Esmeralda Brandybuck, was a hobbit who wore many hats - Mistress of Buckland and Brandy Hall, mother of Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck, and aunt of Peregrin “Pippin” Took. To keep the affairs of Buckland in order and stay one step ahead of her adventurous son, she was practical, organized, and always knew several paths to reach the same destination. Like Esmeralda, these socks know many paths to the same destination on your sock journey.

The pattern is adaptable to any type of needle arrangement; one or two (or even three if you’re clever) long or short circular needles, four or five double-pointed needles, or a flexible dpn set. Worked top-down with a simple lace panel nested in stockinette stitch that is mirrored on the second sock (or not). The pattern is easy to memorize so it’s not a problem to put down when Shire duties interrupt your knitting. To complete the options, you have a choice of three heels and three toes to mix and match as you like. The only problem you will have with this pattern is deciding which path to follow!

The pattern comes in three sizes to fit a range of foot circumferences. Finished measurements are 7 (8, 9) inches/17.5, 20, 22.5) cm. The sock is intended to fit a bit of negative ease. So choose a finished measurement that is 0-1.5 inches/0-3.75 cm smaller than your foot circumference at the largest point based on the amount of snugness you prefer in a sock. If you like your socks snug, choose a size that is up to 1.5 inches smaller than your foot circumference. If you like your socks looser, choose a size closer to your actual foot circumference.

The lace panel is both charted and written out. The remainder of the pattern contains detailed written instructions.

Thanks a million to my tech editor Allison, my model Dragonpurls, and my testers Barbara, Cath, Dawn, Dorothy, Faith, Julia, Kath, Laura, Leigh, Lynn, and Michael. If you post a photo on social media please tag it #EsmeraldaBrandybuck and #TabithasHeart.