This technique is for experienced or adventurous knitters. You will need to understand the basics of socks and also how socks fit on your feet. But mostly you will need to read carefully and be willing to pull out your knitting if at first you don’t succeed. I love learning something new. I hope that you will too!
This is an alternative to traditional heels or toe box shaping. It eliminates gusset shaping and can speed up your sock knitting. I don’t really recommend this style of heel if you have a high arch, which I do. I find it a little tight. If I do use it for myself, as I did in the Koigu Entrelac Socks above. I will add short rows to the heel box, in-between the short rows themselves, And/or make the box over more than half of the stitches.
What I do like about these short row boxes is the Japanese style of Short Rows. The extra wraps create a solid seam that is stronger than most short-rows. Also this heel can be added to a highly patterned sock without interrupting the pattern repeats themselves. As in the Entrelac sock above.
I love using the technique to create the toes for Toe-up socks. The look and the strength of the short rows makes for a strong well defined toe.
Video of the start of the heel shaping. It shows the making of the double sts with YFs and YBs at each side of the heel box.
Once the heel is shaped to the tip, the heels need to be shaped and joined, working down to the full stitch count. The extra loops are worked in as you go with K3tog’s and P3tog’s tbl.
- YB – take the yarn back between the needles
- YF – bring the yarn forward between the needles
- Stitch mount – the way the stitch sits on the needle
- P2tog tbl – purl 3 sts together through the back of the loops
This technique can be substituted into any sock pattern. I have included a few standard numbers to use for the heels. Remember that there is no gusset shaping. So your sock would go something like this – ribbing, leg, heel, foot, and toe.
If you decide to try out the technique, please let me know what you think! If you have problems please also let me know. What are your favourite styles of sock making? Do you have a heel shaping or toe tip to share? What are your challenges in sock making?
Happy Knitting
Lynette
