Short Row Heel Demo - Lifestyle Toe Up Socks, No wraps!

Priscilla Wild's recipe for the easiest short row knitted heel out there!

Download the Lifestyle Toe Up Socks knitting guide and bookmark this page to review how to videos for each stage of sock making:
http://pulsh.blogspot.com/2009/05/lifestyle-socks-videos.html

See a variation of this heel using stitch markers to help identify the gap between the held and the active stitches. http://pulsh.blogspot.com/2009/07/no-muss-no-fuss-short-row-heel.html

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• knitted socks
• short row heel
• toe up Priscilla Wild
• Lifestyle Toe Up Socks

[ClaireAlthea]

Hi, I just did a sample heel and I ended up having loose stitches at the diagonal area. Maybe I didn't pick up stitches correctly when I K2tog and then M1. I have gaps that show. How can I avoid that because otherwise, I really like this heel method. Also, how do I determine the correct distance from the toe before I start this heel. Thanks for your help.

[charisacairn]

@ClaireAlthea Please see the new videos I created showing the failproof way to track your active and held stitches and ensure that you will not have any gaps. I've knit the heel with this method dozens of time, it always works. I can't post the link, so see my PULSH page at pulsh.blogspot.com and choose the Lifestyle Videos How To: in the right column. On that page see the link to the updated version using stitch markers.

[charisacairn]

@ClaireAlthea Please see the new examples (videos) that use stitch markers. That should help.

[shroygeeks]

I have a string of holes all the way up my heel. I think I'm doing something wrong on the M1 but I can't figure out what since I am twisting the stitch. Other than that, worked great!

[charisacairn]

Maybe you need to go down a needle size for tighter knitting? Hopefully you'll get that figured out soon - there should be no holes with this method. Good luck!

[lgpars]

Charisa, how do you know how many stitches to leave unworked in the middle before starting to add back in the sts.? I have 68 cast-on sts in my pattern so I have 34 on each circular.

[charisacairn]

Take a look at the free Lifestyle socks pattern that this goes with. It is usually 8-12 stitches, depending on the width of your heel. It is usually the number you have when you start your toe.

[raenaraena]

Holy poop, I think you've just made me the happiest sock noobie ever. <3

[tota121280]

omg this video safed my (sock) life :) thanks!

[amberschiwi]

@ClaireAlthea

thanks lots for this video and the other two instructional ones. Although I love heels like PGR's dreamsock I had the problem of adding fortifying yarn to stop the heels from chafing. It is nearly impossible due to the very tight stitches after turning. With your method I now have a brilliant solution. I also prefer to knit through the back loops when adding the stitches - plus I do a [k2tbl (p2tbl), M1] after finishing the heel to add to the sock front to avoid a gap there.

[DanniJHughes]

I'm new to sock knitting and couldn't find just a plain stockinette stitch sock, so compiled the different techniques to make my sock. The first heel had holes, which you addressed. However, it seemed to pull at the point where I started knitting in the round again. So in looking at other patterns, I surmised that I had forgotten the gusset. Though it doesn't appear you put in a gusset.

So, my question, is this technique gusset free?

Thanks so much for this video.

[Cptmick1]

@ClaireAlthea I am just over the moon I can finally knit socks!!!!

[tamarque1]

@charisacairn Hi have been struggling to find a heel that works easily. Though thus one would be the one but, like several others, am finding that the add back stitches keep being horribly loose, look sloppy and would make a weak structure. I have rewatched the video, done a practice heel at least 5 time with the same result. I cannot see what to do differently.  So frustrating, but it seems to be common problem. Would sure love to figure it out.

[tamarque1]

I liked this video very much as it was visually pretty clear. However, like many others I am struggling with the holes/loose stitches on the increase half of the heel. I have frogged these sock heels at least 3-4 times with no better results. There must be some trick that so many of us are missing. Knitting tighter doesn't make any difference. It has to do with how stitches are picked up I think but cannot figure it out.

[TheVampiressLisa]

OMG, THANK YOU!!! I suffered a concussion a few days ago, and the doctor told me to do activities that were calming to me. I have been knitting for about 4 years, and have been wanting to learn how to knit socks for a while. I saw other methods to knit heels, and they just gave me a headache! This method is so simple, and all I have to do is count! can sit back, knit, and allow my brain to heal. Thanks so much again! My Ravelry sn is VampiressLisa. I will check out your site, too!

[funkyfg]

thanks for making and posting this video - What a huge help!!

[janeta67]

You are a wonderful teacher. I wish I could be in your class. What a beautiful speaking voice too, Makes a big difference. You make it very clear but I will have to watch it a couple of times. Thankyou so much. Janet