Sock gusset stitch pick up technique

yarnbee · 03-18-2007, 01:34 PM

Am knitting my first pair of socks on DPNs (starting with leg) from Ann Budd's book, The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns and have reached the heel gusset. So far, no problems but am wondering about this suggestion in her quicktips near the end of the socks chapter:

"To tighten the join between the heel flap and gusset, pick up stitches through the back loop of the chain edge (in effect, twisting the stitches) along the heel flap (see Glossary)."

I've watched Silver's sock tutorial and Amy's demo and they both insert needle through the entire chain selvedge stitch. Assuming I can even do the "back loop only" technique correctly, I would like to know if anyone here has tried it and would appreciate your comments. :thinking:

Thanks in advance.

Braden · 03-18-2007, 06:35 PM

I've never heard of it, but it seems like an interesting technique to try, though.

quiltbugj · 03-18-2007, 10:38 PM

sounds like it's the technique http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/a...s_the_easy.htm

rebecca · 03-19-2007, 12:30 AM

I do the same thing that Ann Budd recommends and also put it in my sock patterns. I pick up sts thru both loops of the chain, like you see in this photo which shows the chain:

and after having picked up the sts along both gussets and begin the 1st row of the gusset decrease section of the sock pattern I knit through the back loop of each stitch that has been picked up, this does twist and tighten the sts very nicely...fyi, I don't do any decreasing on this row, but begin the decreasing on the next row. Amy has a video of ktbl in the "Glossary" section.

KathyinCali · 03-19-2007, 06:15 PM

Do you only knit through the back loops of the picked up stitches on your knit around row? Not the instep?

Thanks. I've been wondering how to make this part of the sock neater and without holes!

yarnbee · 03-22-2007, 05:08 AM

Thanks for your comments.
I'm almost finished with my first sock (applause, anyone?)

and made it past the "scary" part. It was easier than I expected. Did not use the back-loop-only technique for this first attempt (mainly because I'm chicken) but it wasn't necessary since I'm using heavy yarn. These socks are so thick and dense that there's not even the hint of a hole where the stitches are picked up. They're going to be really toasty next winter! I will, however, try the back loop technique when I knit my next pair using sock yarn.

KathyinCali · 03-22-2007, 08:35 PM

I would love to see your socks when they are completed

rebecca · 03-22-2007, 11:49 PM

Kathi in Cali..."Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away". Author - ?
I don't know who the actual author is, but Will Smith did use the line in the movie, "Hitch"....which is too funny!

yes, I just ktbl of the sts that have been picked up

Glad to read that your sock worked out well, yarnbee!

KathyinCali · 03-23-2007, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by rebecca

Kathi in Cali..."Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away". Author - ?
I don't know who the actual author is, but Will Smith did use the line in the movie, "Hitch"....which is too funny!

yes, I just ktbl of the sts that have been picked up

Glad to read that your sock worked out well, yarnbee!

Several people have told me it was in the Hitch movie which is interesting because I saw the movie and have no recollection of it whatsoever. Wierd