Quick answer: Knit waste yarn at the heel position while working the foot, finish the toe, then pick up live stitches around the waste yarn and knit the heel as a small round pocket.
What it is
The afterthought heel is worked after the foot is complete. You place waste yarn where the heel will go, finish the whole sock, then pick up stitches and knit the heel — just like a toe.
When to use it
- Self-striping yarn where you want the heel to match the stripe
- Beginners who find heel turn directions confusing
- When you want to replace a worn heel later
How to do it
- Knit the sock leg to the desired length.
- Knit the heel-position stitches (usually half your count) with waste yarn, slip them back to the left needle, and re-knit with main yarn.
- Continue the foot to desired length and complete the toe.
- Remove the waste yarn carefully and pick up the live stitches above and below — a full round around the heel hole.
- Knit the heel in rounds, decreasing to close it the same way as a toe.
- Graft or three-needle bind off the heel closed.
Common mistakes
- Not picking up corner stitches — leaves holes at the sides of the heel
- Using waste yarn too similar in weight — hard to remove
- Forgetting to slip stitches back before continuing main yarn