Better Afterthought Heels

A virtual class with Amy Snell

Jan 14, 2:00-4:00pm CST

How do you make the world’s easiest sock heel even better? By eliminating gaps, improving the fit, and simplifying the graft, to name just a few of the many tips and techniques you’ll learn in this class.

In this class you will learn one of the simplest and most adaptable sock heels: the afterthought heel. Afterthought heels are a great option for striping yarns, machine-cranked sock tubes, or any time you don’t want to interrupt your knitting to stop and put in a heel.

You’ll learn the difference between the forethought-afterthought heel and the true afterthought heel, and we’ll explore several ways to add extra room to this heel construction for a better fit. We’ll also cover how to pick up the stitches confidently, different options for customizing the heel shape, and a simpler invisible option for closing the heel.

Special Skills
Must know how to cast on, bind off, knit, purl, increase and decrease, and work a small-circumference project in the round (using either dpns, magic loop, or two short circular needles).

Supply List
• 30 yards of smooth, worsted-weight yarn
• Choice of two short (16-24″) or one long circular needle(s) or dpns, in a size appropriate to the yarn (US 7-9)
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Several stitch markers
• Two dpns at least two sizes smaller than your working needles.
• Knitting Basics: Notebook, Pen or pencil with eraser, Tape measure, Small calculator, Needles and crochet hooks of various sizes

Limited pre-class work required.