Queen of Snakes

Description

This design was inspired by the slinky, snake-like movements of one of my favorite dancers, whose style I aspire to emulate in my own dance practice. The picot hem crowns the undulating, serpentine lace columns of these cuff-down socks. Optional beads on the leg highlight the mesmerizing twists and turns of the serpent’s dance. The lace on the back of the leg merges seamlessly into a slipped stitch heel flap.

Yarn
438 yd (400 m) / 100 g of fingering weight sock yarn. Actual yarn used will be less.

Gauge and Finished Measurements
8.5 stitches and 12 rows per 1 in / 2.5 cm in Stockinette stitch.
S (M, L): 6.5 (7.5, 8.5) in / 16.7 (19.1, 21.5) cm foot and leg circumference.
Length and height are adjustable.
Choose a size that will fit with about 1 in / 2.5 cm of negative ease.

Needles
US 0 / 2 mm circular needles for small circumference knitting or set of DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge).

Additional Materials / Notions
292 (244, 196) seed beads in size 8/0, or more if you desire a taller leg. Bead counts are given for a 7 in / 17.8 cm leg.
Some of my testers used size 6/0 beads. 6/0 will work, but they will be less subtle. It’s all up to your personal preference.
Small crochet hook or Super Floss, or your favorite tool for bead placement.
Stitch markers.
Tape measure.
Tapestry/yarn needle.

Construction
These socks are knit from the cuff down with a seamless folded picot hem and a heel flap and gusset.

This pattern has been test knitted.