Oh these darn socks!

[LoveBugAngel]

I went to the knitting store to get help with my socks, the ladies were semi-helpful, they actually did the process for me of splitting my stitches. I wanted to learn to do it myself so that when I got to the second sock I would be able to do it myself without having to go back.

Tonight I left my knitting out and the darn dog got into it and basically tore it all apart. So I restarted. Now I am almost at the point where I will have to divide my stitches up 16 on one needle and 8 on the other two. Problem is, I don't want to go back to the knitting store to ask for help with the same thing again.

I looked at a bunch of videos but they don't really help. I am not sure which one is considered my needle 1, needle 2 and needle 3.

I understand my pattern enough to be able to continue after splitting the stitches but I just don't know how to do it. I also don't want to accidently twist my stitches.

My pattern says

"MAKING THE HEEL
slip last 8 sts from 3rd needle and first 8 sts from first needle onto one needle for heel. Contrast marker is in centre. 16 sts are left on 2 needles for instep. Instep sts may be slipped onto st holder while working heel if preferred"

Also does it matter which needle I use?? It says from 3rd needle and from 1st, but I don't know which is which? Any help would be greatly appreciated! (I currently have 10 stitches on one needle, and 11 on the other 2)

[Jan in CA]

I think generally the first needle of the round is considered needle 1, the next needle 2 and the last one needle 3.

To divide the stitches just slip them from one needle to the other. You'll be making the heel on the needle with the 16 stitches.

Does that help?

[LoveBugAngel]

do I slip them purl style or knit style? I've lost track of which needle originally had the first round on it. I can see the tale and follow it up I suppose. The needle that has the yarn attatched to it, is that the one I will be putting the 16 stitches on?

[Jan in CA]

do I slip them purl style or knit style? I've lost track of which needle originally had the first round on it. I can see the tale and follow it up I suppose. The needle that has the yarn attatched to it, is that the one I will be putting the 16 stitches on?

Since you are just moving them to another needle you'd slip them as if to purl.

It doesn't truly matter which needle is which at this point, but you need to make note now so you know what to do for the instep and the next sock as well.

Unless you've knit with the tail that is usually the beginning/end of the round. In other words the needle to the left of the tail..the one in your left hand is needle 1. The one on the right, in your right hand, is needle 3. If you need to you can put marker(s) to help you remember. For instance use a safety pin or some type of locking marker to attach to the knitting that is on needle 1. That way you'll know which one is which from now on. Write on your copy of the pattern what the marker is for. I'm a big fan of markers myself.

Once you have the stitches set up it is usually clear for the rest of the sock what goes where because of the heel stitches.

What pattern are you using btw?