How to avoid holes in the corner of your sock heel when knitting socks. #stoneknits #sockknitting, by Stone Knits on YouTube. 2 min 44 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 44 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 6
What you need
Steps
Knit the heel flap and turn the heel as your pattern directs. Stop when you are ready to pick up stitches along the heel flap.
Pick up stitches along one side of the heel flap. Insert the needle under both strands of each edge stitch, not just the front strand.
At the corner, pick up one extra stitch in the gap between the heel flap and the instep. Knit it through the back loop to twist it.
Repeat on the other side of the heel flap. Pick up one extra stitch at the corner and knit it through the back loop.
On the first gusset decrease round, work each extra corner stitch together with its neighbour. Use k2tog on one side and ssk on the other.
Continue the gusset decreases as written. When you weave in the yarn tail, use it to close any tiny remaining gap from the inside.
Tips and common mistakes
Pick up under both legs of the edge stitch. Catching only one leg leaves a visible hole.
Keep the first stitch after each pick-up firm, but do not pull the yarn too tight.
Twist extra corner stitches through the back loop so they sit neatly and close the gap.
If a gap remains after finishing, duplicate-stitch over it with the yarn tail instead of leaving it.
Questions
Why do holes form at the corner of a sock heel?
The gap usually comes from loose pick-up stitches or from catching only one strand of the edge stitch. Twisting an extra corner stitch and closing it on the next round prevents most holes.
Can I fix a hole after the sock is finished?
Yes. Turn the sock inside out and use the yarn tail or matching yarn to duplicate-stitch the gap closed. Work from the inside so the repair is less visible.
Do I need an extra stitch on both corners?
Yes, treat both sides the same. Pick up one extra stitch at each corner, work it twisted, then decrease it on the first gusset round.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
