Spikes and Whorls Footies: A Lavender-Inspired Lace Knitting Pattern by Denise Bein Kroll

Purple Pansy Designs

By Denise Bein Kroll

Spikes and Whorls Footies

By Denise Bein Kroll

I'm not usually one to base a design solely on the color of the yarn, but this lavender yarn challenged me to design a lace that actually resembled lavender. The columns of twisted stitches that form a series of stacked loops, plus the waving eyelets suggest the plants own 'spikes and whorls'.

Intermediate

Size: Women's medium/large (Circumference 8.5" - 9" / Length 9.5" - customizable) Gauge: 34 st and 40 rows = 4" in stockinette Materials: about 40-50 grams of fingering weight yarn. The larger size might take slightly more than 50 grams for a loose knitter or a longer foot. Shown in Hikoo Cobasi (Light Fingering / 3 ply 55% Cotton, 21% Nylon, 16% Bamboo, 8% Silk 220 yards / 50 grams) and Simply Sock by Simply Sock Yarn Co, Fingering / 4 ply, 80% Merino, 20% Nylon, 175 yards / 50 grams Needles: Set of Size 2.25mm (US 1) needles (dpn or 32" circular as preferred) Notions: Stitch markers, row counter and darning needle Pattern notes: The lace will stretch more horizontally than vertically, so measure slightly stretched when doing any measurements. The chart is worked on the instep only. Charts are given at the end of the pattern for clarity. Work the appropriate chart for the version/ size intended. Instructions for larger size are given in parenthesis () unless otherwise stated

Directions:

Cuff: Using the long tail method, cast on 60 (64) stitches, join to work in the round (being careful not to twist) Work 8 rounds Ribbing: K2, P2, repeat to end Knit 1 eyelet round as follows: K2, YO, K2tog, repeat to Knit 1 round, then begin short rows on next 30(32) stitches.

Short row shaping and heel set up:

Row 1: Knit 27(29), W&T Row 2: P24(26), W&T Row 3: Knit 27(29), picking up wrapped stitch, turn Row 4: S1, P29(31), picking up wrapped stitch. Set up is complete, begin working the heel on 30(32) stitches Heel Flap: Work Eye of Partridge heel (worked back and forth) on 30(32) stitches. Row 1: \*s1, Kl repeat from \* to end Row 2: S1, P to end Row 3, S1, \*S1, K1, repeat from \* to last two stitches, K2 Row 4: S1, P to end Repeat these 4 rows until 32 total rows have been worked.

Heel turn:

Set up rows: Knit 17(18), SSK, K1, turn, Sl1, P5, P2tog, P1, turn Row 1: Knit to 1 stitch before the gap, SSK, K1, turn Row 2: Purl to one stitch before the gap, P2tog, P1, tur Repeat rows 1 and 2 until all stitches on each side of gaps have been worked (18 stitches remain)

Knit 1 row

Gusset: (Lace pattern on instep begins with the first round of gusset) Pick up 17 (18) stitches on left side of heel flap, work chart row 1 on instep, pick up 17 (18) stitches on right side of instep, knit 9 heel stitches. There should now be 1/2 heel/gusset stitches on needle 1, instep stitches on needle 2 and 1/2 heel/gusset stitches on needle 3). Round begins in center of heel. work (chart) round 2 without decreasing. Round 1 (Decrease round): Knit to 3 stitches before beginning of instep, K2tog, K1, knit instep according to chart, K1, SSK, knit to end Round 2: Knit all heel/gusset stitches, work instep according to chart Work these two rounds until 60(64) stitches remain. Foot: Continue working chart rounds until reaching approximately 1.5" less than desired length (the base of the big toe). Knit 1 round

Toe shaping:

Decrease round: : Knit to 3 stitches before beginning of instep, K2tog, K1, K1, SSK, knit to 3 stitches before last instep stitch K2tog, K1, K1, SSK, knit to end. Knit 1 round Now, alternate 1 decrease round and one knit round until 32 stitches remain Then work only decrease round until 20 stitches remain, knit across needle 1 with needle 3 so there are 10 stitches on each needle. Finishing: Close the toe using Kitchener stitch, Knit second footie, enjoy!

Copyright 2015 Denise Bein Kroll. This pattern is intended for personal use only. Please do not make items to sell or for profit without my permission. Please do not share this pattern without proper credif.

Charts

Terms and abbreviations:

W&T - slip stitch to right needle, wrap working yarn around stitch, slip back to left needle, turn work S1 - slip 1 stitch purl-wise

Lace pattern for instep: for 60 stitch sock, work area of chart bordered in red (omit first and Iast stitch)

Chart rounds: Round 1: (kl) pl, k2tog, yo,pl,kl, pl, k2tog, yo, pl, 11rc, 1llc, p1, k2, pl, 1lrc, 1llc, pl yo, ssk, pl, kl, pl, yo, ssk, pl (K1) Round 2: (kl) k5, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, kl, pl, k2, pl, (kl) Round 3: (k2) K1, yo, ssk, k2, pl, yo, ssk, pl, 1llc, 1lrc, pl, k2, pl, 1llc, 1lrc, pl, k2tog, yo, p1, kl, pl, k2tog, yo, p1, (k1} Round 4: (kl) k5, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, kl, pl, k2, pl, (k1) Round 1: (pl) kl, pl, k2tog, yo, pl, 1lrc, 1lc, pl, k2tog, yo, pl, 1lrc, 1llc, pl, yo, ssk, p1, 1lrc, 1llc, pl, yo, ssk, pl, kl (p1) Round 2: (pl) kl, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, kl (pl) Round 3: (p1) kl, pl, yo, ssk, pl, 1llc, llrc, pl, yo, ssk, pl, 1llc, 1lrc, pl, k2tog, yo, pl, 11lc, 1l1rc, pl, k2tog, yo, p1, k1 (p1) Round 4: (pl) kl, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, k4, pl, k2, pl, k4, p1, k2, pl, kl (pl)