Turning a Sock Heel
Corrina FergusonDescription
Turning the heel of a top-down sock is a fun step in the sock-knitting process. In this video, Corrina Ferguson demonstrates how to work a traditional heel turn on a top-down sock with a heel flap.
Heel Turn
Corrina prefers to work her heel turns beginning with the wrong side of the sock; however, she notes that a sock knitting pattern will indicate in the instructions how to begin your heel turn. The rows of the heel turn begin by slipping the first stitch purlwise and purling to the halfway point of the heel flap. P2tog (purl two stitches together), purl 1 stitch, and turn. The next row is worked on the right side by slipping the first stitch purlwise, knitting 1 stitch, ssk (slip, slip knit decrease), knitting 1 stitch, and turn. Short rows are being created, without wrap and turns, to make the heel cup. The heel turn will continue as follows:
-Row 1 (WS): Sl1, purl to 1 stitch before the gap, p2tog, p1, turn.
-Row 2 (RS): Sl1, knit to 1 stitch before the gap, ssk, k1, turn.
These two rows are repeated until all the stitches have been incorporated into the heel. The heel turn is complete, and you’re ready for the next step of your sock.