Sunday, November 20, 2011

Try a new heel

Looking for a different heel? How about an inset or afterthought heel? They are fast to knit but it usually takes me quite a bit of time to set it up. They are easy to replace if you get a hole. I wrote these directions up a while ago, hope they make sense. It is very helpful to have two sets of double pointed needles (whatever size you are using -- it means a lot less juggling of needles). I set up socks using the Yankee Knitter classic sock pattern (#29)

Knit the leg. If the leg is a pattern and the foot will be stockinette, knit 1 row
Row 2: knit to needle 2
Drop the main color and knit needle 2 with waste yarn
Drop waste yarn, pick up the main color and knit needle 2 again (the waste yarn)





Continue knitting with main color
Knit the foot of your sock for a few inches and then go back and work on the heel



Pick up the stiches above and below the waste yarn. I think this is tricky to do but you might not find it as difficult as I do. I use a smaller needle to pick up the stitches. Remove the waste yarn.



Pick up one extra stitch on either side to close any holes.
Transfer to the correct size needle; I use four needles.


Right side facing, working right to left: Attach yarn on the right side, knit 2 together where you picked up the extra stitch. You might want to knit through the back loop. This puts in a twist and tightens up the stitch. Work across to the other needle where you picked up the extra stitch and knit 2 together.
Work across all needles to where you started. You might want to add stitch markers to mark the “corners.”

Round 1
Needle 1: K1, K 2 together through the back loop (or ssk), K to end
Needle 2: K to last 3 stitches, K 2 together, K 1
Needle 3: K 1, K 2 together through the back loop (or ssk), K to the end
Needle 4: K to last 3 stitches, K 2 together, K 1

Round 2
Knit on all four needles

Continue both rounds until 5 stitches remain on each needle for a total of 20 stitches or approximately 1/3 of what you started with. You can try it on and see how it feels and adjust as needed

Transfer to 2 needles (ten stitches on each needle) and Kitchener stitch


Done!