Looking for a free lace sock pattern that’s both fun to knit and perfect for year-round wear? I’ve got you covered! Inspired by my love for ankle socks in summer, I knew I needed a crew-length version to get me through the colder months. And since I was obsessed with how the Deborah Ankle Socks turned out (check them out here!), I had no choice but to design a longer version. It was a must.
Why You’ll Love This Free Lace Sock Pattern
There’s something so satisfying about knitting lace socks. They’re delicate, breathable, and just challenging enough to keep things interesting. This free lace sock pattern is no exception! Whether you’re a lace sock enthusiast or new to knitting socks, this pattern is a fun project that results in a stunning, wearable piece.
The Perfect Yarn for This Free Lace Sock Pattern
Choosing the right yarn makes all the difference in a great sock pattern. I went with KnitPicks Stroll (affiliate link) because it checks all the boxes—soft, durable, and machine washable. Plus, the color options? Endless. You can go bold, pastel, neutral, or anything in between. No matter what shade you choose, KnitPicks Stroll (affiliate link) gives your socks the perfect balance of comfort and durability.
Knitting the Free Lace Sock Pattern
Now, let’s talk construction! This free lace sock pattern is worked from the top down with a classic heel flap and gusset. If you’ve never tried a lace sock before, don’t worry—this one is beginner-friendly with a simple lace repeat that’s easy to memorize.
The pattern includes both charted and written instructions, so whether you prefer to follow a chart or read line by line, I’ve got you covered. The lace detailing adds just the right amount of stretch, ensuring a comfortable fit that hugs your foot beautifully.
How to Style Your Lace Socks
One of the best things about this free lace sock pattern is how versatile the finished socks are! They pair perfectly with ankle boots, Mary Janes, or even cozy slippers for lounging around the house. You can dress them up for a vintage-inspired look or wear them casually with jeans and sneakers.
If you’re a gift knitter, these socks make a wonderful handmade present. Imagine gifting someone a pair of elegant lace socks made in their favorite color! With KnitPicks Stroll (affiliate link), you can choose a shade that suits their personality—whether that’s a soft pastel for a dreamy aesthetic or a deep jewel tone for a bold statement.
Tips for Success with This Free Lace Sock Pattern
If this is your first time knitting lace socks, here are a few tips to make the process even smoother:
- Use stitch markers to separate lace repeats if you’re worried about losing track.
- Count your stitches at the end of each lace round to make sure you didn’t miss a yarn-over or decrease.
- Choose the right needle size for your gauge. Everyone knits differently, so it’s always a good idea to do a swatch!
- Block your socks when you’re done—lace patterns always look their best after a good blocking session.
Final Thoughts on This Free Lace Sock Pattern
Knitting socks is always satisfying, but there’s something extra special about a lace sock project. This free lace sock pattern combines elegance with practicality, making it a must-knit for any sock lover. And with KnitPicks Stroll (affiliate link), you’ll end up with socks that are both cozy and stylish.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your needles, pick out your favorite shade of KnitPicks Stroll (affiliate link), and get started on your own pair of lace socks. I can’t wait to see how yours turn out!
Materials and Info
Materials:
Yarn: 1 hank of Knitpicks Stroll (100g/462yd)
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 Socks are a longer version of Deborah Ankle Socks. They were initially created as a test swatch for Deborah Tee.
I chose to use KnitPicks Stroll because it is durable and the colors are lovely.
Model is wearing a adult medium.
Abbreviations can be found at the bottom of the 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 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 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 8 (8, 10) 10, 12, (12, 14) rounds.
Work in Deborah Lace Stitch Pattern until piece measures 2.5 (3.5, 4) 4.5, 5, (6, 7)” from cast on
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. Continue as established on the front only, leaving the bottom of the foot in stockinette stitch.
.
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
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.
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
Download Deborah Socks PDF
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