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Sock Anatomy

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Hi, sock hookers! Welcome to post number 4 in the Sock CAL 2018 Blog Hop.

If you haven’t already read the first three instalments in the blog hop, subject titles and links are listed at the bottom of the page along with the subjects that will follow after this.

In this instalment, I will be discussing the anatomy of a sock.

So, how complicated could it be? I mean, it’s just a tube that fits over your foot, right?

Well, there’s a little more to it than that. And if you’re new to making your own socks, there may be a few terms you are unfamiliar with. But don’t panic. I’ve got you(r foot) covered.

Let’s start with your basic sock. This style is one that most people are familiar with as it is essentially the same as most store-bought socks. It basically comprises of a toe, foot, heel, leg and cuff.

I’m sure you are already familiar with these components, so no big surprises there. 

In the majority of cases, sock designs with a short-row heel or an after-thought heel in their construction fall into this category.


Things get interesting in designs with more detailed shaping across the instep of your sock. This is where you may come across the less familiar terms: ‘Gusset’, ‘Heel Turn’ and ‘Heel Flap.’ These three terms all refer to components that form the heel shaping of your sock, and generally allow more ease in that area – which is particularly good for anyone with a high instep.

Generally speaking, this type of heel construction is worked in the following manner:

  1. Toe (in the round)
  2. Foot (in the round)
  3. Gusset Increases (in the round)
  4. Heel Turn (in rows – this is where you might change colour for a contrasting heel)
  5. Heel Flap (in rows – continued in the contrast heel colour)
  6. Leg (in the round, and back to the main colour)
  7. Cuff (either in rounds or an applied cuff edging in rows)

For socks constructed from the cuff down, reverse the order taking into account that you will be doing Gusset Decreases instead of increases.

So, which style is best? It all depends on the anatomy of your feet, and your personal preference. There are countless variations in sock construction that build on these basic components. Don’t be afraid to try different construction types to see what fits you best.

I hope this has helped you feel more confident about making your own socks.

Happy crocheting!
Deanne


Sock CAL 2018 Blog Hop:

Sat 15th Sep – Sock Making Tips – Tamara
(http://www.craftyescapism.com/)

Sat 22nd Sep – Yarn Choice – Fay
(https://www.knitit-hookit-craftit.com/)

Sat 29th Sep – Knit vs Crochet Socks – Caroline
(https://www.mindandmusecrafts.com/)

Sun 30th Sep –  Sock Anatomy – Me

Sat 6 Oct – Toe up vs Cuff down Socks – Jo
(http://jojotwinkletoes.blogspot.com/)

Sat 13th Oct – Colour and Colour Patterns – Marta
(http://mrsdaftspaniel.blogspot.com/)

Sat 20th Oct – Customising socks – Kathryn
(http://crafternoontreats.com/)

Sat 27th Oct – Crochet Sock Heels are not Scary – Karen
(https://www.karenwhooley.com/)

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Contemporary crochet designs with a focus on detail so that you can create beautiful pieces with confidence.

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