Today’s video takes a look at the Dutch, or horseshoe, heel. This is another early form of heel in hand knit socks.
Here’s the video:
The flap should be worked a little bit longer than for a Round heel – since the heel turn is 90 degrees here instead of a gentle curve. A set number of stitches, typically about 1/3 or a little less of the total heel flap sts, is worked in the heel turn, and that number stays the same through the whole heel turn. Since the turn is a set number of stitches, typically an even number, you can continue a heel flap stitch pattern (like heel stitch) through the turn.
If you want to try these heels out, here’s a tutorial pattern:
Tutorial Pattern, Dutch Heel:
Work Sock Heel Homework first (found here), or work from a prior heel in the series.
Flap:
Working flat over 20 sts (half our total sock sts):
Row 1 (RS): *Sl 1, k1; rep from * nine more times, turn.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, p19.
Repeat Rows 1-2 ten more times for 22 total rows. Place marker in center of heel sts.
Turn:
Row 1 (RS): *Sl 1, k1; rep from * to 2 sts beyond marker, sl1, ssk, turn.
Row 2 (WS): Sl 1, p6, p2tog, turn.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until all heel sts have been worked. 8 sts on heel.
Next Rnd: *Sl 1, k1; rep from * across heel sts, pick up and knit 12 sts along side of heel flap, pm, knit across instep sts, pm, pick up and knit 12 sts along other side of heel flap, knit to bottom of heel. 52 sts.
Gusset:
Rnd 1: Knit to 2 sts from marker, k2tog, sm, knit across instep, sm, ssk, knit to bottom of heel. 2 sts decreased.
Rnd 2: Knit around.
Repeat Rnds 1-2 until total sts is again 40 sts.
Work a few rounds plain.
Leave sts on the needle for the next heel.
I hope this was informative!! Let me know if you give this heel a try!
Stay tuned on Wednesday for the next post in the Sock September series!! Until then, Happy Sock Knitting!