Heel Stitch-Patterns

One of the fun things about heel flaps is that they give you the opportunity to add textured stitches to the heel. Below are two videos showing popular heel-stitch patterns you can try.

Slip-Stitch Heel

Basic Slip-Stitch Heel Pattern

Row 1 (RS): *(Sl 1, k1), repeat from * across, end k1.
Row 2 and all even rows: Sl 1, P rest of sts.

Repeat rows 1-2 for desired heel flap length.

Eye-of-the-Partridge Heel

Eye-of-the-Partridge Heel Pattern

Row 1: Sl 1, (k1, sl 1) to last st, k1.
Row 2: Sl 1, p across.
Row 3: Sl 1, (sl 1, k1) to end.
Row 4: Sl 1, p across.

Repeat rows 1-4 for desired heel flap length.

Top-Down Sock Patterns In Other Weights And Sizes

Now that you understand how simple it is to construct a pair of top-down socks, why not make tons of them? Here are links to download my other top-down socks patterns for you to try.

• Worsted-Weight Top-Down Socks for Adults
• Bulky-Weight Top-Down Socks for Adults
• Super-Bulky-Weight Top-Down Socks for Adults

To create a customized top-down sock pattern for your own measurements and yarn, check out the Top-Down Sock Pattern Calculator from Lucia of the Diet Diary.

Adding Creative Stitches To a Basic Top-Down Sock Pattern

It’s easy to add texture elements, like cables or lace, to these basic patterns.

Look through your favorite stitch dictionary and find a stitch pattern with a repeat number that fits exactly or almost exactly into the number of stitches called for in the cuff of the pattern.

In a repeating pattern, the section that is repeated is usually between 4 and 12 stitches wide, and most will ft into the number of stitches you need for the sock cuff.

The Fingering-Weight Toe-Up Sock for Adults calls for 56 stitches around the cuff for a medium, or 28 stitches on each needle.

Find a cable pattern that is 4 or 7 stitches wide, work the cables around the entire cuff, turn the heel, work cables along the top of the foot, knitting the sole of the foot in Stockinette stitch. Voila! New pattern, designed by you.

Just remember, lace tends to be more stretchy than Stockinette stitch, while cables tend to be less stretchy. Plan accordingly.

Adding Textured Heel Stitches to Top-Down Socks

One of the fun things about heel flaps is that they give you the opportunity to add textured stitches to the heel. Below are two videos showing popular heel-stitch patterns you can try.

Slip-Stitch Heel

Basic Slip-Stitch Heel Pattern

Row 1 (RS): *(Sl 1, k1), repeat from * across, end k1.
Row 2 and all even rows: Sl 1, P rest of sts.

Repeat rows 1-2 for desired heel flap length.

Eye-of-the-Partridge Heel

Eye-of-the-Partridge Heel Pattern

Row 1: Sl 1, (k1, sl 1) until 1 st remains before a visible gap in the stitches. SSK. Turn.
Row 2: Sl 1, p until 1 st remains before a visible gap in the stitches. P2tog. Turn.
Row 3: Sl 1, (sl 1, k1) until 1 st remains before a visible gap in the stitches. SSK. Turn.
Row 4: Sl 1, p until 1 st remains before a visible gap in the stitches. P2tog. Turn.

Repeat rows 1-4 for desired heel flap length.