the piece measures 3 (5, 6) 6.5, 7, (8, 9)” from back of heel, or 1 (1, 1.5) 1.75, 2, (2, 2.25)” short of desired foot length.
Toe
Round 1: k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k2, ssk, knit to 3 sts before end of round, k2tog, k1 [4 sts dec]
Round 2: knit
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 5 (6, 7) 8, 9, (9, 10) times. until 16 (16, 20) 20, 20, (24, 24) sts remain.
Cut yarn leaving a 12” tail, then graft toe using Kitchener stitch.
Weave in all ends
Abbreviations and Tutorials
Kitchener stitch:
Place half the stitches on one needle, half the stitches on the other needle, (top and bottom NOT side to side)
Cut yarn (leaving a long yarn tail) and thread through a blunt needle.
Set-up steps: Insert needle purlwise (back to front) through the first st on front needle, leaving the st on the needle. Then insert needle knitwise (front to back) through the first st on the back needle, leaving the st on the needle.
Step 1: Insert needle knitwise through first st on front needle, then slip this st off the needle.
Step 2: Insert needle purlwise through the second st on front needle, leaving the st on the needle.
Step 3: Insert needle purlwise through first st on back needle, then drop this stitch off the needle.
Step 4: Insert needle knitwise through second st on back needle, leaving the st on the needle.
From this point to the end, repeat steps 1-4.
Kitchener stitch can be intimidating, but you get into a rhythm:
Front needle: knitwise drop off, purlwise leave on,
Back needle: purlwise drop off, knitwise leave on,
Repeat!
At the end of the row, there is only 1 stitch left on each needle.
Work steps 1 and 3 once more.
Abbreviations
k – knit
P – purl
sm – slip maker
pm – place marker
st – stich
sts – stitches
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
w&t – wrap the yarn around the next stitch, turn work
Download Deborah Ankle Socks PDF
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