Ever knit a sock and you can’t pull it over your heel? Or the sock slides down your foot inside your shoe?
Working the heel of a sock can be one of the most enjoyable (or hated) part of knitting a sock. And with so many choices, how do you pick the right one for your foot?
To get the perfect heel fit, you’ll want to take a good look at your foot. Specifically two areas: the arch and heel.
Do you have a low, medium, or high arch?
Do you have narrow, medium, or wide heels?
Check out these classic heels:
Heel Flap
Pros:
- Fit most arch heights and heel widths
- Sturdy
- Embellishments can be added
Cons:
- Interrupts colorways of patterning yarns
- Doesn’t look as symmetrical when using a contrasting color
- Is more challenging to work toe-up
- Requires picked up stitches
Short Row
Pros:
- Can be worked toe up or cuff down
- Look great in contrasting colors
- No picking up stitches
- Keeps stitch pattern or yarn colorway pattern uninterrupted
Cons:
- Can be too tight for high instep / wide heels
- Require working short row turns
- Not easily reinforceable
Fleegle Heel
Pros:
- Excellent for high arches / wide heels when working toe up socks
- Minimally disruptive to stitch pattern or yarn colorway
- No stitches to pick up for a gusset
Cons:
- Not conducive to contrasting color heels
- More advanced method than other heels
Afterthought Heel
Pros:
- Customizable for all types of arches and heels
- Great for contrasting color heels
- Can be added after the rest of sock is finished
- Does not interrupt stitch pattern or yarn colorway
Cons:
- Can leave holes at corners
Fish Lips Kiss Heel
This one is by Patty-Joy White, aka SoxTherapist.
Pros:
- Customizable for every foot
- Minimally disruptive to stitch pattern or yarn colorway
- Can be worked cuff down or toe up
- Inexpensive pattern
Cons:
- Pattern can look advanced at first
- Pattern requires template of each foot being knit for
What is your favorite type of heel? Comment below!
