Unlocking the Secret: Mastering the Art of Turning Heels on Knitted Socks

Have you ever struggled with a knitted sock that just doesn’t fit quite right? Or perhaps you’ve encountered an awkward heel turn that had you feeling like a contortionist? Fear not, because in this article, we will be diving into the world of turning heels on knitted socks. Whether you’re a beginner knitter or a seasoned pro, learning the art of a well-structured and comfortable heel can make all the difference in your sock-making. So grab your needles and get ready to turn some heads (and heels) with our guide on how to turn heel on a knitted sock.

The Basics of Knitting Socks

Knitting socks can seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of practice and patience, anyone can master the technique. Knitted socks are not only functional and warm but also make great handmade gifts for loved ones. Before you can dive into turning heels on knitted socks, it’s important to understand the basics of knitting socks.

To start off, you will need to choose the right yarn and needles for your project. For socks, it’s recommended to use a lightweight yarn that is specifically designed for socks such as fingering or sport weight yarn. These types of yarns are more durable and will hold up well to the wear and tear that comes with wearing socks. As for needles, double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles are commonly used for knitting socks.

The first step in knitting a sock is casting on the right number of stitches. This number will vary depending on the size of your foot and your gauge (which refers to how tightly or loosely you knit). It’s always better to knit a gauge swatch before starting your project so that you can accurately calculate how many stitches you’ll need to cast on.

Once you have your stitches cast on, it’s time to start knitting! Most sock patterns will begin with knitting in rounds using DPNs or circular needles. This means that instead of turning your work at the end of each row like traditional knitting, you will continue working in a spiral motion.

As you work through your pattern, you will eventually reach the point where you need to turn the heel. This is where things can get tricky for beginner knitters. Turning the heel creates a 90-degree angle at the back of the sock that fits comfortably around the heel of your foot. It also creates shaping that gives socks their characteristic tapered shape.

The Process of Turning Heels

There are a few different techniques for turning heels on knitted socks, but the most common one is called the traditional heel flap and gusset method. Here’s how it works:

1. Knit across half of your stitches (e.g. if you have 60 stitches, knit 30 stitches).
2. Turn your work and slip the first stitch purlwise.
3. Purl across the remaining stitches.
4. Turn your work again and slip the first stitch knitwise.
5. Knit until you reach one stitch before the gap created by slipping your first stitch in step 2.
6. Knit two stitches together (k2tog).
7. Knit 1 stitch.
8. Turn your work and slip the first stitch purlwise.
9. Purl until you reach one stitch before the gap created by slipping your first stitch in step 5.
10. Purl two stitches together (p2tog).
11. Purl 1 stitch.

Repeat these steps until all stitches have been worked.

Next, you will need to pick up and knit stitches along both sides of the heel flap that you just created. This will create a gusset that connects the heel to the rest of the sock.

After picking up these stitches, it’s time to work on decreasing them down to your original number of cast-on stitches in preparation for knitting the foot of your sock.

The process may seem complex at first, but with practice and repetition, it will become easier and more natural to turn heels on knitted socks.

Tips for Beginners

As mentioned earlier, turning heels can be challenging for beginner knitters. Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind:

– Follow a written pattern or tutorial carefully: It’s important to understand every step of the process before attempting it yourself.

– Use markers: Placing markers on your needles can help you keep track of where you need to increase or decrease stitches.

– Count your stitches: It’s easy to make mistakes when turning heels, so be sure to count your stitches at each step of the process to ensure everything is lining up correctly.

– Don’t get discouraged: Turning heels can be difficult at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Don’t give up if you don’t get it right the first time!

Other Methods for Turning Heels

Aside from the traditional heel flap and gusset method, there are a few other techniques for turning heels on knitted socks. These include:

– Short row heels: This method involves wrapping and turning stitches to create a seamless heel. It’s great for creating cozy socks that don’t have a bulky seam at the back.

– Afterthought heels: This technique involves knitting a tube sock first and then picking up and cutting stitches to create a heel afterwards. While it may seem counterintuitive, it allows for easier customization and fitting adjustments.

– German short rows: Similar to short row heels, this method also uses wrap and turn stitches but in a different way that is favored by many knitters.

You may want to experiment with these different methods to see which one works best

Understanding the Heel Turn in Knitted Socks

The heel turn is a crucial step in knitting a sock, as it creates the structure that allows the sock to fit comfortably on your foot. It is also what gives socks their signature shape, allowing them to contour to the unique curves of each person’s heel. While it may seem daunting at first, with some practice and patience, turning the heel on a knitted sock is a skill that any knitter can master. In this guide, we will walk you through the main steps of how to turn the heel on a knitted sock.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before diving into turning the heel on your knitted sock, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies. For this project, you will need:

– Double-pointed knitting needles in an appropriate size for your yarn weight
– A tapestry needle for weaving in ends
– Stitch markers
– Scissors
– Knitting yarn of your choice

The Anatomy of a Knitted Sock Heel

To better understand how to turn the heel on a knitted sock, it’s important to first understand its anatomy. The heel of a traditional knitted sock typically consists of three main parts: the heel flap, gusset, and instep.

The heel flap is knit flat and runs along the back of the ankle and down towards the bottom of your foot. This part of the sock provides extra cushioning and protection for your heel.

The gusset is created by picking up stitches along both sides of the heel flap and joining them with stitches from the instep. This brings together all sections of the foot.

Finally, there is instep, which forms the top part of your foot. The instep is typically knit in a different stitch pattern than the heel flap and gusset, to create a snug fit around the ankle and foot.

Turning the Heel

Now that you have a better understanding of the heel’s anatomy, let’s dive into turning the heel. This step usually happens after completing the leg portion of your knitted sock.

The first step in turning the heel is to knit across a certain number of stitches on half of your total sock stitches. The remaining stitches will be put on hold for later. Once you have finished knitting these stitches, you will start shaping your sock’s heel by creating short rows.

Short rows are simply rows that are not worked until the end. Instead, you will turn your work before reaching the end of each row in order to create extra fabric in specific areas. This extra fabric is what creates the cupping effect of a knitted sock’s heel.

As you continue knitting short rows, you will notice that each row will get shorter and shorter until only a few stitches remain unworked on either side. At this point, it’s time to work your way back up and start closing off any gaps created by working short rows.

The Final Steps

Once all short rows have been worked, it is time to close off any holes or gaps along both sides of the heel flap. You can do this by picking up stitches along both sides and knitting them together with existing stitches from the instep. This creates a seamless transition from the instep to the heel flap.

Next, continue knitting along all stitches using your desired stitch pattern until you reach your desired sock length. Finally, it’s time to close off your sock by decreasing stitches at the toe section and weaving in any remaining ends.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with any new knitting technique, practicing turning heels on knitted socks can take some time and patience. But with each turned heel, you will gain more confidence and improve your skills. Don’t be afraid to try different patterns and techniques to find what works best for you.

Turning the heel on a knitted sock is a crucial step that can seem intimidating at first. However, with practice and a better understanding of the sock’s anatomy, you can easily master this skill. Make sure to gather all necessary supplies, follow each step carefully, and don’t be discouraged by any mistakes. With determination and patience, you’ll have perfectly turned heels on all your knitted socks in no time!

1. Why is turning the heel on a knitted sock important?
Turning the heel is an essential step in sock knitting that creates the unique shape and fit of a sock. It also allows the sock to comfortably hug your foot.

2. What materials do I need to turn the heel on a knitted sock?
To turn the heel, you will need knitting needles, yarn, stitch markers, a tapestry needle, and scissors.

3. How do I know when it’s time to turn the heel on my sock?
You will know it’s time to turn the heel when you have completed knitting the gusset and have reached your desired foot length.

4. Can I use any type of yarn for turning the heel on a knitted sock?
Yes, you can use any type of yarn for turning the heel as long as it matches your pattern’s recommended gauge. Thicker yarns may create a bulkier sock, while finer yarns will result in a more delicate fit.

5. What technique should I use to turn the heel on my sock?
The most common technique for turning a heel is using short rows. You can also use German short rows or wrap and turn methods depending on personal preference.

6. What should I do if I make a mistake while turning the heel on my sock?
If you make a mistake while turning your heel, carefully rip back to just before where the error occurred. Then, re-knit that section with attention to detail to avoid making another mistake.

In conclusion, learning how to turn heel on a knitted sock can be a daunting task for beginners, but with proper guidance and practice, it can become a manageable and enjoyable part of sock knitting. Through understanding the anatomy of the heel and familiarizing oneself with different turning methods such as short-row, flap and gusset, one can customize their socks to fit their individual preferences. It is also important to pay attention to gauge and tension in order to achieve a seamless and comfortable heel turn. Additionally, using high-quality yarn and needles can greatly enhance the outcome of the finished sock. As with any new skill, patience and persistence are key in mastering the art of turning heel on knitted socks. Furthermore, knitters can explore various techniques and patterns to add variety and uniqueness to their sock collection. By following these tips and incorporating personal creativity, one can successfully turn heel on a knitted sock and take pride in their handmade creations. So don’t be intimidated by the process – embrace it with confidence! Happy knitting!

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.