Another heel flap question

#1

I’m knitting my 1st sock. I’m sure this is the 1st of many questions.

I’m using the Starter Stockinette pattern from [U]Knit Socks![/U] by Betsy Lee McCarthy. I’ve gotten to the heel flap and it says:

Row 1: Slip one purlwise, purl to end of row.
Row 2: Slip one purlwise, knit to end of row.

Then it tells me to work Rows 1 & 2 12 more times. The heel flap should be 2 1/2 ".

My question is this ~ I have repeated Rows 1 & 2 [I]six[/I] times (so 7 times total) and the heel flap is already 1 3/4". Is it more important to follow the number of rows or the length?

And, yes, I did a gauge swatch and it was to gauge.

Any help you can offer would be appreciated.
Katrina

#2

It will probably be OK to match the length on the rows, just keep in mind that you may not be picking up the same number of stitches for the gusset.

You may need to make some slight adjustments to the decreases, and be sure you end with the correct row. Other than that, should be fine! :thumbsup:

#3

How many stitches are in the heel flap? Usually a heel flap is square, ie, it has the same number of rows as stitches. If your heel has 26 stitches, I would strongly recommend following the pattern. If you’ve never worn a heel-flap sock before, the proportions are different than your average commercial-made sock, and in all probability you’re going to want the heel depth.

#4

Thanks so much to both of you!

To answer your question, Renoah, the heel is 24 stitches, so I’ll do a total of 12 of each of the rows.

Like I said before, I’ll probably be back with more questions. I’m a lone knitter around here.

Katrina