Fish Lips Kiss Heel "review"

[@tanyabriggs8969]

I think you should give this Fish Lips Kiss technique a bit more trying cause I have actually tried every type of heel in my 40 years of knitting except the afterthought...and this one is perfect IMHO. This technique has changed my life cause I can knit pretty mindlessly...and rarely have to count stitches since they are always the same after the toe...unless I am making for someone that needs a wider cuff due to the calf muscle on long socks. I knit socks every day. I knit 2AAT and toe up. I hate making 1 sock and then I have to look forward to the next sock before I get satisfaction. I have done this fish lip kiss heel for many years now and I initially had some issues with the fit because I simply didn't understand a few things about the pattern. First...I tried to adapt my OLD way of determining stitches per my old patterns...and as a result I was making socks that were actually too wide cause I thought per the OLD way that I was a large size (8 1/2 shoe) and then thought I must use 60-64 stitches...and once thru with the toe increases...there was slack with the cardboard pattern. I did not understand that the pattern MUST be used not just for determining the time to start the heel. IT is very important that one use that toe line...and NOT increase stitches past that point reguardless if you think it is too small...if you have a normal shaped foot. This means I do not need a "large" sock. I use 28+28 for sport weight (Kroy) and 30-30 or 32-32 for fingerling. The beginning toe cup just barely touches the toe line and is tight. By doing that...I get a sock that fits fairly snug on the pattern thru the widest part of the foot. I stretch the sock gently till it touches the heel line for toe up...then start the twin stitches. My socks now fit snug and don't get so saggy like they did when I use the old method of sock math and book patterns. No uncomfortable thick heel flaps. I worried at first this would be the weak point since it is not thicker like some flaps using special stitches but I have not yet had any sock heel fail me after years of wearing some of my pairs of socks. I tried using reinforcing thread/yarn at first with this technique but found it a pain doing the twin stitch technique AND I didn't like the feel. So I just save my scraps just in case I might need to darn a sock but so far never have with this tech. I finally had my son make me a 3 D printed pattern from my cardboard cut out...marked it per the pattern and it is stiff and thicker...making it perfect for fitting a sock snug. Try it a couple of times before giving up on it. I use it for mostly plain socks but use it also for cables and lace patterns.

[@grandmastatus]

Wow thank you so much for such a well thought out reply! Maybe I will give the fish lips kiss heel a try next time I'm trying out something with lace or cables.

[@beakywitch6260]

You've helped me feel pleased to just keep doing socks how I like to, top down, flap and gusset, grafted toe. No reason to change! Loved your review, thank you.

[@hestererlank8354]

Cat`s Sweet Tomato Heel is a great option. It consists of wedges with gently sloping sides.

[@sandrapolichino8806]

Thank you so much for this review. I contemplated buying this this pattern for almost a year before I gave in and that is only because of all the hype on the internet about it. I am glad it was only a dollar because, after purchasing the FLK pattern, I began "researching" heels on KZbin and discovered it was just a short row heel with a twin stitch or shadow stitch. I had never heard of either of these stitches until I purchased the pattern and then started researching and comparing short row heels and how to knit them. I did actually read the entire 16 pages and found it interesting but not necessary for knitting a heel that fits perfectly. After reviewing many videos, some twice and three times, and discovering that the twin stitch or shadow stitch IS NOT exclusive to the FLK heel, I learned that it is just another "version" of a short row heel using that particular stitch. Even Arne of Arne Carlos uses the twin stitch and there is a video thats so close to FLK that I thought it was. The written pattern is not confusing at all. It is very thorough and descriptive. I read it completely through a couple of times and then started the heel and worked it quite easily using the pictures for the first couple of rows. I am not sorry that I spent a whole dollar on this particular heel pattern because when one is learning to knit socks and studying the many different ways to construct a sock, the pattern is a good one and comparable to the many others using the twin/shadow stitch. It is also nice to have a written pattern with pictures. Had I not purchased the pattern, I might not have been as curious about the many ways of knitting short row heels, not to mention wraps and turns and then comparing short rows to flaps and gussets. PLUS, the cut out is cool and handy and the little bit of math is helpful when learning how to measure for socks. I think it was $1.00 well spent for an inexperienced sock knitter like me for the pattern itself but also because is prompted me to look into all the different types of heels and how to knit them. Some heels are better than others for different uses. I don't particularly NEED to do a sturdy heel for myself but the "Eye of Partridge" stitch looks really interesting and I would like to try it some day which means I will have to do a top down sock even though I prefer Magic Circle Toe Up TAAT. I am a plain sock knitter as well because the yarns are so pretty and socks look fabulous without patterns. Buying the pattern not only gave me instructions in hand to read and refer to plus a cardboard cut out, it gave me the incentive to research sock knitting techniques, construction, and reviews including other peoples' experience and opinions. I now have a much better idea of how I want to knit my socks and the idea that not all socks have to be knit the same way. I can experiment with different techniques. But most of all, socks don't have to perfect. After listening to so many sock knitters talk about their socks, I am more encouraged than ever to keep knitting socks and to try different ways of constructing them.

[@ooohlaa13]

I love your intellectual discussion of this, very well analyzed and helpful. I found MOST useful your comment that socks do not have to be perfect. I used to tear out every mistake, and now even with straight st st I find mistakes I make and I correct them when I can and let them go, because as you said with the interesting yarns and dyeing my own yarns, who knows a mistake has been made, not even me by the time I take them out of the drawer to wear, they surprise me with their beauty and homespun quality. Sometimes I cannot believe how lovely they are, especially when I combine yarn colors and speckles and stripes. I live in Florida and have little use for more knit sweaters, I have done quite a few, but I sure enjoy working with fibers and socks are a great art form. Thanx for your erudite comments, you have convinced me to buy the pattern and refine my knitting education with every sock. Blessings!

[@abgates56]

I don't agree that the FLK is "just another version of a short row heel". Yes, every one of the dozens of short row heel patterns out there is "just another version" of a short row heel. There are only so many ways we can work knit and purl stitches to make short rows, and each "version" has pros and cons. I've looked at many, many short row heel patterns on KZbin and elsewhere on the Internet and I think I can safely say that the FLK heel is unique. Yes, "twin stitches" or "shadow stitches" are used in several other short row heels, but I believe the FLK method of working the rows and turning is unique and, to my mind, easiest of all the methods I've tried. It is not true that Arne Carlos uses twin stitches, and I find the FLK much better (and easier) than Arne Carlos' method. All short row methods share similarities and even though the FLK has similarities to other short row methods, the FLK has refined those methods to achieve an easy no-gap short row heel.

[@Nowlflr]

You paid for the TECHNIQUE, not a pattern. Just like you pay for education.

[@carolgodwin9484]

$i.00 is a small price to pay for all the effort the creator put into developing her technique. Instead of charging a large amount of money and having many people "cheat" her out of what she has earned, she chose to charge a small amount and hopes people will be honorable. I think she is doing a good thing.

[@jeanbekr7247]

I paid for the pattern and a class but I’m very thankful to have someone show me again. I’m a little slow.

[@cathryncampbell8555]

Thank you for that insider's reference to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," where "42" is the answer to Everything! Your video is Perfection! I hope that your child is now learning how to knit. Thank you!

[@DarleneMilner]

I agree! I laughed out loud at the 42! Yay!🤩

[@kitsala1]

thanks for your review, girl after my own heart. could not figure out all the hoopla about this heel, your right, download for $1.00? all those pages, a book, and in the end learned top down with a gusset, can do them in my sleep, magic loop, DPNS or the new 9" circs. I'll stay with what I know& I don't get frustated so I cast on second sock right away. Thanks again, your a life saver,, I don't need all that aggregation to even try,, even after watching the videos, only good thing was finding your review. Thanks again.

[@chelseacrews7710]

I really appreciate your comments on this heel. I downloaded the "pattern" last night just to see what all the fuss was about, and for a minute I thought I had accidentally bought a booklet on cardboard foot forms.

[@korichamberlain]

Lol. Definitely don't read these comments. But I appreciate the veiw point. I'm a new sock knitter trying out different heels to see what I like. The lack of visuals available online for this is a huge deal breaker for me right now, but I might try the pattern out after trying out the shadow wrap heel and getting better at reading patterns in general.

[@7autumn5]

I liked listening to you talk about this. LOL Just sounded like someone I know chatting about yarn. Thanks for reviewing!

[@noragrundvig107]

For a dollar you get not only the method to make the fish lips kiss heel, but also the information on how to measure and knit socks for anyone. The cardboard foot measurements are fabulous when you have someone you want to knit for that isn't in a position to try on the socks while you're knitting, like say a person who is a long distance away. You can use the heel method in any type of sock you choose to knit, you're not restricted to following just her instructions for total sock creation. As for those complaining about a whopping $1, wouldn't you want to be paid for your hard work? A dollar isn't breaking the bank, and the lady is fighting 3B breast cancer, she's not rolling in the dough.

[@BeYou4You]

Nora Grand-Pre Anyone who puts that kind of work into writing a 16 page instructional guide to help others when she is fighting to help herself....is well deserving of the $1 she charges. Once more she only charges a $1 for ALL of her patterns, unlike other designers on Ravelry who change ridiculous amounts on money for a 2 page download!

[@puffyjo]

i bought a few years ago and have never used it , i looked at it again and it looks way too complicated for me personally . i have made a gusset heel and i dont find it hard not like this heel

[@LaurienaC]

I love how you describe all those little victories when knitting a cuff down sock with a flap and gusset heel. I celebrate those same victories! I even adapted the one toe up sock I have attempted to have the gusset and flap so I still had those victories, just in reverse LOL.

[@clareoreilly9873]

$1 for an excellent resource for sock knitting, and bargain I say.

[@kokoriffic929]

Good review! I first knit this heel back in 2013 and I use it sparingly as well. Flap and gusset socks seem to go faster due to those distinct sections where you change up what you're doing. I also think that they wear better on the back of the heel. (The stitch markers just set off the center stitches to indicate where to start the second part of the heel building outward. Once you've done the heel a couple of times, you really don't need them anymore..)

[@christinekurz8862]

i agree with everything you said. i purchased this pattern last week and i have been staring at the massive 16 pages saying "this is math. you said no maths." and also, where is the pattern? i thought this was supposed to be easy.

[@abgates56]

2:24 I disagree that the FLK heel is "bumpy" on the inside. I believe all short row heels will have some kind of a diagonal stitch line on the inside but I've tried several methods and the FLK is the smoothest on the inside of any I've tried. I think the inside of the FLK is beautiful and very comfortable (as you say yourself).

[@dianeespinoza8647]

Why do you feel the need to disagree? 😆 go do your own review. Weird flex when people think they need to debate your review. 🙄

[@brandip2446]

Huh, isn't that what comments is for Why do you feel the need to drag your ignorance into her comment get lost

[@ddofat]

I really don't understand why she didn't like the heel.

[@jihye18]

Right! Cause the pattern is just for a heel not for a foot design

[@abgates56]

Yes, I noticed a couple of things. First, the comments about the part of the pattern that discuss foot sizing are irrelevant because that part is an add-on to the actual heel part of the pattern. You can ignore all that part and just jump to where the heel part begins in order to learn how to work this new heel method. Second, the FLK is a type of short row heel. It's advantages are that it is an improved short row heel. It is not intended to imply that a short row heel is better than a gusset heel. That is an individual preference. If you prefer a gusset heel, that's great. This pattern is to help people who want to do a short row heel and are seeking the best way of doing it, and I believe the FLK is the best way, and I think over 21,000 people on Ravelry agree with me.

[@mrs.s.5203]

Hi, I really liked your review. You spoke about an easy sock pattern that you use, I am looking for an easy pattern. Could you share the pattern that you use? I am an experienced knitter, but new to knitting socks. Thanks!

[@AnneluvsKatz]

That would be so helpful. I’m in the same boat

[@kathrynborbacs3380]

BioluvsKatz&Bees Look up on Yarnspirations website for pattern “Red Heart Self-Striping Knit Socks” Pattern. It is very basic, simple, easy to follow, top-down with heel flap & gusset just as she explains is her “go to” pattern. I’ve tried all types, methods, styles and this is my go to pattern. Fits well. Hope you find this pattern helpful.

[@debracomer6864]

I too bought the sock booklet. I found it confusing and unnecessarily lengthy. I knitted the heel once. It totally does not work for me. As for knitting socks for others, all I need is their shoe size to be able to knit them a pair of socks. I knit most of my personal socks toe up method and I've found the Fleegle heel to be super easy and we'll fitting for me.

[@dshorty57]

I need a visual with the lip kiss I couldn’t figure it out as a first time sock knitter

[@Skirkly]

I don't like the bumpy in the inside. Thanks for showing that. I can't stand something like that on my feet. But you did a wonderful job. Thanks for the review.

[@sandracasagrande3825]

Hi again! I just finished two of this heel. I must say I loved doing it. When I learned the two sts it was a breeze. However. I did a different color heel. What a disaster. And I do have holes. Not sure if its because of the color change. I shant do that anymore. But I do like the making of this heel and its the 4th one Ive tried. I liked the fleegle but it gives a very high instep. I will do this heel again and not chane color and see what happens. Thanks for listening🙃

[@judylee3589]

Thank you for sharing your review on this heal. I appreciate your honesty.

[@b1sofaspud]

Thank you for this review. I have been debating using this type of heel, this video helped answer many of my questions. Again, thank you.

[@denubug]

Great review, I agree....I prefer toe up with regular gusset increase, and use either heel flap and short row.....no picking up....nor holes. Thanks.

[@missree1995]

Your review is helpful and HILARIOUS. LOL

[@grandmastatus]

Hey I'm so glad you feel that way; I have considered taking it off KZbin because I made it so long ago and I feel like it was so long and rambly haha

[@missree1995]

@@grandmastatus Don't you dare remove it! lol

[@roses703]

I dislike the narrow center of shaped heel. It is designed for a more narrow foot. I have a medium foot. My own ratio for decrease/increase is 1/4 - 1/2 - 1/4 (yielding wider unshaped center) compared with ugly 1/3 - 1/3 - 1/3. The fishlip is homely& this matters to me. I tried this technique multiple times and glad to be aware but won’t use it much.

[@sexy59red]

thank you for this review. enjoyed watching you.. may i ask the simple sock pattern you use and referred to?

[@Myk63]

I do the same, knit part until I'm bored or sick of it. I double knit so I get sick of the ribbing, like long socks so bored with the leg. Then I feel the accomplishment as I progress through the heel.

[@MsMagick]

Great review there - I share your sentiments!

[@Lucy_Honeychurch]

Great review. I wish I had seen it before I spent the dollar. LOL.

[@courag1]

I've discovered how to do German Short Row heels and you can do the heel as a toe but requires a provisional cast on. I like the method. May try the FLK heel next. But like you for just a technique, I balk at buying the pattern though I have thought about it. I've only bought a few patterns on Ravelry, most look to find patterns for free. Hard to make ends meet and prices keep going up on yarn. Michaels and Joann are not giving the discounts that count for much the last couple of weeks. But I am hooked on socks now and have made my winter socks, now I can explore other fibers than wool and nylon. Loved your video, you have so much personality. Did you have a boy or a girl?

[@grandmastatus]

I had a girl! I named her Penelope. She's 6 in December now. :)

[@lizgriffith6361]

best spent buck on the net. It's unfortunate you didn't feel the same.

[@abgates56]

So true! I can't believe people can complain about spending $1 on the FLK pattern. Whether or not you like this short row heel version, it's been an opportunity to try something new and different, and that's how we all learn and improve. I happen to *love* the FLK and use it for all my socks now, so it was also for me the best $1 I've spent on the net. Since, as of today, 21,423 projects on Ravelry have used the FLK, I think an awful lot of people agree with me and Liz Griffith.

[@masuganut2082]

@@abgates56 and I read on Ravelry that the lady who came up with the FLK got cancer so anything to help her since she put some much into the pattern, $1 is completely worth it I hope the lady is doing better

[@grandmastatus]

I'm glad you're a fan of it!

[@yvonnasun]

How does it compare to lifestyle short row heels? That one is no wrap no holes and super easy to do for me. since this pattern actually costs money I can't justify the cost if it is very similar to that one.... Thanks!

[@christalcavanaugh]

You can’t justify the cost of 100 pennies for someone’s hard work? Couldn’t be me....

[@christalcavanaugh]

These comments make me feel disappointed in humanity. Apparently no one knows how to read /:

[@shiiloe]

You had me at 42 🤓

[@MsMagick]

Same!

[@doloreshorine9044]

So your saying it’s easy?

[@CarrieMtn]

Lol! 42 is the answer!

[@tuberfying]

Thanks for the review. I have sensitive feet and don't think i'd like the ridge on the inside of the heel. I'd want as smooth as possible.

[@tanyabriggs8969]

I've been making this heel for a very long time and I have no ever noticed the heel at all. It does look raised....but once the sock is washed and blocked...you would never even think it was there. I make these also for gifts...and my GD's love them where they thought the heel flap type was old fashion and out of date and looked clearly handmade. These socks, once finished and being worn no one could possible tell it was a handmade sock. While most sock makers don't mind the look of a handmade sock...the younger kids do want their socks to not look like grandma made them. Never mind a good handmade sock costs a heck of a lot more than most people spend on their socks. I remember as a young teen I had to make my own clothing...and I did get made fun of a lot...not because my clothes were not nice...but because it was considered something only poor people did back then.

[@maria_knitknits8243]

After watching a video on FLK it looks similar to the shadow wrapped heel

[@sandracasagrande3825]

This fish lips kiss heel has no holes and no picking up of sts. Are you talking about a different heel?

[@torillkalvik6582]

Talk Talk Talk Talk Talk

[@grandmastatus]

Thank you for commenting!

[@laume702]

Five pages just to knit a heel! NO! I am not going there doing that one!

[@CristinaNogueiraAlves]

Looks like the boomerang heel or German short row heel

[@jenburroughs2745]

Don't buy this pattern, it's basically the shadow wrap heel which is free

[@robinschwartz1275]

Jen Burroughs wrong! Buy this pattern. The designer deserves support and she’s actually ill so she can really use your dollar.

[@abgates56]

Wrong. Yes, other short row heels uses a "shadow wrap" or "twin stitch" but this method includes a new and improved way of working the rows and turning, and for me it truly is the easiest "no gap" short row heel I've ever tried and I've tried a lot of them.

[@joan9569]

I liked your video.

[@grandmastatus]

Thank you!

[@maryjoehnert9115]

Easy sock? No way. for someone who has never done a sock it does not tell you what to do? Just says "when your ready to do the heel" So what do we do when we are ready? very poor patter. Very disappointed!

[@csmith2662]

I do not understand this pattern. After 5 read throughs I’m still confused as to where I start the heel for a cuff down sock. I know where on my leg I want the cuff to end up but I’ve no idea where I need to start the stockinette/short rows. I’ve done one pair of socks before and that pattern was much clearer on where to start the heel. So far the only positive is now I have a cardboard foot to test my socks on for the foot portion.

[@sandracasagrande3825]

I cant find the video for this heel. Can you post the link

[@tyleredwards3412]

Sandra Casagrande there's no video tutorial it's a pattern on ravelry.com, on KZbin there is just a couple videos by the designer of the heel demonstrating the special stitches needed to make the heel. Since it is a pattern that has to be paid for you won't find any tutorials on it.

[@bbstar7970]

I paid a $1 for this pattern and I had to go to tutorial .....for me most of these pages a waste .....and I’m finding hard to understand how to continue finishing heel .....thought I would be getting a whole pattern (sock)

[@MANUCPA1]

16 min is as bad as 16 pages ...just sayin"

[@grandmastatus]

MANUCPA1 lol Touché I still have not used this heel again

[@daynamcmillan1397]

very cute :)

[@jpeood32]

I don’t this it is appropriate to call the Sox Therapist a “liar.” sadly I won’t be following you There is little new under the sun they say, but ST has put a lot of energy and time into explaining the heel. Amazingly you describe the sox as a very good fit, what more can you ask for….sad sad sad, try to stay for flattering in the future, it doesn’t reflect highly of you.

[@grandmastatus]

Thank you! I guess "Liar" is a mean thing to say; thanks for calling me out on that! I haven't watched this review in the years since I posted it and I've actually considered taking it down many times because of some of the comments I receive. But ultimately it reflects my views accurately that day so I leave it lol.

[@Lsutube963]

8 minutes in and you haven’t said anything of substance yet. Now you have heartburn?! Don’t give up your day job.

[@MsMagick]

would you like a bowl of milk with that comment pussy?

[@grandmastatus]

I think I was pregnant in this video lol But thank you for watching me for 8 minutes of your life that you will never get back; I'm sorry for wasting your time!! Have a lovely day ^_^

[@grandmastatus]

Thanks hunny you bring me tears. I never come look at the comments on this video because people are so mean about it. But just, THANK YOU.

[@martylittle5540]

lol