Free Knit Socks Pattern: The Perfect Pair in Easy Lace

Are you looking for a free knit socks pattern that is both relaxing and rewarding? Look no further! The Lothlorian Lace Socks pattern is the perfect choice for knitters of all levels who want to create elegant yet cozy socks.

Designed with an easy-to-memorize 8-round lace repeat, this pattern offers a soothing knitting experience with stunning results. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or gifting a handmade treasure, these socks are a joy to create!

Why You’ll Love the Lothlorian Lace Socks

This pattern is designed with simplicity and beauty in mind. Here’s why you’ll love making this free knit socks pattern:

Easy Lace Repeat

The magic of these socks lies in their straightforward yet striking lace design. The 8-round lace repeat is intuitive and easy to remember, making it perfect for knitters who want to explore lace knitting without getting overwhelmed. The simplicity of the free knit socks pattern allows you to get into a relaxing rhythm while still creating an intricate and visually appealing result. Plus, lace knitting helps build your skills, making it a great introduction to more complex patterns down the road.

Even if you’ve never tried lace knitting before, don’t worry! The instructions are written with clarity, guiding you every step of the way. Once you complete a few rounds, you’ll notice how quickly the pattern becomes second nature, letting you enjoy the process rather than constantly referring to the pattern.

Customizable Fit

No two feet are exactly the same, which is why having a customizable free knit socks pattern is such a fantastic feature. The Lothlorian Lace Socks come in three sizes, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or a loved one, you can adjust the pattern to create socks that fit like a dream.

Additionally, the pattern provides clear instructions for modifying the length and circumference to suit your specific needs. Want a little extra room in the toe? Prefer a more fitted ankle? The pattern gives you the flexibility to tweak measurements so your finished socks feel tailor-made. With these easy-to-follow adjustments, you’ll never have to worry about an ill-fitting pair again!

Soothing and Enjoyable Knit

Knitting should be a pleasurable and calming experience, and this pattern was designed with that in mind. The combination of lace and plain knit rounds provides just the right amount of variety—engaging enough to keep your interest while still being repetitive enough to offer a soothing, meditative quality.

The alternating lace and knit rounds create a natural rhythm, allowing you to relax and enjoy each stitch. This is the kind of project that you can work on while watching your favorite show, chatting with friends, or simply unwinding after a long day. By the time you finish your socks, you’ll not only have a beautiful handmade piece but also the satisfaction of having enjoyed every moment of the process.

Optional Contrasting Heel & Toe

If you love playing with color, this free knit socks pattern offers an optional contrasting heel and toe, giving you the chance to personalize your socks. This small but impactful design choice lets you add a fun pop of color while also helping you use up leftover yarn from other projects.

Choosing a contrasting color can also highlight the structure of the sock, making the lace pattern stand out even more. Whether you go for a bold and vibrant contrast or a subtle complementary shade, this option gives you creative freedom to make the socks uniquely yours. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with color combinations without committing to an entirely new project!

Free Knit Socks Pattern Details: Lothlorian

Size Options

The pattern is written for three sizes to ensure the perfect fit:

• Foot Circumference: 7 (8, 9)” / 18 (20, 23) cm
• Foot Length: 8.25 (9, 10)” / 21 (23, 25.5) cm

Yarn Requirements

You’ll need fingering weight yarn in one or two colors:

• Total Yardage: 280 (325, 370) yds / 255 (300, 340) m
• Main Color (MC): 230 (265, 300) yds / 210 (245, 275) m
• Contrasting Color (CC) [Optional]: 50 (60, 70) yds / 45 (55, 65) m

Suggested Yarn for the Free Knit Socks Pattern

For a luxurious feel and excellent stitch definition, we recommend:

• Long Dog Yarn Bounce Sock (75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon)
  • MC: Deep Breath Before the Plunge (from One Collection to Rule Them All)
  • CC: Legolas (from One Collection to Rule Them All)

Gauge

To ensure the perfect fit, work up a gauge swatch:

• 32 sts & 46 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette stitch, after blocking

Needles & Notions

• US 1 / 2.5 mm needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Techniques Used in the Free Knit Socks Pattern

This pattern incorporates simple yet engaging techniques:

• Knitting in the round – perfect for sock knitting!
• Simple lace stitches – an easy introduction to lace patterns.
• Basic decreases – shaping made simple.
• Picking up stitches – a fundamental technique for constructing the heel flap and gusset.

Tips for a Successful Knit

• Swatch First: Achieving the correct gauge is key to a well-fitting sock. Block your swatch before measuring.
• Use Stitch Markers: Marking the lace pattern sections can help you stay on track.

Glossary for Free Knit Socks Pattern

Important Notes on Lothlorian

Needle Label/Placement

N1 holds the heel & instep stitches. N2 holds the top of foot stitches.

If working with: 

• Magic Loop, work instructions as is. 
• 2 needles at a time, work instructions as is. 
• DPNs, split N1 and/or N2 sts between 2 needles. 
• Short circular, place 2 st markers to indicate N1 & N2 sts. 

Get the Perfect Fit for the Free Knit Socks Pattern

Following the instructions to the letter will get you a great fitting sock, but if you want the perfect fit, you’ll have to try it on! Before you start working the toe wedge, you’re looking for the sock to reach the base of your little toe.

Single Color Sock Modification

If you choose to work the sock in a single color, do not cut the yarn at the end of the Heel Turn.  Instead you’ll work your Gusset Set Up in 2 parts. To begin part 1, turn your work. 

Set Up Partial Round: K to last 2 sts, ssk, (turn 90 degrees,) pick up and knit 14 (16, 18) sts, pick up and knit 1 st in the corner for a total of 15 (17, 19) picked up stitches; [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k15, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Set Up Round: Pick up and knit 1 st in the corner, pick up and knit 14 (16, 18) sts along the edge of the Heel Flap for a total of 15 (17, 19) picked up stitches, (turn 90 degrees,) k2tog, k to end of N1; Work Gusset Needle 2 Round 1— 74 (84, 94) sts total with 46 (52, 58) sts on N2. 

Lace Stitch Pattern 

If you like working from a chart instead, I’ve got you covered! The chart is worked between the markers! 

The Free Knit Socks Pattern: Lothlorian

Cuff 

Using MC, CO 56 (64, 72) sts using loose Long-Tail CO or preferred stretchy CO—divide the stitches so that 28 (32, 36) sts on N1 & N2. 

Round 1-16: * K1, p1, rep from * around. 

Leg of Free Knit Socks Pattern

Set Up Round: [K1, p1] 3 (4, 5) times, pm, p1, k15, p2, pm, [k1, p1] 2 (3, 4) times; rep on N2. 

Round 1: * [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k3, [k2tog] 2 times, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k1, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N1; rep from * on N2. 

Round 2: * [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k15, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N1; rep from * on N2. 

Round 3: * [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k2, [k2tog] 2 times, yo, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, [ssk] 2 times, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N1; rep from * on N2. 

Round 4: Rep Round 2. 

Round 5: * [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k1, [k2tog] 2 times, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k3, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N1; rep from * on N2. 

Round 6: Rep Round 2.

Round 7: * [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, [k2tog] 2 times, yo, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k2, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N1; rep from * on N2. 

Round 8: Repeat round 2. 

Repeat Rounds 1-8 three more times, then work Rounds 1-7 one additional time or until desired length. Do not cut MC, but set to the side.

Heel Flap

Attach CC. You’ll now begin working flat across N1 only.

Row 1 (RS): K across first needle; turn. 

Rows 2 & 4 (WS): Sl1, [p1, sl1 knitwise wyif] to last st, p1. 

Row 3 (RS): Sl1, k to end.

Rep Rows 3 & 4 for an additional 12 (14, 16) times — for a total of 28 (32, 36) rows. 

Heel Turn

Row 1 (RS): Sl 1, k15 (17, 19), ssk, k1, turn. 

Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyif, p5, p2tog, p1, turn. 

Row 3: Sl1, k to 1 st before the gap, ssk, k1, turn.

Row 4: Sl1 wyif, p to 1 st before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn.

Rep Rows 3 & 4 for an additional 3 (4, 5) more times — 18 (20, 22) sts on N1 (one stitch is unworked on each side). Slip the last purl stitch. Cut CC and pick up MC. 

Gusset 

Note: If you ended on any round other than Round 7, replace the instructions after the semi-colon (;) with the next round of lace instructions. Also, you can resume working from the chart across N2, starting with Round 8 on the Set Up Round. 

Set Up Round: Pick up and knit 1 st in the corner, pick up and knit 14 (16, 18) sts along the edge of the Heel Flap for a total of 15 (17, 19) picked up stitches, (turn 90 degrees,) k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk, (turn 90 degrees,) pick up and knit 14 (16, 18) sts along the edge of the Heel Flap, pick up and knit 1 st in the corner ;  [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k15, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2 — 74 (84, 94) sts total with 46 (52, 58) sts on N1.

You will now begin working in the round, over both needles. Work N1, Round 1, followed by N2, Round 1, and on until all gusset decreases have been worked.

Needle 1

Round 1: K across;

Round 2: Ssk, k to last 2 sts on N1, k2tog; – 72 (82, 92) sts.

Repeat N1 Rounds 1 & 2 for an additional 8 (9, 10) times — 56 (64, 72) sts with 28 (32, 36) sts on each needle. 

Needle 2

Round 1: [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k3, [k2tog] 2 times, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k1, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 2: [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k15, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 3: [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k2, [k2tog] 2 times, yo, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, ssk × 2, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 4: Rep Round 2. 

Round 5: [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k1, [k2tog] 2 times, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k3, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 6: Rep Round 2.

Round 7: [K1, p1] to m, sm, p1, [k2tog] 2 times, yo, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k2, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 8: Repeat round 2.

Foot of Free Knit Socks

Begin the Foot on the next round of the lace needed to continue the lace pattern without interruption. 

Round 1: K across N1; [k1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k3, [k2tog] 2 times, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k1, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 2: K across N1; [k1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k15, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 3: K across N1; [k1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k2, [k2tog] 2 times, yo, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, ]ssk] 2 times, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 4: Rep Round 2. 

Round 5: K across N1; [k1, p1] to m, sm, p1, k1, [k2tog] 2 times, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k3, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 6: Rep Round 2.

Round 7: K across N1; [k1, p1] to m, sm, p1, [k2tog] 2 times, yo, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, [ssk] 2 times, k2, p2, sm, [k1, p1] to end of N2.

Round 8: Repeat round 2.

Rep Rounds 1-8 for a total of 13 (14, 15) times from the cuff or until 2”/5 cm shorter than desired length—see Get the Perfect Fit in the Notes!

Cut MC. Attach CC.  

Toe Wedge 

Round 1: *K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts on needle, k2tog, k1; rep from * on N2 – 52 (60, 68) sts. 

Round 2: K around. 

Rep Rounds 8 (10, 12) more times — 20 sts remain; 10 sts on each needle. Cut yarn leaving 12”/30 cm for finishing. 

Using Kitchener Stitch, graft the 10 sts on N1 to the 10 sts on N2. 

Finishing 

Weave in all ends. Wet block to measurements—on a sock blocker if available.

Get the PDF of this Fab Sock Pattern

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Choosing the Perfect Sock Yarn for the Free Knit Socks Pattern

Selecting the right yarn for your socks is essential to ensure both comfort and durability. Socks experience a lot of wear and tear, so you’ll want a fiber blend that can withstand repeated use while still feeling soft against your skin.

One of the best choices for sock knitting is a merino-nylon blend. Merino wool provides warmth, breathability, and natural elasticity, making your socks comfortable to wear all day. Nylon adds much-needed strength and resilience, helping your socks maintain their shape and resist wear over time. This combination results in a perfect balance of softness and durability, making it ideal for everyday wear.

When selecting your yarn, consider the ply as well. Never use a single ply for socks as these will result in holely socks in no time at all. Your optimal number of plies is a 3-ply, but other plies can make a great sock yarn as well. High-twist yarns tend to be more durable and less prone to pilling, making them a great option for socks.

Additionally, superwash-treated wool can be a convenient choice, as it allows you to machine wash your socks without fear of felting. Whatever your preference, investing in high-quality sock yarn will ensure your handmade socks stay beautiful and functional for years to come.

Relax and Enjoy the Process

One of the best things about the Lothlorian Lace Socks is how soothing they are to knit. The rhythmic lace pattern allows you to fall into a comfortable flow, making each stitch a delightful experience. With an easy-to-memorize 8-round repeat, you won’t need to constantly refer to your pattern, giving you the freedom to knit while enjoying your favorite show or listening to music. This balance of engagement and relaxation makes these socks a perfect project for winding down at the end of a long day.

Lace knitting can sometimes feel intimidating, but this pattern is designed to be approachable and rewarding. The alternating sections of lace and knit rounds create a natural sense of progress, keeping you motivated without overwhelming you. Whether you’re an experienced lace knitter or just starting out, you’ll find joy in watching the elegant pattern unfold as you work.

Free Knit Socks Pattern for the Win!

The Lothlorian Lace Socks pattern is a must-try for knitters who love lace and cozy socks. With easy-to-follow instructions and a relaxing rhythm, you’ll enjoy every stitch of this beautiful design. Gather your favorite yarn, pick up your needles, and start knitting your perfect pair today!

Happy knitting!