Short Row Heel (DK)

The Short Row Heel, also known as the Boomerang Heel, is a fantastic option for knitters who want to avoid the more complex techniques of picking up stitches for a gusset or increasing stitches in the gusset for toe-up socks. If you find the traditional heel flap and gusset construction too roomy for your feet, particularly if you have a low instep or narrow feet, the Short Row Heel is an ideal choice due to its snug and custom fit.

At its core, short rows are a technique used to create shaping by working partway across the stitches in a row and then turning back, leaving the rest of the stitches unworked. When knitting a short row heel, you will work across half of your heel stitches, turn your work, and then purl across the wrong side (inside of your sock). Instead of knitting across the entire round, you’re only working part of the stitches at a time, creating a more natural, wedge-like shape.

The process begins by dividing your heel stitches into three equal parts. You’ll typically work short rows until the centre third of your heel stitches are unwrapped and the wedge has formed. If your heel stitch count is not divisible by three, you can round down and adjust the number of stitches worked at the centre. For example, if you have 30 stitches in your heel, you’d divide them into 10/10/10 sections: 10 wrapped stitches, 10 unwrapped centre stitches, and 10 more wrapped stitches. For 32 stitches, it would be 11/10/11, where you have 11 wrapped stitches, 10 unwrapped centre stitches, and 11 wrapped stitches.

What’s great about short row heels is their flexibility. You can choose from various methods for creating the wraps, such as the wrap & turn, shadow wraps, or double stitch techniques. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and the beauty of this method is that you can experiment with different short-row techniques to find the one that works best for you. The end result is a snug, perfectly fitting heel that’s easy to knit, even for beginners. Whether you’re looking to try a new technique or want a fit that feels just right, the Short Row Heel offers a great alternative to more traditional sock constructions.

Pattern Notes

The directions for this Short Row Heel will use a traditional wrap and turn method, magic loop, and based on 40 [44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76] stitches, having the stitches divided evenly between the two needles. The directions can be worked using double-pointed needles, being mindful of where each half of your stitches begin and end. 

The directions assume you’ve already worked the leg (for a cuff-down sock) or foot (for a toe-up sock) approximately 1.5 [1.75, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 2.75, 3]” / 4 [4.5, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 6.5, 7] cm less than your desired length and are working with a rhyFlower Knits sock pattern gauge of 27 stitches by 36 rounds in the stockinette = 4″ / 10 cm, after blocking. Gauge is crucial in obtaining the correct fit. Changes in gauge will cause a size difference for your finished socks.

Abbreviations used in the Short Row Heel

• K: Knit.
• P: Purl.
• RS: Right side.
• St(s): Stitch(es).
• W&T: Wrap and turn.
• WS: Wrong side.

Directions for a Short Row Heel

Continue across the instep as established. You will work inward toward the centre of your heel, working the stitches on your second needle flat using short rows.

Row 1 (RS): K19 [21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37], w&t next st.
Row 2 (WS): P18 [20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36], w&t next st.
Row 3: Knit to last st before the previous w&t, w&t next st.
Row 4: Purl to last st before the previous w&t, w&t next st.

Continue working Rows 3-4 until you have ‌7 [8, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12, 12, 13] wrapped stitches on each side of your heel; 6 [6, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 12, 12] unwrapped stitches in the centre. Now, begin working back towards the outside stitches of the heel. You will wrap the stitch after the one you work together with its wrap, so now this stitch has two wraps on it.

Row 1 (RS): Knit to wrapped st, knit both wrap and the st together, w&t next st.
Row 2 (WS): Purl to wrapped st, purl both wrap and the st together, w&t next st.
Row 3: Knit to wrapped st, knit both wraps and the st together, w&t next st.
Row 4: Purl to wrapped st, purl both wraps and the st together, w&t next st.

Continue working Rows 3-4 until you have 1 wrapped stitch remaining on each end. Cut CC and continue working heel with MC. Facing the RS, knit to the last stitch of the heel and, again, work the wraps and the stitch together. You’re now back at your original beginning of the round and are prepared to resume working in the round again. 

Next Round: Continue working across the instep as established, then knit the remaining wrapped stitch and the next stitch together, and knit to the end of the round. We have now resolved all wrapped stitches.

Congratulations! You’ve worked the short row heel and are now ready to work the foot or leg of your sock per your pattern directions!

Happy knitting! ♥