Before you turn the heel, this is what you’re working with – a ribbed leg that’s several inches long, and a 2.5-3 inch heel flap. Now all of a sudden, since humans’ feet are perpendicular to their legs, you’ve got to start knitting in a totally different direction than you have been! Plus, half your sock is chilling up on the top of your foot, and the other half is down at the base of your heel. First time knitters, you’re probably thinking this is pretty weird about now, amirite?
Knitting
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Knit Along Day 2: Heel Flap
How’s it going, knit-alongers? Hopefully you’ve all survived swatching, casting on, and knitting your ankles last week. If you’re still working on the ankle, no worries! Everyone is welcome to knit at their own pace and ask questions as you work through each phase of your socks. :)
Today we’re going to be adding a heel flap to our socks, which is super duper easy! It’s the one part of knitting a sock done flat instead of in the round. This means you’ll be knitting back and forth for a few inches, turning your work just like you’re making a scarf or blanket.
Knit Along Day 1: Testing Gauge & Casting On
Oh man! The Knit Along is finally here!!! I’m so excited. Today we’re going to test our yarn gauge by knitting a swatch (optional, but I recommend it), cast on, and start knitting our sock ankle.
The First Hands Occupied Knit Along!
I have a big announcement – I’ve decided to finally take the plunge and host a knit along right here on Hands Occupied! Starting April 15, we’ll be knitting a pair of socks, top down style, on double pointed needles (a.k.a. DPNs). This is a great knit along for intermediate knitters who want to try socks (or using DPNs) for the first time!
How to Block a Knitting Project
Blocking is something I took years to start doing with finished knitting projects. Just like test swatches. It turns out that both can be pretty important as your knitting gets more sophisticated. Especially if you are making a wearable item, testing your yarn by knitting a sample swatch and blocking it is how you’ll establish a good fit. Here are the basics of how to block a knitting project.
These Colors Won’t Run
The basketweave baby blanket knitting pattern I shared recently was made with one of my favorite yarn colors ever. As much as I love the color, I noticed early on that it turned my fingers blue! Using a simple vinegar bath, I was able to keep my fingers dye-free and preserve the yarn color’s vibrance.
Simple Basketweave Baby Blanket
A baby blanket knitting pattern designed for speed and ease. This pattern is ideal for beginners – there aren’t any stitches beyond knit and purl at all! So even if you just learned to knit to make your first project for a new niece or nephew or your own baby on the way, this pattern is 100% doable.
All Cables Cowl Pattern
It thundersnowed in Chicago yesterday, which means winter knitting season isn’t quite over yet. Unlike my faux woven cowl from last month, today’s cowl features a series of small cabled stripes all the way around and is made with less bulky yarn. Also unlike that cowl, it breathes a little more, so it’s great for transitional weather.
Staggered Holes Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern
I have about 15 friends and relatives who have recently had babies or are currently pregnant. It’s SO MANY ladies, you guys! While all of this baby news is super exciting, it can be a bit of a burden when you try to knit blankets for that many babies. The pattern I’m sharing today is one I came up with for two of the blankets I’ve gifted so far. It’s easy and is good even for beginner knitters. The only things you need to know how to do beyond casting on & off and knit & purl is how to knit 2 together and yarn over.
