HEATHER'S "MAGICAL" BLUE SOCKS WITH TUTORIAL - PART 3

Hi everyone,

I hope you are doing well today. Here is the next installment in my sock-knitting series.  If you want to see the previous posts, you can click on the links below:

Heather's "Magical" Blue Socks with Tutorial - Part 2

Heather's "Magical" Blue Socks with Tutorial

Now it's time to knit the heel flap.  That's the part that's like the "back of the chair" for your heel:

HEATHER'S HELPFUL HINT: If you can't or don't want to use reinforcing sock thread, another way to add a bit more firmness to your socks is by switching to a needle size that is one size SMALLER than what you're using for the rest of the sock. It adds a little more strength and density to the parts of the sock that get the most wear and tear.


So take the stitches from Needle 2 and place them onto Needle 1.  Also, very important for the heel flap SWITCH to Size 00 US ( 1.75mm) double-pointed knitting needles for the heel flap.  You'll continue to use these same needles when you begin to turn the heel as well.

Row 1 - sl 1 (slip 1 stitch), knit 1 across

Row 2 - purl all the way back

Repeat both of these rows until the heel flap measures 1/2" inch LESS in LENGTH as it does in width.

In this case, the stitiches from Needles 1 & 2...when knit in this way, measure 3 inches across. So that means my HEEL FLAP will be knit in this pattern till it measures 2 1/2" inches in length.

So for my feet that means you'll continue this way until you finish: 44 rows total.


Now it's time to TURN THE HEEL:

This part can be really easy, and also a real "stinker" if you're not careful while knitting.


HEATHER'S HELPFUL HINT: You should have an even number of stitches, since you originally cast on a number of stitches that were a divisible by 4 and 8.  It needs to be an even number in order for this to turn out correctly.

Row 1 - Knit 2 stitches past the center, SSK (slip, slip, knit), knit 1, place stitch marker here, and turn the work.

HEATHER'S HELPFUL HINT: SSK (slip, slip, knit) is really easy. All you do is slip 2 stitches to the right-hand needle as if you're knitting them. Then with the left needle, come in through the back of both loops and knit them TOGETHER.

Row 2 - Slip 1, purl 5, purl 2 together, purl 1, place another stitch marker here, and turn the work.

HEATHER'S HELPFUL HINT: The use of stitch markers does require a little bit of extra work, but you will be over the moon HAPPY, EXTRA DELIGHTED, because this will ensure that you don't miss any stitches and the "heel turn" will turn out properly.

Row 3 - slip 1, knit 6, SSK (slip, slip, knit), knit 1, and turn the work.

The row markers mark the space in the GAP between the two stitches that you will either be knitting together or purling together.  This is the part that helps turn the heel.

Row 4 - Slip 1, purl 7, purl 2 together, purl 1, and turn the work. Continue in this fashion until you've worked all the stitches on your knitting needle.

Keep in mind that the very LAST knit and purl rows, you'll only be knitting or purling the stitches together. You will NOT have to do the extra knit 1 or purl 1 before turning the piece.

That is it for today's knitting lesson. If you have any more specific questions, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment here. I'll do my very best to help you :) :) :)

Until next time, I will leave you with this photo for the day:

I bought this teapot with matching teacups and saucer's at an auction. It was part of a collection of random pieces.  I'm actually trying to sell these.  The teapot is from a company called SAJI in Japan.  The teacups are from Radfords of England. it's interesting because the patterns are almost exactly the same.  It's really lovely, but I need to declutter some things.

I've decided that my personal FAVORITE is anything that is Royal Albert or Prince Albert patterns. Right now, my all-time FAVORITE pattern is Royal Albert "Old Country Roses".  I have a creamer with matching sugar bowl with lid in that pattern. That was in that same auction lot as this violet teapot with matching cups/saucers.

That is the news from the beautiful ocean shores of California today. Love and hugs to your day today, Heather ;) :) :)