Heel Flap And Gusset Magic Loop Toe Up
Knitting socks can be a fun and satisfying endeavor, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to turning the heel. Luckily, the heel flap and gusset method is a tried-and-true technique that can help you create a comfortable and well-fitted sock.
What is the Heel Flap and Gusset Method?
The heel flap and gusset method is a way of turning the heel on a knitted sock. It involves creating a flap of stitches on the heel of the sock and then picking up stitches along the sides of the flap to create a gusset. The gusset helps to form the shape of the heel and provides extra room for the foot to fit comfortably into the sock.
What is the Magic Loop Method?
The magic loop method is a way of knitting in the round using a long circular needle. This method is often used for knitting socks, as it allows you to knit a small circumference without the need for double-pointed needles. The magic loop method involves dividing your stitches in half and working with one half at a time while the other half is held on the cable of the circular needle.
How to Knit Heel Flap and Gusset Magic Loop Toe Up Socks
Now that you know what the heel flap and gusset method and the magic loop method are, let's dive into how to knit a sock using these techniques.
Step 1: Cast on and Knit the Cuff
The first step in knitting a sock is to cast on your stitches and knit the cuff. The cuff can be as long or as short as you like, but a typical length is around 2 inches. Be sure to join your stitches in the round and place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
Step 2: Knit the Leg
Once you have completed the cuff, you will move on to knitting the leg of the sock. This is the portion of the sock that goes up your leg. Again, the length of the leg is up to you, but a typical length is around 6-8 inches.
Step 3: Start the Heel Flap
Once you have completed the leg, it's time to start working on the heel flap. To do this, you will need to divide your stitches in half. You can do this by slipping half of your stitches onto a stitch holder or spare circular needle. Then, using the magic loop method, you will work back and forth on the remaining stitches to create the heel flap.
Typically, the heel flap is worked in a stitch pattern that is different from the rest of the sock. A common pattern is the slip stitch heel flap, which creates a durable and snug fit.
Step 4: Turn the Heel
Once you have completed the heel flap, it's time to turn the heel. This is where the magic of the heel flap and gusset method comes in. You will pick up stitches along the edge of the heel flap to create the gusset.
Then, you will work a series of short rows to create the turn of the heel. This is essentially creating a wedge shape that fits snugly around the heel of the foot. Once you have completed the short rows, you will have a little gap in the sock, which you will close up in the next step.
Step 5: Pick Up and Knit Stitches for the Gusset
Now that you have turned the heel, it's time to pick up and knit stitches along the side of the heel flap to create the gusset. This will involve working with the stitches you placed on the stitch holder or spare circular needle earlier.
Once you have picked up the stitches for the gusset, you will start working in the round again, knitting across the instep and down the other side of the gusset. This will create a diamond-shaped gusset that fits snugly around the foot.
Step 6: Complete the Foot
Now that you have completed the heel flap and gusset, it's time to work on the foot of the sock. This is the portion of the sock that covers the foot. You will continue working in the round, knitting across the instep and down the other side of the foot.
Step 7: Finish the Toe
Once you have completed the foot, it's time to finish the toe of the sock. This will involve decreasing stitches in a way that creates a rounded shape. The most common way of decreasing stitches for the toe is the Kitchener stitch. This creates a seamless and comfortable finish to the sock.
Conclusion
The heel flap and gusset method, combined with the magic loop method, is a great way to create a comfortable and well-fitted sock. This technique can be a bit challenging at first, but with practice, you'll be able to turn the heel like a pro. So pick up your needles and give it a try!
