Tips & Tricks for Sock Heel Flaps

[@meryle.hawkins880]

Hi Roxanne, you may not get this comment due to the age of the video I have watched but I need to thank you. I have been knitting socks for months and knit a heel flap and gusset sock. I have as yet never knitted a sock without a big mistake on the picking up of the stitches. However, I have just finished one sock and picked up the stitches with the method you describe in this video. I nearly cried with joy as it turned out perfectly and I have a sock with no mistakes. I can’t thank you enough. You are my sock hero.

[@platinumorange1]

Agreed! Here I am almost a year behind you and singing the praises of this amazing video! I cannot figure out the M1 to close the holes, this tip is waaay easier!

[@lindaw505]

Hear hear! This is without a doubt, the BEST sock flap & gusset technique/modification I have ever seen! I’m off to find a DPN to keep in my sock project bag 🧶😄💖 You are my sock hero too Roxanne! I’m seriously excited about this🤗

[@aisoconnor]

Your channel is incredible, and you are a true font of knowledge. I really appreciate the depth that you go to when explaining things, and making them relatable to something else we might understand. You're a great teacher and a very generous person to spend your time teaching us these techniques I imagine could only be picked up from a lifetime of knitting and exploring new ideas. Thank you !

[@maningning2563]

this video is a lifesaver!!!! thank you so much for sharing your expertise so clearly and concisely.

[@stephanieselb8329]

Thank you! Thank you! I taught myself how to knit socks a couple of years ago. Hated cuff down with gussets, so I switched to toe up with short row or FLK heels. I found your video and tried your PU technique on a pair of cuff down shortie socks. Absolute game changer for me. I know exactly what to pick up, how to twist, and how to address corner gaps, all in one easy to follow video. You’re the BEST teacher!

[@jenp.5715]

Wow, another super helpful video, just when I’m starting my heel flap on my second sock. This is definitely my “learning pair” of socks. Thank you! ❤

[@jokewijngaarden5588]

First time ever no holes in my knitted sock! Thank you!

[@kathleenducharme5749]

Thank you so much for this video. I hated knitting socks because I struggled and struggled to pick up the stitches to start the gusset. Then, a friend forwarded a link to this. You seriously changed my knitting. I have made three pair of socks since watching it and picked up stitches look perfect. I so appreciate the time you have given to help knitters grow in our passion. I have also linked your video in my Ravelry project pages so others can gain from your knowledge as well.

[@Auggie025]

I use a crochet hook because it's honestly impossible for me otherwise with my tight knitting, and I pick up through both loops to increase durability of the sock, which can make picking up stitches even harder.

[@lindaw505]

What brilliant technique tips Roxanne! You have taken my sock knitting to a whole new level. Thank you so very much 💖🧶😄

[@carolgodwin9484]

By far the best explanations for any problems sock heel flaps. Plus, just watching this fine teacher, she makes a case for learning to knit the European way. She is SO fast and makes it look easy.

[@lindaw505]

This is a game changer using the spare DPN. It is so much clearer and reliable IMO. Thank you so much Roxanne for another fantastic tip ❤

[@judylee3589]

Amazing, seriously! You are so full of ideas to be used in a very logical way.... if you know how to make socks. I'm learning and you make this look so very simple. NO ONE I've seen here on line has given me those tips and tricks ! THANK YOU!!!

[@calisamgal]

OMG a video for us "picking" style knitters! I'm so happy

[@Jo-Anne.Clarke]

I love your teaching style and I learn so many new techniques, tips and tricks. The lessons you share are timeless! Tk you💕

[@JACLevair]

❤ Thank you, Roxanne I know you did this video a long time ago but I just started to knit socks this April. I wanted to let you know I am so grateful, as a new sock knitter to not have the frustrating holes where the gusset meets the instep right out of the gate of trying to learn. As well as no unsightly holes where the stitches are picked up for the gusset. 🎉

[@ciaobebe01]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! This is the best tutorial ever. You have solved my holey gussets and eased my heel flap anxiety!!

[@wandar9225]

I've been searching written and video heel flap tutorials for years and NONE compared to this! Thank you Roxanne! This one is perfection!!!

[@jo-annhorne8900]

Thank you Roxanne. Your video regarding picking up gusset stitches is terrific. Thanks again.

[@Ace_AloneWolf]

Wildly helpful on my first pair of socks. Thank you so much for a video that gets right to the point. So helpful for a person with ADD. Thank you so much

[@OddlyElly]

Oh, this is so helpful! Whenever I get stuck, I always come back to your videos ❤ master work and knowledge is a treasure, and greatly appreciated!

[@Laura0IN]

Thanks so much for all the teaching you do! Thanks for the comments on those with neuropathy in their feet appreciating a no-Ridge pick up in their sock. Thanks for sharing a technique on how to get rid of that ridge. For this reason I like knitting toe up socks with a provisional cast on.

[@nadzoll]

Thank you for showing me how to fix the holes and gaps Roxanne!

[@Kyoshiraishi]

Wow this tutorial is awesome! It makes pick up the gusset so easy while preventing the gap. For the first time I don't see any sign of the hole in my sock, thank you so much for sharing!

[@jeannemattes6310]

I have been struggling for weeks and avoiding this step, thank you for saving me!

[@marshasiatczynski8467]

Used the paired lifted increase to prevent hole at intersection...extremely pleased with the result! Thank you!

[@bbartlett1055]

I've made lots and lots of socks, but this is a first for me about picking up stitches for the heel flap doing one leg for the stitch and also with the no hole gusset. I do no hole gusset a bit different as I combine the two together and pick them up together and pull the yarn through both legs of the stitch. Your way is great too. Thank you so much for the tips on this video. You are very clear.

[@user-wi2fw1jk9l]

I love your tips. I have made a few pairs of socks and always wondering why there are holes in them. From your video, I have learned the way the stitches orientate in the needle and how they twist when we knit them does make a difference. Thank you!

[@gaylebarker9903]

Excellent & clear demonstration of how to minimize gaps. Before, I always had to 'mend' them to cover the gaps after the sock was knit. This will be such an improvement. Thanks for this.

[@colettebouvier9201]

This technique is so amazing. Definitely my new go-to. Thank you! 😊

[@nancydrummond2941]

Thanks for this video. I am making my first heel flap socks, and after picking up my stitches I was sure I had made a mistake, because of the ridge on the inside. I know I would feel that ridge, so searched videos to see what I was doing wrong. I discovered I was picking up stitches correctly, but the technique was flawed. Found your video, so now I can make socks without that annoying ridge on the side of the heel. I will definitely also use your tip for eliminating the hole. Thanks so much!

[@leavesongrass]

Immensely helpful! Well explained and good camera work! Thank you!

[@susanjulius8656]

Love this technique, Rox. It's even neater than doing a garter border on the heel flap. Thank you!

[@hollyseattle]

Thank you!! This is golden! Also, thanks for the direct links to the techniques. That was so helpful for my adhd.

[@seabunnyvoyager3524]

Okay, I took a deep breath, watched your vid, and now I feel ready to do this part on the socks I’m making! Thank you.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

You can do it!

[@joan9569]

That is a very intelligent, well-thought-out solution to a bumpy line inside the sock. Thank you. This is a keeper. :)

[@theiretonfamily4881]

I was just recommended to watch your tutorial. What a wonderful explanation! Thank you! I subscribed and will be watching more!

[@ccpperrett7522]

More tips and tricks! Thank you Roxanne. I am making socks for my grands for Christmas. This is a great help.

[@casmith06615]

Thank you! This is the best heel flap tutorial that I have seen and one that will make such a difference in my finished projects.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm so happy to hear you found it helpful! :-)

[@nneedler]

Great tips. Even thou I can find your videos again, I specifically saved this one!! Thank you.

[@ivymosaics]

Thank you so much for this tute. I just tried it and it worked beautifully. It was a pleasure coming across your videos. You have a great voice for them and you're wonderful at explaining. I can't tell you how many tutes I started to watch and had to turn off.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Thank you! :-) I'm glad it worked for you (and that you enjoy my videos)!

[@pjenkins8206]

An excellent tutorial with such clear photography.

[@lyndabaillargeon4955]

Hi I loveso much you're videos. English is not my first language and I always understand everything because you explaination are so clear. Thank you so much for taking you're time to share with us all your knowledge. xxx

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm so glad you're able to follow along! :-)

[@emmapage9110]

Wow this is brilliant I've been pulling my hair out picking up stitches along a front edge you made me realise I was picking up the cast on or bound off edge.

[@4444FABFOUR]

Thank you for the info. This is always the hardest part of socks for me. That’s a beautiful sweater!

[@dorothytaylor7127]

Just found this video to view. I'm new to knitting socks, and you've given me such a great tutorial for knitting both heel flaps and preventing the holes I had at the heel flap & gusset stitches. Thanks very much.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm so happy you found it useful! :-)

[@nildamuniz1388]

A fantastic tutorial, actually, the best one I've seen.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Oh, thank you! :-) I'm glad you liked it.

[@susanbeckham9586]

I agree! Best one I have seen!

[@TheCarolynrose]

Awesome tip and showing exactly how. Very grateful for this valuable help. 😊❤️❤️

[@AnishNorge]

Wow, thanks so much for this; super helpful!! I could never figure out why one side of my heel flap always turned out better than the other side, now I know :) Instantly subbed!!

[@lissyperez4299]

This is perfect! I was always leery of doing a flap for heel because of that didn't want anything rubbing on the skin on the inside.

[@andreamoore7035]

I was looking for this video in the Socks playlist. I recommend adding it to that playlist. I've always knit socks toe-up with a short row heel, but I'm currently using yarn that makes that impossible. While your instructions aren't a how-to tutorial from beginning to end, they have enough information that I can follow your techniques using the heel-flap section of the playlist to wing it.

[@nunya_business73719]

I know this video is old but thank you! First time my sock gussets have ever looked neat!

[@Nicelady29]

This is some fine tutorial you’ve made! I just used it and it works like a champ!! Thank you for being so well thought out and clear.

[@vanessafaulkner6936]

I just tried the paired lifted increases on a raglan sleeve, and it worked beautifully! Thank you for demonstrating that technique! It'll be my new go-to to prevent holes in both my socks and raglan sweaters!

[@sharonyeomans8978]

Love this video and so many more you have done!! New to socks and you explain everything so well!

[@kathygoodman6159]

Thank you so much for this! I always end up with little holes that have to be mended. You explain things completely and clearly, and that's just what I need. You're a great teacher!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Thank you! I love a good trick like this! :-)

[@kathygoodman6159]

Roxanne Richardson I put in a heel like this last night and it looks great!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Yay! :-)

[@taylormonroe8609]

Thank you! So far I've only knit toe up socks with short row heels, and I've been quite scared of top down with a heel flap. This makes me much more confident and I look forward to starting my first top down / heel flap sock next week!

[@jacqulyne1282]

THANK YOU!!! This is exactly what I needed. Very clear directions and easy to follow along.

[@kellislaughter6467]

Great tutorial! I just started a new pair of socks yesterday so your video could not be more timely. Nice work 😀

[@juls5887]

Thank you so much, Roxanne! So glad I found you and what an awesome tutorial :)

[@helenam449]

This is an absolutely amazing tutorial, thank you so much. For the longest time I couldn't wrap my head around why the left and right side of the heel looked different. My headache is now long gone. Cheers!

[@Sheila-cm4jy]

Looked "different" in what way Helena? On my socks, the left heel/gusset always seems to look great, and the right heel has a gap when I pick up heel stitches. So I tried the method above to close the gap - not sure it came out quite right. Roxanne is using a heavier weight yarn. Mine is sock weight and the stitches are a bit harder to see with her method.

[@kristinkiel8890]

I'm a new sock knitter, and not quite sure where to decrease those extra stitches. Maybe once I do it it will be clear. But, I love this way! I get nervous because I'm not great at undoing my work.... I lose my place or drop a stitch or something. I do like the way you are teaching so maybe sometime soon I will become a more intuitive knitter! Thank you!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Compared to the total number of sts picked up for the gusset, the couple of extra sts at the corners isn't that much extra. I do a decrease immediately on the next round, and then I do the regular every-other-round decreases. If you feel like it, you can always do several rounds decreases, and then switch to every other round.

[@kristinkiel8890]

Thank you for your quick reply! You can be sure that I will be watching the rest of your videos, and subscribing. I am mostly a quilter, but my mom taught me how to knit when I was younger and I have picked it up again. So, I really appreciate all the help on KZbin. And, It's nice to have someone who knits the way I was taught....is it continental? Anyway, thank you again.t

[@RoxanneRichardson]

"Continental" means controlling the yarn in the left hand. There are lots of ways to do this. In general, there are people who extend the index finger, like I do, and those who hold their index finger against the needle, but there are also people who wrap the yarn with their left hand, rather than picking it, and people who tension the yarn around their neck or through a pin attached to their clothing, and then control the yarn with their thumbs (Peruvian, Portuguese, and a couple of other traditions do this, I believe.) "English" means controlling the yarn in the right hand, and again, lots of ways to do this (throwing, lever method, pencil hold, etc.). There are further ways of describing a knitting method, but Continental and English are the two general categories.

[@christigramling7199]

@@RoxanneRichardson this is what I needed to know! I am on this part of my first sock and needed clarification on the decreases for the extra stitches and when to do the decreases every other round in the method described in my pattern (which is to knit to the last 3 sts decrease, k1). Thank you for the excellent tutorial.

[@janicerappleyea9425]

I am not sure .. do I complete the round picking up the stitches and then the next round do the pick up to avoid the hole? Or do I do the hole pickup same round as when I pick up the stitches for the gusset?

[@trudycooper4836]

Absolutely wonderful, finally can knit a sock I’m proud of, excellent tutorial, thx

[@bonniestull5822]

Thank you! Nothing like soaking up time to make a perfect pair of socks and afterwards finding holes. I’ll use your video from now on 😀

[@michellebabin7582]

Incredible I was looking for those kind of informations for so many years. You explained it so so well. THANK YOU so much. Have a nice knitting day From St-Jean-sur-Richelieu Quebec Canada

[@sherylsnow4193]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to picking up the heel flap stitches as you demonstrated on my next pair.

[@lorrainewalker9426]

Thank you so much for the fabulous tutorial ❤🧶x

[@lyannecb8499]

Thank you Roxanne, this popped up just in time to improve my newest socks on the needles!

[@mickiwhite4754]

Awesome tips! I'm going to use these methods on my next pair 😀

[@syhkodelique]

Seriously 😑 amazing! Thank you, for so much new innovative ways. Perfect 🥰

[@jennifermerritt9598]

Thank you for a different way of doing the hole when working the heel flap to sock.

[@feliciaweatherspoon2303]

Thank you Roxanne for sharing!! ❤

[@mariehansen2534]

Wow, it's like watching a magic trick, so very neat. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@lindachandler2293]

I do love picking up stitches like this.

[@carollb809y]

I love love this video. I'm trying to knit socks again. Tried years ago, 6 or 7 maybe and I got through one with many mistakes and backing out of stitches row by row. I decide last weekend to try again. So this video and your tips and tricks showed up in my youtube feed just in time. :)

[@fortitube-donnajean405]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm using your tips on my current sock and it is looking fantastic.

[@bdarci]

Your videos are a treasure. Thank you for all of them.

[@juliehull3953]

Wonderful video. I fully understand what you have done and why! Thank you. Concise and clear.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm glad you liked it! :-)

[@annewebbpots]

Thank you so much. This has made such a difference to my sock making.

[@Jo-Anne.Clarke]

Such a fabulous tutorial! I learned so much. Tk you🤗

[@lindapark5971]

Wonderful hints! This clarifies exactly what I was just guessing at. I had "sorta" done something like this but didn't quite have a handle on it. Thank you.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bazoin1]

Thank you for this vlog. I am teaching myself to knit socks and this is the area I have so far failed so am looking forward to trying this method and my socks are hopefully going to look much improved 😊

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I am sure they will be improved! :-)

[@lyndaschwechtje860]

This is life-changing info for sock knitters! I love ,"grab a bite of yarn". 😍

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Ah, it's actually "bight"! (Who knew, right? I didn't, until a few years ago :-) )

[@Pluviophile218]

Nice video!! I've been knitting socks for a few years now--two at a time on two circulars and these tips are really useful. Thank-you!!!!

[@maryalgar8779]

Love these tips. Wondered why I ended up with a "hole" at that junction - thought I'd done something wrong. Now, thanks to your video, I know how to prevent this. Thank you so much Roxanne.

[@lindsiloflin2768]

I liked the tips, but wish you had talked about adding the extra stitches to avoid the gap sooner. You talked about picking up stitches along the heel flap, so I did that and kept going. Then I had to go back and undo it when you later talked about avoiding the gap

[@bikrgran]

WOW! THANK you!!! The 2 worst parts of making heels! Gotta try this!

[@mariannereid2916]

Excellent & brief instructions! Thank U! That's what I needed!!

[@lizardorita6110]

Woah, thank you, Roxanne…. super helpful!

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

this is exactly the information I needed !

[@GetgardeningnowUk1]

This is utterly brilliant! Wish I'd had this info for all the previous socks I knitted, but will certainly use it for all future ones. Thank you so much. Thordis :)

[@sharonkeller7397]

Thank you so much. I am a new sock knitter. I have only made one pair so far and they don't fit anyone lol. They are my sample. I'm gathering all the information I can until I make my second pair. I'm not sure when that will happen. I really want to make socks but still not comfortable with all the steps, especially making them fit someone. I will use all that you taught me here in my next pair. :)

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Welcome to the wonderful world of sock knitting! There are some great sock knitting groups on Ravelry where you might find some useful information. You can also always ask questions in my Ravelry group, Rox Rocks. :-)

[@sharonkeller7397]

Thank you so much! :)

[@hisalone7166]

Learn something new every day!!!! Many thanks........

[@newday4936]

Thank you so much for sharing this. You made it so clear

[@THEGOAT34970]

Just the trick I have been looking for. Thank you x

[@pamowen3452]

First time watching, was pleasantly surprised to understand and learn very helpful advice, thank you!

[@jenidouthit7980]

This was a great tutorial! I’m making a pair of socks and I’m just starting the heel so thank you!!

[@theresafinn4257]

What do you do if you end up with more picked up stitches? I learned more watching this one video... amazing. Thank you.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

More picked up sts than the pattern tells you to pick up? Knit the flat to the needed length, regardless of what the pattern states, then pick up 1 st for every slipped selvedge stitch. When you work the gussets, decrease every other round until you have the number of sts needed for the ball of foot. If your ball of foot and ankle measurements are not the same, then you may need a different number of sts for the foot than you needed for the leg. So you can stop decreasing early, if your ball of foot is large, or you can keep decreasing if your ball of foot is smaller than your ankle. You can skip plain rounds and work several decrease rounds in a row, if you want to decrease rapidly, and you can add plain rounds between decrease rounds, if you want to decrease more slowly.

[@sandydawson664]

Thank you for explaining & demonstrating this. It was so very helpful!!

[@sueyous]

Thank you Roxanne. 💖

[@dianagiles9467]

Thanks so much for explaining as I am yet to achieve knitting socks but I am going to give it a go

[@mariar8025]

Great tips to prevent gaps on the heel. Thanks! I was picking up wrong stitches and i ended up with holes. Take practice alright

[@sallycunningham9608]

great clear tutorials thank you