Help with short row heel for top-down sock

I am doing a basic top-down sock based on the universal sock pattern at burninghand.org. I’ve decided I want to do a short-row heel in a contrasting color, but the pattern only gives instructions for the traditional heel flap with gusset.

I did some searching online and sort of figured out how to do a sock-row heel, but I still have some questions. I already worked the heel but am going to rip back b/c I decided I needed to work it down further than I did. I’m knitting in worsted and started with 48 sts. I was then using 24 for the heel and short-rowed down to 12. I’m thinking I should probably go down to 8. I have no idea how to gauge how far down to go, though, so I’d appreciate feedback.

Also, I’m not totally sure what to do once I’m finished with the heel. Do I pick up sts for a gusset, like with a traditional heel flap? Or do I just start knitting in the round again?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I’ve always been afraid of trying a short row heel, but I was determined this time b/c I want to do the cuff, heel, and toe in solid with the rest of the sock in variegated.

Thanks!

Short row heels and toes are so comfy! These are how socks are made that we buy in stores :wink:
Okay, the general formula is that you leave 20% of the cast on sts between the short rows, for you, that would be 10, so that is very good guessing on your part…WTG :cheering:
Herein lies the beauty of short row heels, no gusset, once you are done with the heel you continue to knit in a tube :happydance: :happydance: How cool is that?!

It’s VERY cool! THANK YOU! :muah:

U bet :wink: