Bel Air Socks

Bel Air Socks by Christina Loman

What Is Being Made

Bel Air is an advanced-level knitted sock pattern designed by Christina Loman. This toe-up sock design combines the comfort and simplicity of traditional striped socks with decorative stranded colorwork elements. The pattern offers a fresh take on classic sock construction by incorporating two small bands of two-tone geometric patterning that serve as visual interest during both the knitting process and when wearing the finished socks. Available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with finished foot circumferences of 8, 9.25, and 11 inches respectively, and a calf length of 5.5 inches from the ankle.

Techniques Used

The Bel Air sock pattern employs several key knitting techniques suited to advanced knitters. The socks are constructed using the toe-up method, which allows knitters to begin at the toe and work toward the cuff, providing greater control over fit and the ability to try on the sock as it progresses. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork in two small bands, a technique where two colors of yarn are carried across the back of the work to create geometric, two-tone patterns. This colorwork adds visual complexity while remaining manageable within the striped sock structure. The use of double-point needles enables seamless, in-the-round knitting, which is the traditional method for sock construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Bel Air sock is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base for the socks. The gauge is 26 stitches and 38 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. The stranded colorwork sections incorporate the stockinette stitch foundation while introducing the secondary color yarn to create the geometric patterns. The pattern also utilizes standard knitting abbreviations and techniques including stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping.

Materials

• Main Color (MC) Yarn: Herrschners Sock Yarn Solids in Twilight; composition of 75% wool and 25% polyester; 437 yards (400 meters) per 100-gram skein; 1 skein required
• Contrast Color (CC) Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Sock in Snow; composition of 75% wool and 25% polyester; 231 yards (211 meters) per 50-gram skein; 1 skein for size Small, 1 skein for size Medium, and 2 skeins for size Large
• Needles: One set of US #1/2.25 mm double-point needles
• Notions: Stitch markers and a yarn needle for weaving in ends

Pattern Features

The Bel Air pattern is ideal for stash-busting, as the contrast color requirements are minimal, making it an excellent project for using up leftover yarn from other projects. The geometric, two-tone stranded colorwork bands provide visual interest and serve as a skill-building opportunity for advanced knitters looking to refine their colorwork technique. The pattern includes instructions to make two socks, with the toe-up construction method allowing knitters to customize the fit as they work.