One of the things that keep me coming back to sock knitting is the endless possibilities it offers. Socks are, of course, great little canvases for trying out a new technique or stitch pattern. But even if you want to keep your sock knitting relatively simple — your go-to handbag or Zoom project, perhaps — there’s still plenty of scope to try something new! Perhaps you like to endlessly experiment with your knitting too, or you’re still just after your perfectly fitting, winning sock combination. If so, I present for your consideration: the short row heel.
The short row heel has a lot to recommend it. Like an afterthought heel, it’s worked the same whether you knit your socks from the toe up, or the cuff down. Unlike the afterthought heel (link will take you to our YouTube video tutorial), it’s worked when you come to it, meaning once it’s complete, you can keep trying your sock on for size. And if you’ve never knit short rows, working a short row heel is a nice introduction to the technique … it shows off their shaping magic, without the hassle or fuss of picking up the wraps.
I’ve put together a set of videos taking you through the steps of working this very versatile heel. I’m using Wendy Bernard’s Cuff-Down Socks pattern from MDK No. 11 Wanderlust (a really great sock knitting resource!) — I worked up a pair of socks for Jim using this pattern and a Zauberball Crazy, and they’ve been a big hit! Once you’ve go the hang of this heel, you’ll find it easy to sub into any pattern you like!
Jim’s socks in shade Autumn Wind.
As with most socks, you’ll be working your short row heel across half your total number of stitches. In this first video, I show you how to get started with some wrapping and turning. You’ll be working ever shorter rows to get that heel into shape: Short Row Heel Part 1
With your first wedge complete, you’ll now start working progressively longer rows, double wrapping your stitches — it’s easier than it sounds — to get that sock hugging your heel just right! Short Row Heel Part 2
Finally, you need to reunite the heel with it’s friend, the instep .. there’s just a bit more wrapping and turning to be done, then you’ll be back to working that sock int he round: Short-Row Heel Part 3
And that’s a wrap! I hope you’ve found this trio of videos helpful … if you decide to give a short row heel a try, do let me know!