This lace-panelled toe up sock pattern takes it’s name from the sacred woodland and natural waterfalls at St Nectan’s Glen in North Cornwall. Over the years the water has formed a window in the rock, which it epically plunges through into a pool some 60ft below. I first visited here some 20 years ago with friends and it has always remained a real place of wonder to me, and to many others too.

St Nectan’s Glen Socks are worked from the toe up, so when they are worn the series of V shapes in the lace pattern form the waterfall panel that flows down the front. Small eyelets are worked either side of the panel to add interest, and the back is left in stocking stitch for a more simplified knit and look. The pattern is written for 5 sizes to fit a foot circumference of 17-24.5cm (7 – 9.75) in and it is both written and charted.

For those unfamiliar with working this style of toe up sock pattern, they are really quite a joy to make. After casting on the few toe stitches you work in rounds, making lifted increases either side until you reach the foot circumference. After working the foot straight for some time you begin increasing on the sole stitches to make the triangle that forms the heel gusset. Short rows are worked in the heel turn, which increases slightly to get around the heel, and then continued over the heel flap to gradually decrease away the gusset stitches. Then you’re on the home stretch and work straight to the cuff.

I enjoyed working the sample for these socks and they knitted up quickly due to the patterning only ever being on one side. The lace panel itself is just an 8-row repeat which is very easily memorable. I love working toe up sock patterns as you can try them on as you go and get a really good fit! 

The pattern is 20% off until the 20th November using code NECTANS20 on Ravelry and on this website.