Quick sock knitting question...

[MrsKranky]

I am finally attempting to knit my first pair of socks. I have a really simple pattern and am nearly at the heel (Eak!).

My question is that the pattern says knit till I get to the heel, which means I am working wrong side out, so do I definitely turn the heel wrong side out?

It's a top down pattern, heel is short rows, then picking up stitches for the flap.

Just want to be sure as the Instagram pics of socks all appear to be right side out, and I want a successful first sock!

Why is it wrong side out? Are you knitting in the round the right way round?

If the sock is intended to be in reverse stocking stitch (i.e. purls on the outside) I can imagine the pattern for that calling for you to knit it inside out as it's much faster to knit than to purl.

You could also knit the heel inside out but I would only attempt this if the instructions specifically say to. It'd be better if you could link to the pattern or pics. This doesn't really sound like a simple pattern!

Why is it the wrong side out?

Pic of sock so far & part of the patten.

I wonder if I'm just overthinking it, and should just follow the pattern and it will come right.

It's my first try at socks, although I've been knitting for a while. I'm happy with the techniques in the pattern just questioning the method IYSWIM?

Help gratefully accepted!!

You are knitting it inside out! Not sure how, but try flipping it right side out and knitting round so you always see the smooth side not not purl bumps.

My friend Lizzie does this but I think she turns to the other way for the heel. It isn't a magic loop problem

I knew it! Phew, good job I asked before starting the heel. I can turn it the right way out, by purling instead of knitting.

But I don't understand why it's wrong. I am using magic loop, I much prefer it to dpn's but surely the method is the same? Did ribbing ok but then it said 'knit - by knitting every round you will make stocking stitch' which is correct but it is on the wrong side. What am I doing wrong [wails]?!

Yes, magic loop and DPNs are essentially the same thing.

What I don't understand is why you think the purl bumps should be on the outside of the sock. The instruction says 'round 17 to 73 knit'. So, er, why do you think the knit stitches should be on the inside of the sock?

I think all that's happened is somewhere at the beginning you flipped the thing inside out and then ploughed on knitting it that way instead of just turning it back the right way in. Normally with magic loop when you're starting a round, you hold the sock in your left hand, with the points of both needles facing over to the right. You pull the back needle out and then knit on the front needle, transferring the stitches as you go to the needle you just pulled out from the back.

If you knit inside out (which is a valid technique for reasons I will explain below) you do the opposite - you pull the front needle out and work on the back needle. I think that's all you've been doing.

Simply flip it inside out and then work on the front needle, voila. I hope.

Actually can knit it the right side out. No idea at all what I was doing but appears to be ok now. Thanks for your help though!

Right - just to clarify the purpose of inside out knitting for anyone who wants to know, it is very helpful when doing fairisle or stranded knitting, because it makes sure you carry the floats (that is the yarn you're not knitting with) more evenly on the back of the work. Very good for smaller items like mittens and so on. - OP do not watch this as it will just confuse you even more. You need to knit on the right side, not inside out, esp not when you get to the heel, god forbid!

Yes trib I think that's exactly what happened, knitting into the front needle first. But now I know! I will keep an eye out in the second sock to check!

Good good. Without wishing to add to the confusion, often when you start the heel you do work on the back needle instead of the front, but with the sock the right side out. Keep that bit firmly in mind as you proceed :)

trib I could hug you!! You may well have saved the first attempt at sock!! I just knew it didn't seem right, so so glad I asked before starting the heel!!

No probs, we are here to help At some point soon you may be back asking how to beat Second Sock Syndrome (a recognised knitting condition, there is no known cure, although knitting the socks two at a time may be a valid treatment).

I get over second sock syndrome by using different coloured wool - the socks don't match, but at least I enjoy the process! I am looking to crochet a pair of socks soon - just looking for the right wool. oooh - maybe a crafty swap ...