Shadow Wrapped Short Row Sock Heel Part 1

[@cleokoch2764]

I have been binge watching your sock tutorials. Very good instructional videos. Thank you.

[@i.widiastuti8718]

I discovered this method from your Chilly Dog blog.t his shadow knitting is a real game changer! it saved me from frustration after 3 years of socks knitting hiatus. I'm working on my second pairs now. thank you 💕💝

[@cynthiafowles1257]

Am finishing the Whale Tail socks and I am in love! I can’t believe I finish a pair of socks in less than a week and learned three new to me techniques. I think I need to make another pair using yarn from my “I love me” stash.

[@DeanJean17]

When I first heard of the shadow wrap, I searched for tutorials and watched several. I was amazed at how different they all were! Yours is by far the simplest, most clear, and easiest to follow. Thank you!

[@sweetsuenh418]

My new favorite heel! For me, a lot easier than a regular short row heel and fits better, too.

[@redgatecrafts]

Thank you SO MUCH. This is so clear, concise and easy to follow. I was really struggling with GSR and was close to tears out of frustration. Whereas with this technique, and your easy to follow video, I'm flying along with no problems. Thank you! :)

[@carolehastings1902]

I have been getting knitcrate sock box for nearly 9 months now as I can knit but have never really been good at knitting socks, I was determined to have mastered this before now but the heel always lets me down. I have never seen this method before but I am going to give it a go, you’ve made it look so easy my family may just be getting socks for Christmas 🎉 thank you so much for your tutorials, I’ll keep you updated xxx

[@thechillydog]

Can't wait to see your socks! This is my favorite method to teach brand new sock knitters because I think it's the easiest to understand an execute.

[@sweetsuenh418]

Best heel ever. Easy to knit, fits great and when the heel is done there is no finish work. I will be using this one a lot!

[@deepham6876]

Thank you thank you. This is the best tutorial for shadow knitting ever. Clear instruction, smooth movement . I'm so happy I found your clip.

[@TOLady1]

I don't know why I never searched for a shadow wrap heel tutorial before, but I'm sure happy I found this! I've loved using the technique for the back of my sweaters for a couple of years. I had a pair of socks started that used the heel flap technique. I ripped the heel out and replaced it with this. What a joy! Thank you!!!

[@lindacantwell8266]

Fabulous video - you go slowly and that is a huge help.

[@gingerredshoes]

Wowzers. You may have just changed my life, in the sock knitting sense. Next project I'm doing this.

[@Yboykin]

Thank you. Very clear and concise. I left more comments in your 2nd tutorial which should be watched after this one.

[@sandrak7267]

Great tutorial! I am new to knitting socks and I found this heel to be the best! I have made 2 pair so far and started pair 3 and I refer back to this video! Thanks 💜💜💜

[@mitsousme]

Thank you so much. Love the way you teach !

[@lisalind4813]

Love that patter, beautiful!

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

Thank you! this is super easy and without need to do anything else except knitting, no marking no counting.

[@murphzmom]

This is a fantastic video. Very clear instructions, great pace to the video and you can see the stitches being made very clearly :-)

[@evelynwald9132]

Having fun making these socks. I’m finally at the stage where I can start to do the heel, again. I had made a bad mistake when I was doing this previously which I couldn’t figure out so I unraveled all my knitting & started from scratch. This time, I’m going to incorporate a “lifeline” in my last row of stitches so that if I do make another bad mistake, I can just unravel to the lifeline. For those who may not know, a lifeline is just threading yarn into the front leg of each stitch on your needle, You can do this anywhere in a pattern just make sure that you mark which row has a lifeline on your pattern! Once you unravel, if needed, you can put the stitches that are on your lifeline back onto your needle!

[@thechillydog]

Lifelines can be such a huge time saver (and stress reliever).

[@MichelleLa]

Thank you so much for sharing this! About to start on my first heel ever, but I am scared of making a mistake and having to start over. This will be my lifesaver! 😊

[@sushanart]

Thank you, Evelyn! ❤️👍🙂

[@sushanart]

Love this so far! This might be the heel I've been looking for! ❤️👍🙂 Now on to part two. 😁

[@viviancunningham6358]

Excellent tutorial for a beginner! Thank you.

[@ZombiieLoveQuadCreations]

Finally a video I understand! Thank you! Now off to the second part!

[@ritaball5253]

Wow, thank you so much for this tutorial. This is so much easier than the regular wrapped short rows and my stitches are not all stretched out on the sides. I love it. I’m am using TAAT magic loop, I just have to remember to slip the twin stitches. 🥰

[@evelynwald9132]

I am always amazed to find an easy way to do something, as in going from wrapped short rows to what I thought was easier, German short rows. Now I see this video and shadow short rows are even easier! Your tutorial is also very clear and easy to follow. Your pattern is also very pretty. Thank you. My mini morning break is over, but during my next break, I will go and buy your pattern!

[@thechillydog]

Two of my favorite things about knitting... There's always something new to learn and there's usually more than one way to do something (like short rows). Happy knitting!

[@evelynwald9132]

The Chilly Dog ...and I purchased your pattern. So cool that you can make a pattern!

[@TOLady1]

I also tried German short rows and was impressed until I discovered shadow wraps. Now I would never use anything else.

[@kitaro320]

No counting with German short rows, or W&T shorts. No gaps on either of those methods either. You can also do a Forethought Heel which is the same as an Afterthought but you don’t need to finish the sock then go back, you can do it as you knit the whole sock. The advantage to the Forethought and or Afterthought is if you need to replace the heel, you can. With the other methods you can’t.

[@shewhocraftsandplans7736]

VERY clear instructions THANK YOU XX

[@isobelgreer7693]

What a great video. I will give this Shadow Wrapped Short rows a try.

[@jjbing3]

The video is very clear and helpful. I like that I don’t have to count. I will be using this heel next time if I can get part 2 down.

[@Sommer-xw8my]

such Genius Explantation simple und clear. Thank you so much👌

[@carb101]

So helpful and clear.

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

This is aawesome! Thank you.

[@barbaracash808]

You are always so clear about teaching knitting. I really enjoy you videos. You mentioned a suspended bind off. Would please send me a video that shows this. Would sure appreciate your suggestion.

[@thechillydog]

Hi Barbara, How to do the suspended bind off in ribbing - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKOzp5uPl9CXZrs. How to do the suspended bind off purlwise - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4HWc5KaeKedrMU (This video premiers on July 25, 2019).

[@mariar.1006]

Thank you so much! I love how easy it works. I always have to count when I knit the wrap and turn heel beacause it is difficult to see the wraps and also to conceal the double wraps. Why don‘t you have holes in this method compared with the wrap and turn or the german short row heel? Your videos and patterns are great 🧶

[@thechillydog]

Whenever I'm doing short row heels or toes (shadow wrapped, wrap and turn, German short rows, etc.), I generally end the second half of the shaping when there's one turning stitch remaining on each side. Then I resume working in rounds and resolve the final turning sts in the first round of my knitting. I find it's the easiest way to minimize those holes at the "corners".

[@mariar.1006]

@@thechillydog Thank you very much Ellen.

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

I love this pattern! Is there a way to do a shadow wrap toe?

[@ConnyNordlicht]

Hey, that's so nice work! And l like the way you explain much. Tanks a lot to you!

[@Retiree1992]

I agree that your video’s are very clear, and at a pace for all to see the work. The camera position as I noted on another of your video’s is spot on. My question is I am learning Norwegian knit and purl. Would you do a short row sock using this type of technique? I believe this would be my go to for myself and others. Loving this color of yarn also.

[@thechillydog]

It's not my native style so I don't practice it a lot, but there's no reason I can think of why Norwegian knitting/purling wouldn't work for short row shaping.

[@doreenobrien4834]

Thank you so much for this tutorial.x

[@nicolasmith1460]

Can you link me to the second part of this please. Can’t find it. Cheers. It’s so helpful.

[@sarahjaneaf]

Thank you! you explained this so well.

[@sandracasagrande3825]

Hello again. I love your videos. Would you consider doing one on the heel stitch for the sole and heel of a sock. Im just not understanding the shortbrows that meed to be added occasionally...please...

[@thechillydog]

Hi Sandra. I'm not really sure what you mean by heel stitch. At first I thought you meant slipping every other stitch, every other row/rnd (like on the heel flap of a flap and gusset heel), but that's not something that's commonly used on the sole of a sock, so I think I'm not on the right track.

[@sandracasagrande3825]

@@thechillydog thats exactly what I mean. Im not sure how common but it is done. People have been posting pictures of their soles and something about short rows that i just dont get. I am currently doing a sock on 2 circs. After I finished the toe i changed the back sole side needle two sizes bigger. 0 front 2 in back. So far its working. Both sides are neck and neck in height and I dont have any pulling at the sides. So Im hoping I dont really need to do short rows. Thanks anyway🌹🧶

[@thechillydog]

Oh. I guess I shouldn't have second guessed myself. Short rows are definitely not the only way to shape a heel, there are many different shaping options out there, so I hope you discover the ones that work best for you. I'll add using a slip stitch pattern for the sole of a sock to my ongoing topic idea list. Happy knitting!

[@sandracasagrande3825]

@@thechillydog thanks. I know all about short rows. Just didnt/dont understand the need for them when doing the heel stitch over a long stretch of sock. Think Ive found a better way anyway. Thanks!

[@marypfeffer997]

Oh mylanta, thank you so much for this video. I tried to watch the video of a very shortened version showing twinned one time, but it never said to continue across.

[@Pluviophile218]

Does the shadow wrapped heel use less yarn than a gusseted heel? I have seen other variations of this, but your explanation seems quite easy. I am making a pair of socks using the yarn the pattern calls for but I'm afraid there won't be enough if I use a gusset heel. I think I will use this one. Thank you so much!

[@joannecyr6936]

I also love the pattern. Do you have a video on the pattern. Thank you.

[@thechillydog]

Sorry Joanne, I don't have a video demonstrating the stitch pattern, but a printable copy of the Whale Done Socks pattern is available in my pattern shop and it includes the stitch chart, shop.thechillydog.com/products/whale-done-socks-knitting-pattern-pdf?TCDYT.

[@annmorris6575]

Just subscribed! Awesome tutorial! Have you also done a tutorial on substituting w&t with twin stitch? How is twin stitch diff from German short row. Would love a tutorial with specific examples of substitution.

[@thechillydog]

Thanks, Ann! I haven't done a tutorial specifically about substituting one type of short row with another. The main thing you need to know is how many special turning stitches (twin stitches for shadow wrapped, double stitches for Greman short rows, wrap and turns, etc.) your heel needs. A couple resources that may be helpful - my sock knitting essentials playlist, kzbin.info/aero/PLtxtV4XDEZX0FrrMwb2_uun-v-CbQgKVX, has videos demonstrating a bunch of different short row methods, and I have a brief comparison article on my blog discussing the pros and cons of the different methods, www.thechillydog.com/2016/11/5-knit-short-row-sock-heels.html.

[@magpiesneedle2575]

I completely agree with previous comments, this makes a beautiful heel. Also your pattern is lovely. I’m guessing the stitch pattern could be contained on the back? Thank you for this great tutorial.

[@thechillydog]

Thanks! I've never tried it, but I think you could work the stitch pattern on the back as well. Now I kind of want to make a taller version of this sock. ;)

[@magpiesneedle2575]

The Chilly Dog thanks for the reply. Should really be a matter or numbers, eh? And I like my socks tall - I’m yarn greedy! I’ll try to remember to come back and comment when I try this.

[@johngrazier5706]

How do you avoid the loose stitch on the end of needle on first knit row when you make a twin stitch atctge end of the row? When the heel is finished, that side where it joins back in the round is always loose, not so on the other end where the twin stitch is on the purl side. This makes that corner slightly ugly.

[@barbaracash808]

I meant to say.....Could you tell me where to find a video. Thank you so much.

[@gwenfahlgren5824]

If I'm doing a toe up sock , how do I know at what point I start it? How many inches from the tip of the toe do you start it? Thank you!

[@annwithaplan9766]

How do you know when to start making the heel? Thanks

[@rosepaul9681]

Can I do this style heel in garter stitch instead of stockinette stitch?

[@amber438]

Can I do this top down too? Great videos btw

[@thechillydog]

You sure can. That's one of the best things about short row heels. They are constructed the same toe up or top down.

[@laurentdumont160]

Je commence mon Shadow wrapped short heel at what distance from the outer heel can I start ? MERCI. 🥰

[@linamatthews512]

I like this method. It's even easier than German Short rows 👍😊 Can this method be used to form the toe in either toe-up or cuff down socks?

[@thechillydog]

Hi Lina - This method works well for cuff down sock toes. Theoretically, it could also be used for toe-up toes, but you need to make some sort of adjustment for the first RS twin stitch. Since you would only have CO stitches on the needles, there's no way to pick up (and knit into) the right leg of the stitch below to make a twin.

[@Wayfarer889]

I usually use a Fish Lips Kiss heel, which seems very similar. Why would you choose this one instead? How is it different?

[@thechillydog]

I am not familiar with the FLK heel other than it also uses shadow wraps or twin/triplet sts. Maybe there's something different with the ratio between twin sts to regular stockinette sts to alter the fit or maybe it's just an example of how there a often multiple names for the same knitting technique.

[@leslieviner547]

I loved your tutorial. I believe I can do this! At what point did you decide to start the heel?

[@lyndabaillargeon4955]

Hi, I love your shadow heel. I have one question if you want to make the heel a different color, what do you do with the first stitch since you dont knit it? The one you increase on the right side ( the stitch that is before the last one on the right side row)

[@thechillydog]

How funny. I'm doing a contrasting shadow wrapped heel on the socks I'm knitting right now. On the first RS row of the heel, the twin stitch at the end has one loop in the main sock color and one in the heel color (I think that's the stitch you are asking about). When you meet it again at the end of the heel you treat those loops as if they were a single stitch and knit them together. The transition is barely noticeable.

[@lyndabaillargeon4955]

@@thechillydog thank you that makes sense. I love your video ans spécialy the shadow heel, so proud to be able to do the heel by my self. 😚😚😚

[@eeveegirl1334]

Could you use this method to start toe up socks or no? I really really want to make a pair of socks for myself.

[@leslieviner547]

I’m using a self striping yarn in Felici by Knit Picks. Is the shadow wrap still possible or will it throw off my striping when I return to knitting in the round for the leg? What would you do?

[@thechillydog]

You could work the heel in a complimentary solid color so your striping stays the same up the front of the sock or just embrace a little randomness and continue the heel in your stripes. It kind of depends on my mood how I would handle it. Most of the time I would probably choose to work a solid color heel so the stripes are uninterrupted, but other times I'd just go with the flow. There's no right or wrong approach.

[@trishmckinnon1145]

can use this turn when the heel flap

[@thechillydog]

Usually short row heels are flapless, but they can be modified for a custom fit and include a short flap.

[@leslienero7884]

But shouldn't there be a gusset first?

[@leslienero7884]

I was wondering that too, did you get an answer?

[@susanpurnell2433]

Is there a pattern for this pattern stitch, ease?

[@theajuweel]

Thank you very much for the video but I have no Pattern I have a Total of 60 stiches so I need 30 stiches for the heel how Many double stiches do i have to Make op how many stiches legt at the end?

[@thechillydog]

The rule of thumb for short row heels is to keep making turning sts until 1/3 of the heel sts (at the center of the heel) are regular sts and 2/3 of the heel sts (1/3 on each side of the heel) are turning sts. Then you start the second part of the heel shaping.

[@kathieeidem5670]

May I ask what size needles you use for socks…thank you

[@thechillydog]

It depends on the yarn weight and stitch pattern, but generally for fingering weight yarn I use between 2.00-2.75 mm needles.

[@hal7ter]

Good video and clear instructions. I wish you knit continental - you wouldn't have to drop the yarn and then pick it up again for each stitch - it takes so long.... I will try to be patient!

[@lanajones1960]

Would you do a shadow wrapped toe up sock the same way for the toe.? Do yo have a tutorial for this? Also what cast on would you recommend ?

[@thechillydog]

Sort of. The shaping for toe up short row heels is pretty much the same. I don't have a tutorial for a toe up shadow wrapped short row toe, but I do have one for wrap and turn short row toe, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaDTZ415hLKAq9k. I think it's best to start with either a provisional cast on, or Judy's magic cast on. I have a video on that, too, kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3y8apupbbeggLs. Happy knitting!

[@lanajones1960]

The Chilly Dog thank you

[@debbiesoileau7327]

Ellen, I love the shadow wrap short row method. However, I'm working 3x1 ribbing on the instep (32 stitches so it ends on the purl stitch) which is is leaving a hole at the join between the last stitch and the first knit stitch on the heel. Is there some trick I can use that will help me eliminate this hole? Thank you!

[@thechillydog]

Hi Debbie. I don't know of a quick, easy answer. Without seeing the fabric, I'm wondering if the problem is caused by the combination that there are usually subtle tension issues both at needle changes and at the transition between a knit and purl or purl and knit. I'm scratching my head. Hmmm....

[@debbiesoileau7327]

@@thechillydog thank you. I’m shaking my head too!

[@leslienero7884]

Is there no gusset with this method?

[@thechillydog]

Short row heels generally do not have a gusset.

[@justme26688]

May I ask what the stitch pattern is and how many stitches it is for a repeat? What would the multiple need to be?

[@thechillydog]

The Whale Done Socks pattern is available in my pattern shop at, shop.thechillydog.com/products/whale-done-socks-knitting-pattern-pdf?TCDYT.

[@sandracasagrande3825]

May I ask what brand of yarn you are using?

[@thechillydog]

It's HiKoo CoBaSi by Skacel. It comes in a lot of pretty solid colors and some multi-colors, too.

[@sandracasagrande3825]

@@thechillydog thankyou. Best place to get it?

[@thechillydog]

@@sandracasagrande3825 In the US, many local yarn shops carry it. If you need an online option there's Makers' Mercantile, Alpaca Direct, Paradise Fibers, and of course WEBS.

[@ginnaricci4547]

Hello !! Would you please make a video using magic loop, thank you 🙏.

[@thechillydog]

How about 2 at a time socks on magic loop?! It's coming in March. 😊

[@ginnaricci4547]

The Chilly Dog Hi !!! Are you going to make them top down and with the shadow wrapped short row, OMG that will be wonderful thank you 😊

[@thechillydog]

@@ginnaricci4547 Top down, yes! But I have another awesome heel shaping method to show you. I think you'll like it.

[@sandrapatenaude186]

Is this done exactly the same way on a cuff down sock?

[@thechillydog]

Yep. The only difference is your coming at it from the top instead of the bottom, but the process is still the same.

[@halaasyr9095]

رائع

[@sandrapatenaude186]

What yarn and pattern is this? I love both!

[@thechillydog]

The pattern is called Whale Done Socks and you can find it in my pattern shop at, shop.thechillydog.com/products/whale-done-socks-knitting-pattern-pdf?TCDYT. The yarn is Skacel's CoBaSi by HiKoo. It's a cotton, bamboo, silk and nylon blend that is a nice non-wooly alternative for socks and other warm weather knits.

[@ginnaricci4547]

Hello would you tell me, the brand of your yarn 🧶, thanks 🙏.

[@thechillydog]

In this video I'm using HiKoo CoBaSi from Skacel. ❤🧶

[@chantalmassy2339]

Wow merci jadore

[@mrsvickigriffin]

Am a amputee would like a kal for a sock for others like my self who have no toes