Discover the Martha Socks, a free lace sock pattern for ladies, with a simple yet stunning design. Find the pattern here!
When I set out to design the Martha Socks, I knew I wanted something that was both beautiful and practical—a pattern that knitters would return to again and again. This free lace sock pattern delivers just that, blending a timeless heel flap construction with a delicate yet approachable lace motif. Knit in KnitPicks Stroll Tweed (affiliate link) on 2.25mm DPNs – my favorites are KnitPicks Reflections 6in (affiliate link), these socks are perfect for anyone who loves classic knitting projects with a touch of elegance.
Why Choose the Martha Socks Free Lace Sock Pattern?
If you’re like me, you enjoy patterns that strike the right balance between intricate detail and relaxing repetition. The lace pattern on these socks achieves that balance. It’s simple enough to memorize after a few rounds but still gives the finished socks an elegant, handcrafted look.
The Martha Socks free lace sock pattern is written specifically for ladies, making it an ideal project for gift knitting or personal indulgence. Whether you’re knitting for a loved one or treating yourself, these socks are bound to become a favorite.
Yarn and Tools for the Martha Socks
For this pattern, I chose KnitPicks Stroll Tweed (affiliate link), a lightweight yarn that offers incredible softness and a classic tweedy finish. The flecks of color in the yarn add visual interest without overwhelming the lace design.
You’ll need 2.25mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) (affiliate link) for this project. While DPNs are my go-to for sock knitting, feel free to adapt the pattern for magic loop or two circular needles if you prefer.
A Closer Look at the Free Lace Sock Pattern
The Martha Socks are knit top-down, starting with a stretchy ribbed cuff that transitions smoothly into the lace pattern. The lace motif is the star of the show—delicate, symmetrical, and easy to work with. It flows seamlessly down the leg, making every stitch satisfying.
When you reach the heel, you’ll work a classic heel flap and gusset, which provides a snug and comfortable fit. The rest of the foot is knit in stockinette, allowing the lace to shine on the leg.
Knitting the Martha Socks
Cuff and Leg:
The free lace sock pattern begins with a 1×1 ribbing, ensuring the cuff stays comfortably in place. Once the cuff is complete, you’ll dive into the lace motif. Don’t worry if you’re new to lace knitting—this pattern is straightforward, and I’ve included both written instructions and a chart for the lace repeat.
Heel Flap and Gusset:
The heel flap uses a slip-stitch pattern for added durability, which is perfect for socks that will see plenty of wear. The gusset decreases are worked seamlessly to keep the fit snug and tailored.
Foot and Toe:
The foot of the sock transitions to smooth stockinette, providing a contrast to the intricate lace on the leg. This makes the socks not only stylish but also comfortable inside shoes. The toes are shaped with simple decreases and closed using the Kitchener stitch for a clean finish.
Tips for Success with the Martha Socks
- Gauge Matters: Be sure to check your gauge before starting. For socks, getting the right tension is crucial to ensure a good fit.
- Use Markers: If you’re new to lace knitting, consider using stitch markers between each lace repeat to keep track of your work.
- Block Your Socks: Blocking is key to opening up the lace pattern and giving your finished socks a polished look.
Why I Love This Free Lace Sock Pattern
One of my favorite things about the Martha Socks is how versatile they are. The lace pattern is elegant without being fussy, making these socks suitable for everything from cozy nights at home to more formal occasions.
I also love how the KnitPicks Stroll Tweed (affiliate link) yarn elevates the design. The tweedy texture complements the lace beautifully, giving the socks a rustic yet refined feel.
Customizing Your Martha Socks
Although this free lace sock pattern is written for ladies, you can easily adjust the length of the leg and foot to suit your preferences. If you want a shorter sock, simply knit fewer repeats of the lace pattern before starting the heel flap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different yarn for this free lace sock pattern?
Absolutely! While I recommend KnitPicks Stroll Tweed (affiliate link) for its softness and tweedy texture, any fingering-weight sock yarn will work. Just be sure to check your gauge.
What if I don’t have DPNs?
You can adapt the pattern for magic loop or two circular needles. The instructions are written for DPNs, but the stitch count remains the same regardless of your method. You can grab my favorite fixed circulars here (affiliate link).
Is this free lace sock pattern suitable for beginners?
Yes! If you’re comfortable knitting in the round and are ready to try lace, this pattern is a great next step. The lace motif is straightforward, and the rest of the sock uses basic techniques like stockinette and simple decreases.
Sharing Your Martha Socks
One of the joys of knitting is sharing your work with others. I’d love to see how your Martha Socks turn out! Tag me on Instagram or use the hashtag #MarthaSocks so I can admire your creations.
Final Thoughts
The Martha Socks free lace sock pattern is more than just a knitting project—it’s an opportunity to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned sock knitter or new to lace, this pattern offers a rewarding experience with a beautiful result.
So grab your yarn, cast on, and let the Martha Socks become your next go-to project. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
By the time you bind off your second sock, I’m confident these will become one of your favorite pairs. Don’t forget to block your socks to let the lace pattern shine and enjoy the cozy satisfaction of handmade elegance.
Material and Info
Materials:
Yarn: approximately 450yds of fingering weight sock yarn (I used 2 skeins of KnitPicks Stroll Tweed)
Needles: US #1 / 2.25mm DPNs (or circular for magic loop) I like KnitPicks Reflections
Notions: stitch markers, needle
Gauge: 10sts x 18rows per inch
sizing:
Adult Ladies
Finished measurements (unstretched):
Foot Length (adjustable): 10ins
Cuff length (adjustable): 6ins
This pattern comes is a top down, heel flap sock. If you are a left-handed knitter (working left to right) there are no modifications required for this pattern.
Abbreviations
k – knit
P – purl
sm – slip maker
pm – place marker
st – stich
sts – stitches
bor – beginning of round
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
yo – yarn over
w&t – wrap and turn – wrap the yarn around the next stitch, turn work
K1B– Knit in row below, inserting right needle into the st in the row below the next st. Knit this st as well as the stitch above it on left needle.
Martha Socks Pattern
Cuff
Cast on 70 sts, join for working in the round.
Separate stitches on your dpn as follows:
1st needle – 20sts
2nd needle – 15sts
3rd needle – 35sts
Work in 1×1 rib (k1p1 around) for 12 rounds
Knit around 1 round.
Then work in pattern as follows:
Round 1 – p2, k1b, p2 (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, p2, k1b, p2) repeat (to) around
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – p2, k1b, p2 (k5, p2, k1b, p2) repeat (to) around
Round 4 – Knit around
Work rounds 1-4 above until piece measures 6 inches from cast on (or desired length)
Heel Flap
Next round: Work across the 1st and 2nd needles in pattern. Place these stitches on hold. The heel flap will be worked flat, turning after each row, with only the 35 sts on the 3rd needle
Row 1 (RS): (sl1, k1) to last st, k1, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, purl to end, turn work.
Work rows 1-2 total of 16 times.
This is a total of 32 rows.
Heel Turn
Row 1 (RS): sl1, k19, ssk, k1, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): sl1, k6, 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:
21 sts remain.
Knit across these heel stitches slipping the first st.
Gusset
With needle 3, pick up and knit 17 sts along the edge of heel flap, PM,
Knit across 35 on needles 1 and 2 (combining them all to needle 1) PM,
Pick up and knit 17 sts along heel flap onto needle 2,
K11 sts onto needle 2, mark the new BOR (located at the bottom of the foot).
[90 sts]
Round 1: knit around
Round 2: knit to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, work in pattern to next marker, sm, k1, ssk, knit to end [2 sts dec]
Work rounds 1-2 a total of 10 times. [70 sts]
After last round, remove bor marker, knit the stitches on needle 3, place bor marker.
Foot
Needle 1 should now have 35 sts
Needle 2 should have 18 sts
Needle 3 should have 17 sts
The new beginning of round is now needle 1.
Continue working in the round in established pattern (the bottom of foot in stockinette and the top in lace pattern) until the piece measures 8ins (or desired length) from back of heel, or 1 (1, 1.5) 1.75, 2, (2, 2.25)” short of desired foot length. (Example: I wear a US size 10 and need to knit to 8.5ins before the toe decreases.)
The lace pattern ends here. You will work in stockinette throughout fro the remainder of the socks.
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 11 times. until 26 sts remain.
For a left-handed tutorial of these decreases visit my youtube here
Cut yarn leaving a 12” tail, then graft toe using Kitchener stitch.
Weave in all ends
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.
For a left-handed video tutorial of this visit my youtube here