STRENGTHENING SOCK HEELS

Rachael Prest explores a range of techniques to prevent holes from forming in the heels of your hand-knitted socks

- Rachael Prest

About our expert

Rachael Prest is the technical editor of The Knitter, and loves to knit shawls and sweaters. She is also the hand-dyer behind the artisan yarn brand Cat & Sparrow.

IF YOU'RE a habitual knitter of socks, you'll know the sadness that accompanies a worn-out sock heel (or toe). We ask a lot of our socks. While they're being worn, the heels and toes are areas of continual abrasion, and, of course, eventually they're going to develop holes. The magic of darning can restore a beloved sock to usefulness, but there are techniques we can use to increase the longevity of heels and toes. Here are a few useful things you can do for heels specifically.

HEEL PATTERNS USING SLIPPED STITCHES

Slipped stitch patterns not only add areas of interest to a sock, they provide a layer of cushioning for our heels and help stave off abrasion. Slipping stitches with yarn in back provides an extra layer of yarn, protecting the stitches from wear, and works to a tighter tension, creating a nice, snug heel that won't move around as much on your foot. It's also a good idea to work the pattern on the underside of the heel.