As elegant as a night at the ballet, the Arabesque Socks epitomise fancy footwear. These socks feature a delicate lace motif which runs the length of the foot and leg, with mock cable detailing on the cuff (and heel if you choose to knit your socks with a heel flap and gusset).

SIZE
Small: 16.25cm (6 ½“) circumference, fits approximate foot circumference of 19cm (7 ½”), length of 24cm (9 ½”); women’s EU 37–39/US 6 ½–8 ½
Medium: 18.75cm (7 ½“) circumference, fits approximate foot circumference of 22cm (8 ¾”), length of 25.5cm (10”); women’s EU 40–42/US 9–10
Large: 21.25cm (8 ½”) circumference, fits approximate foot circumference of 24.5cm (9 ¾”), length of 27cm (10 ½”); women’s EU 43–45/US 10 ½–13

Foot circumferences are measured around the ball of the foot at the widest point and should be used to choose your sizing. Foot lengths are measured from the tip of the toes to centre of back of the heel, and are to be used as a general guide only. For the best fit possible, check all measurements given in the pattern by trying the socks on the intended wearer.

YARN
Circus Tonic Handmade Revelry Sock (80% Merino, 20% Nylon; 374m {409yds}/100g), 1 skein Splendid Fairywren (dark blue) or Leaden Flycatcher (light blue) colourway, OR 100g fingering weight sock yarn

Samples used approximately 68g (254m {278yds}) for Small Size pair of socks (women’s EU 39/US 8 ½), and 81g (303m {331yds}) for Medium Size pair of socks (women’s EU 41/US 9 ½). Please note that the yardage requirements will vary depending on the heel option, sock circumference, foot and leg length, and any differences in gauge.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
–2.25mm (US 1), at least 80cm (32”) length circular needle for working Magic Loop method, double-pointed needles or short 23cm (9”) circular needle, OR size to obtain gauge
–Optional for cuff: 2.75mm (US 2) needle in your choice of aforementioned styles, OR a needle size larger than size that obtains gauge
–2 removable stitch markers (optional during heel turn {toe-up version} or for using a different style of needle/method of working in the round)
–Tapestry needle
–Tape measure
–Scissors
–Sock blockers (optional)

GAUGE
32 stitches x 48 rounds = 10cm (4”) in stockinette stitch, knit in the round and relaxed after blocking.

Stockinette stitch = knit every round

NOTES
-This pattern is written for both toe-up and cuff down sock construction methods. A compiled pdf with both methods together in the one document is available to download, as well as separated toe-up and cuff down pdfs for your convenience.

-Instructions are written for the Magic Loop method of working in the round with a long circular needle. They are to be worked from the beginning to end of each round unless specified for stitches on first needle (N1; front of leg/top of foot), and second needle (N2; back of leg/sole of foot), separately. If you are using double-pointed needles or a short circular needle, use markers as needed to designate between what will be the front and back halves of the sock.

-You have the option of working either a patterned heel flap with gusset or a short row heel for these socks. The heel flap and gusset option is great for feet with a high instep, or for those who want a decorative heel, whereas a short row heel is shallower and helps to maintain patterning if you are using a self-striping yarn. You will need to know how to work short rows by wrapping and turning for both options.

• PLEASE NOTE: The German PDF is translated from the original version of the pattern, and is only written for a toe-up sock construction with a heel flap and gusset.

VIDEO TUTORIAL LINKS INCLUDED IN THIS PATTERN
-Judy’s magic cast on
-Jeny’s surprisingly stretchy bind off
-Long tail cast on
-Kitchener stitch
-How to work short rows using the wrap and turn method

Instructions are provided in a fully written format, with charts also included where relevant.

Very special thanks to the lovely Verena Cohrs Sustainablist for providing a German translation of the original version of the pattern (toe-up & heel flap and gusset options ONLY)!