Description ~ Garter Stitch Short Row Heel

The GSSRH is wonderful versatile heel. It's thicker fabric is elastic in both dimensions and because of the elasticity the resulting heel/toe is more rounded, thicker and stretchier than a stockinette heel resulting in a better fit.

It can be worked in exactly the same way whether you start your sock at the cuff or toe. It uses a separate yarn to the main sock and doesn't alter your stitch count before and after the heel (helpful in tricky stitch patterns). Also any pattern your self striping yarn has established will be maintained after the heel. You can use a heel specific yarn with extra strength and it can also be removed and replaced if necessary.

Materials Needed ~ Garter Stitch Short Row Heel

• 20g each of smooth wool-blend yarns (these need not be 'sock' yarns) in Worsted or DK/Sport (5 sts per inch or fewer) in 2 or more plain, light colors.
• Fine sock yarns and needles may be used, but is far easier to see the details of your stitches and techniques in larger yarns and solid, light colors.
• 3 sets of dpns; two in sizes appropriate to your yarn (they need not be the same size) and a significantly finer set. If you prefer working on circular needles (one or two) bring a suitable selection.
• Scissors
• Crochet hook
• Blunt darning needles
• Usual knitting paraphernalia

Homework ~ Garter Stitch Short Row Heel

No homework if you have the class sample from Bosnian Toes. Alternatively cast on 32 sts in the round and work 1/2" of stocking stitch. If preferred, you can stabilize the fabric by working garter stitch in the round (knit one round, purl one round) for a couple of rounds before continuing in stocking stitch.