This lacy stitch pattern is based on one from an old Japanese stitch dictionary I inherited from my mother. Its title is Knit-Pattern Design Book, published by Josei-No-Tomo-Sha and dates to 1962.

The pattern is written a US Woman’s size 8.5 foot. You can easily adjust the pattern for smaller sizes by eliminating the purl column, or a pattern repeat, or simply use smaller needles. Make larger sizes by adding a repeat, an additional purl column, or use a larger needle.

Knit cuff-down, this sock features a old-fashioned band heel. When you’ve picked up the gusset stitches, that’s it. There’s no decreasing back down to the correct number of stitches; you’re already there. Since I knit my socks two-at-a-time on a 40-inch circular needle, I like that I don’t have so many stitches to work with.