Fancy Footwork by Lisa K. Ross

Fancy Footwork

Knitting
October 2026
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
32 stitches and 48 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette
US 1 - 2.25 mm
200 - 400 yards (183 - 366 m)
Adult S (M, L)
English

This pattern is only available in my new book, Sock Knitting Success. Click here to order yours from your favorite book supplier!

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This toe-up pattern is a celebration of sock knitting, creating a stunning pair with a single color of yarn! When lace knitting is paired with twisted stitches, it combines intricate designs with graphic texture. The twists and turns may look like cables but are created entirely with increases, decreases, and yarnovers.

While it is one of the more challenging designs, I find this sock to be an absolute delight to knit! Once you get into the rhythm of the stitch pattern, you will see it has the same predictable nature as some of the simpler designs (though with much more complex patterning). The resulting footwear is a showstopping accessory you may be hesitant to hide inside shoes, eager to show off your Fancy Footwork!

FINISHED SIZE
Adult S (M, L)

Leg / Foot Circumference
7¼ (8¼, 9¼)“ / 18.5 (21, 23.5) cm; fits foot circumference of 8¼ (9¼, 10¼)” / 21 (23.5, 26) cm

Leg / Foot Length
Adjustable to fit

YARN
Fingering weight

Shown in
Lolodidit Loriginal (85% Extra Fine Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon; 440 yds / 100 g): ShBoom (semi-solid), 1 full skein

Color Suggestions
The best way to highlight the lace is to use a solid or semi-solid yarn, choosing a color that is not too dark. These socks can also look great with gradient yarns. Lightly speckled yarns may also look nice, but any yarn with contrasting variegated or speckled colors may overwhelm the texture, hiding the lovely stitchwork that has gone into knitting these socks.

NEEDLES
U.S. size 1 (2.25 mm), or as needed to meet gauge; DPN or needles for small circumference knitting (see page 40 for information on choosing needles)

GAUGE
32 sts and 48 rnds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette stitch, after blocking

NOTIONS
Tapestry needle, cable needle for wrapping stitches (or DPN, paper clip, or toothpick), 4 stitch markers, 1 removable stitch marker

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