Parting braids by Lorraine Rayson

Parting braids

Knitting
April 2026
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
36 stitches = 4 inches
US 1 - 2.25 mm
383 - 437 yards (350 - 400 m)
A-56 (B-64, C-72, D-80) sts
low vision format available
English
This pattern is available as a free Ravelry download


Parting braids
I could not resist using this delicate and unassuming braid for socks.

A pair of braids start together at the toes and as they progress up the foot they begin to move away from each other.

These toe up socks are a simple knit, with gusset increases worked both on the instep and the sole. The back of the leg is worked in stockinette stitch but could easily be adapted to 2x2 ribbing to give a comfy fit and flow neatly into the cuff.



Pattern information

Sizing
A-56 (B-64, C-72, D-80) sts
Finished circumference (approximately):
at a gauge of 36 sts: 15.5 (18, 20, 22) cm/6.25 (7, 8, 9) inches.
– To fit a foot circumference of 17 (20, 22, 24) cm/7 (7.75, 8.75, 10) inches.
at a gauge of 32 sts: 17.5 (20, 22.5, 25) cm/7 ( 8, 9, 9.75) inches.
– To fit a foot circumference of 19.5 (22, 25, 27.5) cm/7.75 (8.75, 10, 10.75) inches.

Yarn
100g light fingering / fingering weight sock yarn. Solid, semi-solid or tonal colourways would work well for this design.

Gauge (worked in the round and measured after washing and laying flat to dry)
36 sts = 10 cm/4 inches over stockinette stitch.
The sock fit is similar to a stockinette stitch sock.

Needles (for working small circumference in the round)
2.25 mm/US1 needles (or size required to achieve gauge).

Pattern formats
The instructions for the construction of the socks are written and the braid panel is both charted and written.

Low vision accessible
A low vision accessible version of this pattern are also available.
This version include 24 point Arial all black text, no italics, no columns or tables and fully written instructions. There are charts included but the charts are not needed to complete the pattern.

Thank you
Thank you to Peebs, AndraGroza and tghe other testers.

A huge thanks also to yarnymama and yalta for their ongoing valued advice, guidance, feedback and encouragement.