These elegant and feminine socks were inspired by an entry in Barbara Walker’s inimitable first knitting book: A Treasury of Knitting Patterns. She called this diamond pattern “Mrs. Montague’s pattern” after the lady in waiting who knit a pair of silk stockings for Queen Elizabeth I using this very same pattern. Those stockings still exist today (!) and are proudly on display at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, England.

I have taken that pattern as Ms. Walker describes, cleaned up some of the decreases to give a more streamlined diamond outline and fitted the pattern to a pair of lace socks so that all can share in a bit of royal finery, if only for their feet. Think about that expert knitter, Mrs. Montague, and, of course, Good Queen Bess when you are wearing or gifting these socks!

The socks are knit from the top down with a standard heel flap and gussets. One set of instructions are given and the two sizes are generated by using different needle sizes. Thus, achieving the gauge is of utmost importance—do not skimp on that step. For those used to knitting L and XL socks, trust me on the cast-on amount: 64 doesn’t seem like enough stitches, I know, but this lacy pattern has a lot of positive ease to it. The pattern is given in chart form only.

I knit with 5 DPNs (stitches evenly distributed on 4 needles and then work around with a 5th), but I have attempted to generalize my instructions for those who use alternate needle set-ups. I recommend a light color yarn that is solid or only minimally tonal. Variegated or speckled yarn will obscure the pattern.

Materials:
Yarn: Baah La Jolla fingering: 100% superwash Merino, colorway Periwinkle. 94 g./330 yds
Stitch markers
Needles: US 0 (2 mm) for size M, US 1 (2.25 mm) for size L/XL
Tapestry needle

Gauge:
32 ST and 52 rows = 4 inches over blocked stockinette stitch for size 0 (or size needed to obtain the gauge)
28 ST and 44 rows = 4 inches over blocked stockinette stitch for size 1 (or size needed to obtain the gauge)

Skill Level: Intermediate
Finished sizes: M, L/XL.