Bellana Socks

Bellana Socks by Wollelfe e.U.

What is Being Made

Bellana Socks are a pair of knitted socks designed for European shoe size 38-40. This downloadable knitting pattern creates classic socks using traditional sock construction techniques, featuring decorative cable and texture elements throughout the leg and foot.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Bellana Socks pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Magic Loop or DPN Construction: Socks are worked in the round using a needle set (Nadelspiel), allowing for seamless sock construction from cuff to toe
• Chart-Based Pattern Work: The design follows a detailed stitch chart (Chart A) that is repeated multiple times around each round, requiring the knitter to read and follow written instructions alongside visual charts
• Cable Techniques: A cable needle (Zopfnadel) is required, indicating the presence of twisted or crossed stitches that create dimensional cable patterns
• Stitch Shifting: The pattern includes strategic stitch shifts in specific rounds (rounds 15, 19, and 23) where the beginning of the round is repositioned, requiring careful attention to stitch management and pattern alignment
• Heel Construction: The socks feature a decorative heart-shaped heel (Herzchenferse), worked flat in rows using a combination of knit stitches worked as they appear, creating a textured heel panel

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern combines basic and intermediate stitches to achieve its decorative effect:

• Knit Stitches: Worked both flat and in the round, with stitches worked "as they appear" (wie sie erscheinen), meaning purled stitches are purled and knit stitches are knitted to maintain pattern continuity
• Cable Stitches: Created using a cable needle to cross groups of stitches over one another, adding texture and visual dimension to the sock leg
• Charted Stitch Patterns: The main pattern (Chart A) is worked in nine complete repeats per round across the 72 cast-on stitches, creating a balanced, symmetrical design

Materials and Specifications

The Bellana Socks pattern specifies the following materials and measurements:

• Yarn: 100 grams of 4-ply sock yarn (Sockenwolle), which provides the appropriate weight and yardage for a complete pair of socks in the specified size
• Needles: 2.5mm needle set (Nadelspiel) for working in the round, plus a cable needle (Zopfnadel) for cable stitch work
• Gauge: 30 stitches and 42 rows measured over 10 x 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch, essential for achieving the correct finished sock dimensions
• Cast-On: 72 stitches total, divided evenly as 18 stitches per needle across four needles, then joined to work in the round

Pattern Structure and Progression

The sock is constructed in distinct sections following a logical progression from cuff to toe:

• Cuff and Leg (Chart A): After casting on 72 stitches and joining in the round, the knitter works the charted pattern continuously, repeating the nine-stitch motif nine times per round. The pattern is worked through rounds 1-26, then rounds 3-28 are repeated to create the desired leg length, with strategic stitch shifts maintaining pattern alignment
• Heel: The heart-shaped heel (Herzchenferse) is worked flat in rows using 36 stitches from two needles, while the remaining 36 stitches are held on spare needles. The heel construction begins with a heel wall worked in rows, using the "stitch as it appears" technique to maintain the pattern's visual continuity

Difficulty Level

Bellana Socks are rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting and basic stitch techniques. The pattern requires comfort with reading charts, managing stitches across multiple needles, working cable stitches with a cable needle, and understanding pattern repeats and stitch shifts. Knitters should have prior experience with basic sock construction before attempting this pattern.