How to knit a German short row heel - Step by step instructions

A very detailed tutorial on knitting German short-row sock heels.
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Materials:
- Yarn: bit.ly/38X6slT
- Double-pointed knitting needles 15 cm: amzn.to/3lcfoc0
*Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to knit socks with a german short row heel the easy way. It's a very easy sock heel pattern perfect for beginners. It creates a very snug fit and is ideal for rather slender feet.
The basic recipe goes like this:
The heel is knit across half of your stitches (so if you cast on 50, you knit across 25)
Then you divide the heel stitches into three equal parts (if your number isn't dividable by 3, the middle sections gets more stitches. eg. 9/10/9 or 10/12/10). Place stitch markers to mark these three section.
You knit it in three parts:
1) first you knit short rows from the edges until you reach the two stitch markes.
2) then you add two rounds of plain stockinette stitch where you k2tog tbl all double stitches
3) and then you knit short rows starting from the two stitch markers towards the edges.
You can exchange the German Short row technique for any other method you like. It basically doesn't matter - the pattern remains the same.
For a roomier short row sock heel, consider repeating the first part three times (with 2 rounds of knit stitches in between) instead.
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[@barbarakautz8772]

I am not knitting socks. Just German short rows on a sweater's neck. I am really left handed and knit continental style. This is the ONLY tutorial --and I've watched several--where the instructor actually shows what they are doing and explains what happens. I have watched it every time I need to be reminded about double stitches and German short rows, esp since parts of the authors of this pattern think I read their minds.!

[@eringilbert1098]

This is the BEST video. I watched 3 others before I found your tutorial. I could not figure it out at all prior to seeing your step by step instructions. You made it so much easier and completely understandable. THANK YOU!! You are terrific....

[@janetbishop6031]

Excellent tutorial! I always had trouble understanding the second half of the turn. That is no longer a problem for me.I liked, and subscribed immediately. You are now my go to for knitting. Thank you very much

[@lissie831]

I can’t tell you enough how much I truly enjoyed this video. I always hated knitting socks because of the heel but this video is a GAME CHANGER. I’m so excited to make so many socks with this method. You did an amazing job. Thank you so much!

[@grumpy_poo]

I appreciate how difficult it is to explain something so clearly in a second language.... I knitted my first ever sock this week.... but the 'afterthought heel' seems a bit untidy for me so I am having another go. I assume it will work just as well with a toe up sock.... your method really makes sense ( thanks to your mum) . I wish I could knit the way you do with the yarn in the left hand, I have tried but don't have the dexterity.... very skilled. Thank you...

[@andromedaunsure72]

Hmmmm interesting, I’ve knit five pairs of toe up socks and don’t decrease the gusset stitches until the second part of the heel, so no German short rows at that point…but I’ve never tried cuff down socks so I find this pretty cool!

[@christineannemarsden]

Very clearly shown & explained BUT I might have to completely re-learn my style of knitting & holding the wool in order to do this as for my WHOLE LIFE I have done it the English way holding the wool the other way round!! Yours is certainly better!!

[@susanarmstrong4446]

Thank you for a lovely clear video/tutorial, I am using a new to me pattern for socks but could not understand the insructions, I have knit for many years and used short rows many times but the pattern had me flummoxed. Your video clearly explained how to complete the short rows, so simple

[@emdran]

Wow, those German short rows make a beautiful heel! I’ve been knitting for 50+ years but only learned about German short rows this week in Iris Schreier’s Neon Splash Shawl knit-along. She uses German short row technique to make pattern bands that look like repeating leaves.

[@darialay3472]

I know that this has been up for a while, but you explained the Double Stitch so well!!! I couldn't find anything any clearer. Thank you very much!

[@caylarivera2804]

Your tutorials always my go to! This short row heel made me enjoy the process of sock knitting. No fussing with flaps or picking up stitches. Thanks Norman!

[@ileneklayman3440]

Norman, I love your channel, you are so calm when you explain things. You are a great teacher and a great person.

[@ingridfarnham6285]

Excellent instruction!! I wish I'd discovered German short rows on my very first pair of socks! Your video is super clear and I appreciate the repeat of the initial double stitch move!

[@maryjohnson2062]

Love all your videos, often play them over and over, stopping and starting while knitting to cement the technique in my head, and muscle memory of my hands.

[@user-jw8em1zw6x]

This is a great way to knit the German short row. Thank you so much

[@ernestinamorales6029]

This video help me very much to knit my socks an understand how to do the heel thank you so much ❤

[@amberthomas2808]

My favorite tutorial when I need a reminder on short row heels! Thank you!

[@TreebeardsHome]

This has been the clearest & easiest tutorial for gsr I’ve seen. I started my first sock & had so much trouble with the standard heal flap that I ripped it out. The slipped stitches made the tension far too tight.

[@ripleyhyland1885]

Love your clear concise demonstration. Thank you!

[@danbev8542]

Great video, clear explanations. Love your work, Norman!