Patchwork-style socks with a propeller heel are a bright and unusual project for knitters who enjoy original designs. The combination of a stranded colorwork pattern, a decorative twisted edge, and an eye-catching heel makes this model especially expressive. Thanks to the use of several yarn colors, the socks look cozy and truly handmade, while the interesting heel construction provides a comfortable fit.
Materials, Tools, and Knitting Techniques
Size
EU 39–40
Materials and Tools
- Any sock yarn (420 m / 100 g): purple — 100 g; green and pink — 50 g each.
- 2.5 mm knitting needles.
- Tapestry needle.
Stitches and Techniques
- Stockinette stitch.
- 1 × 1 rib with twisted knit stitches.
- Decorative twisted edge. (See the separate tutorial for instructions.)
- Stranded colorwork pattern.
In the round, work the pattern in stockinette stitch following the chart. Continuously repeat the 8-stitch pattern repeat (Rounds 1–8).
Gauge
32 sts × 40 rnds = 10 × 10 cm.
How to Knit Patchwork-Style Socks with a Propeller Heel
Leg
To knit a patchwork-style socks with a propeller heel сast on 64 stitches with purple yarn onto one needle and work the decorative twisted edge.
Distribute the stitches evenly onto the needles and join for working in the round. Work 16 rounds in 1 × 1 rib with twisted knit stitches.
Then continue working the stranded colorwork pattern until the leg measures 18 cm. Finish after Round 4 or Round 8 of the pattern repeat.
Foot
Work the heel stitches with a contrasting waste yarn using knit stitches. Return to the beginning of the round and continue knitting the foot in the stranded colorwork pattern across all needles.
When the foot measures 15 cm, after Round 4 or Round 8 of the pattern repeat, begin working the toe with purple yarn.
Ribbon Toe
Patchwork-style socks with a propeller heel pair beautifully with a classic ribbon toe. All toe stitches are worked in knit stitch.
On the first and third needles, knit the second and third stitches from the end together with a right-leaning decrease. On the second and fourth needles, knit the second and third stitches together with a left-leaning decrease.
Repeat the decrease rounds at specific intervals, working plain rounds between them.
Decrease Frequency
- every 4th round — 1 time;
- every 3rd round — 2 times;
- every 2nd round — 2 times;
- every round — 7 times.
Pull the remaining stitches closed using a tapestry needle.
Propeller Heel
The heel is worked in purple yarn using knit stitches.
Remove the waste yarn and evenly distribute the live stitches onto four double-pointed needles or onto one or two circular needles. Check that the stitches are arranged correctly so the decreases are positioned symmetrically.
The transition to the heel will look neater if the horizontal strand between the instep and sole stitches is tightened. To do this, knit the first and last stitches of both the sole and instep together with the lifted twisted strand between them.
For the decreases:
- on the second and fourth needles, knit the second and third stitches together with a left-leaning decrease;
- on the first and third needles, knit the second and third stitches together with a right-leaning decrease.
Decrease Frequency
- every 4th round — 1 time;
- every 3rd round — 2 times;
- every 2nd round — 2 times;
- every round — 1 time.
Pull the remaining stitches closed with a tapestry needle or join them using Kitchener stitch.
Work the second sock in the same way. Block the finished socks.
Conclusion
This article explains in detail how to knit patchwork-style socks with a propeller heel, from the decorative twisted edge and stranded colorwork pattern to shaping the toe and heel. I hope this tutorial helps you create beautiful and comfortable socks with a unique design that will become a bright addition to your wardrobe or a wonderful handmade gift.
Read more articles about knitting socks with a replaceable heel:
