April Knitting: Japanese Short Row Heel & Softie Hat

It's always good to try something new. Michelle Hunter's April KAL toe up sock features a Japanese Short Row Heel that uses the big plastic pins instead of a conventional wrap and turn.

Take a look at this heel and maybe give it a try. In the video, Michelle uses a baby sock as a sample in order to show the Japanese Short Row Heel method.

You'll find the directions for this heel turn in Week Two of the KAL. Michelle Hunter, designer of the KAL projects, includes a You Tube video that details how to make this unique heel turn.

Michelle says that this heel turn is similar to a standard short row heel. She finds it is easier to construct. This method uses pins in place of the wrap and turn.

The video is almost 19 minutes long, but I found that I kind of got the idea of what she is demonstrating by watching the first half of the video. Even though I'm not knitting along with this sock project, I think I'll cast on a smallish sock with worsted yarn and give this heel turn a try.

We have a selection of yarns suggested for this sock design on our website. Be sure to check out the colors.

Finally, since it is April and it is very windy some days when I'm out for my daily walk, let me suggest my Softie Hat design as a lightweight hat to wear in spring. Knit using sock yarn, it is a great hat for keeping your ears warm without crushing your hair. The pattern is a FREE PDF download on Ravelry.

Happy Knitting!