Montebello Sock

Montebello Sock by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

The Montebello Sock is a lacy cable rib sock pattern designed by independent designer Corrine Walcher. This sock design features decorative lacy cable elements combined with ribbed sections, creating an elegant and textured finished garment. The pattern is available in three sizes: Small (6.75" around), Medium (8" around), and Large (9" around), measured unstretched. The design draws inspiration from Lake Montebello, part of Baltimore's reservoir system, offering a sophisticated option for sock knitters seeking more than basic stockinette construction.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several key techniques to create its distinctive appearance. Cable work is central to the design, utilizing 2/2 right cross cables that add dimension and visual interest to the sock structure. Lace knitting is incorporated through yarn over increases, creating openwork sections that contrast with the denser cable and rib areas. The sock is knit in the round, a fundamental technique for seamless sock construction that ensures a smooth, comfortable fit. Knitters have flexibility in their needle choice, as the pattern accommodates both double-pointed needles (a traditional five-needle approach) and two circular needles, allowing crafters to use their preferred method for circular knitting.

Stitches Used

The Montebello Sock pattern utilizes a focused set of essential knitting stitches:

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – used in ribbed sections and pattern texture
• Yarn over (YO) – creates the lacy openwork characteristic of the design
• Slip stitches (Sl) – slipped as if to purl with yarn in back, used in cable preparation
• 2/2 Right Cross Cable (2/2 RC) – the signature cable technique where two stitches are held on a cable needle while two stitches are knit, then the held stitches are knit, creating the twisted rope effect
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Purl two together (P2tog) – a decrease worked in purl
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog for balanced shaping

Materials and Specifications

The pattern specifies Neighborhood Fiber Co Studio Sock yarn in the colorway Logan Circle for the sample. This yarn is 100% Superwash Merino, a premium natural fiber known for softness, elasticity, and washability—ideal properties for socks. The yarn is supplied at 400 yards per 4 ounces, providing ample yardage for the complete sock project. The pattern recommends size 2 US (2.75 mm) needles, or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Gauge is 8 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch, knit in the round, a standard gauge for sock knitting that ensures proper fit and fabric drape. The yarn weight is listed as 3-ply and 4-ply, indicating a fine, fingering-weight yarn typical for sock construction. The cuff begins with a cast-on of 56 (64, 72) stitches depending on size, joined to work continuously in the round with a stitch marker placed at the beginning of the round.