Vixen Lace Panel Knee High and Slouch Socks in Signature 4ply Silent Night in West Yorkshire Spinners - DBP0093 - Downloadable PDF

Vixen Lace Panel Knee High and Slouch Socks

What is Being Made

The Vixen pattern creates a pair of hand-knitted socks featuring lace panel detailing. This design offers versatility with two distinct sock heights: knee-high socks that extend up the calf, and slouch socks that sit lower on the leg. Both styles showcase decorative lace panels integrated into the sock construction, making them suitable for both everyday wear and festive occasions. The pattern is available in multiple colorways from West Yorkshire Spinners' Signature 4ply collection, including Silent Night, Fairy Lights, Robin, Candy Cane, and Holly Berry.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs lace knitting techniques to create openwork pattern panels within the sock structure. Lace knitting involves strategic yarn overs and decreases that form decorative holes and motifs. The pattern requires shaping techniques to achieve proper sock fit around the foot and leg. Hand-knitting is the primary method, allowing for precise stitch control and customization. The design incorporates traditional sock construction methods while integrating contemporary lace elements for visual interest.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch names are not detailed in the pattern documentation provided, the construction utilizes lace stitches that combine yarn overs and decreases to create the openwork panels characteristic of the Vixen design. Standard sock stitches are employed for the non-lace sections, ensuring durability and comfort in high-wear areas. The pattern requires knitters to work with multiple stitches across the sock circumference to maintain proper tension and shaping.

Materials

Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Sparkle 4ply yarn in Signature colorways. The yarn composition is 75% wool with 23% nylon and 2% polyester in Silent Night and Fairy Lights colorways, or 75% wool with 25% nylon in Robin, Candy Cane, and Holly Berry colorways. Each ball contains 100g and approximately 400 yards (437 metres). The 4ply weight provides a fine, smooth texture ideal for detailed lace work and comfortable sock wear.

Needles: 3.25mm needles (US size 3) are required for this project. This needle size pairs with the 4ply yarn to achieve the specified tension of 28 stitches over 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch.

Care Instructions

• Reshape socks while damp to maintain proper fit and lace panel definition
• Do not tumble dry; air drying is recommended to preserve yarn integrity and prevent felting

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace techniques and sock construction. The combination of lace panels with sock shaping requires attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats, but remains accessible to experienced beginners.