Socks with a Boomerang Heel Using the Wrap-and-Turn Method

Socks with a boomerang heel using the wrap-and-turn (“lasso”) method are designed so they can be knitted in either direction.

When worked top-down, the pointed part of the lace pattern is directed toward the toe. When knitted toe-up, the pattern points toward the cuff. The stitch pattern is easy to adapt for both directions — simply flip the charts upside down and work them in reverse. Socks with a boomerang heel using the wrap-and-turn method are perfect for advanced knitters.

Designer: Chrissy Gardiner

Materials, Tools, and Knitting Techniques

Finished Measurements

• Foot circumference: approximately 8 (10) in / 20.5 (25.5) cm unstretched
• Foot length from back of heel to tip of toe: 9 (10¼) in / 23 (26) cm
• Leg length to the start of the short-row heel: 6 in / 15 cm

Both foot and leg lengths are adjustable.

Fits women’s shoe sizes:

• EU 36–38 (US 6–8)
• EU 39–40 (US 8–10)

In the photos, one sock is knitted top-down and the other toe-up.

Yarn

Fingering-weight sock yarn (Super Fine). Fiber content: 80% superwash merino wool; 20% nylon. Yardage: approximately 410 m / 100 g. Color: apple green

One skein is sufficient for both sizes.

Needles

2.5 mm needles:

• a set of double-pointed needles,
• or two circular needles,
• or one long circular needle.

Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Additional Materials

• stitch marker
• tapestry needle

Gauge

16 stitches × 24 rounds = 5 × 5 cm in stockinette stitch.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

1. Stockinette stitch.
2. 1 × 1 ribbing (k1, p1).
3. K2tog left-slanting decrease.
4. K2tog right-slanting decrease.
5. Wrap-and-turn short rows (“lasso” method).
6. Lace pattern.

Notes

For different methods of knitting in the round, the stitches are divided into two sections:

• Instep stitches — the top of the foot and the front of the leg
• Heel stitches — the sole, heel, and back of the leg

Lace Socks with a Boomerang Heel Using the Wrap-and-Turn Method — Top-Down Version

Cuff

Cast on 64 (80) stitches.

Divide the stitches as follows:

• 33 (41) instep stitches
• 31 (39) heel stitches

Place a marker for the beginning of the round and join to work in the round.

Ribbing

Work: p1, k1 repeat to the end of the round. Continue in ribbing until the cuff measures 2.5 cm.

Leg

Work from the chart for your size, repeating the 16 (20)-stitch pattern repeat 4 times in each round.

Continue until the leg measures approximately 15 cm or the desired length to the heel.

Finish with Round 6 of the chart.

Heel

Work Round 7 of the chart across the instep stitches only.

Do not work the heel stitches.

If using double-pointed needles, transfer all heel stitches onto one needle.

The heel is worked in short rows over 31 (39) heel stitches using the wrap-and-turn method.

First Half of the Heel

Row 1 (RS): Knit 30 (38) stitches, wrap the next stitch, and turn.

Row 2 (WS): Purl 29 (37) stitches, wrap the next stitch, and turn.

Row 3: Knit to 1 stitch before the previously wrapped stitch, wrap the next stitch, and turn.

Row 4: Purl to 1 stitch before the previously wrapped stitch, wrap the next stitch, and turn.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 another 8 (11) times.

At the end:

• 11 (13) unwrapped stitches remain in the center
• 10 (13) wrapped stitches remain on each side

Second Half of the Heel

Row 1 (RS): Knit to the first wrapped stitch and knit the wrap together with the stitch.

Row 2 (WS): Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, purl to the first wrapped stitch, then purl the wrap together with the stitch.

Row 3: Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, knit to the next wrapped stitch, and knit it together with its wrap.

Row 4: Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front, purl to the next wrapped stitch, and purl it together with its wrap.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 another 7 (10) times.

One wrapped stitch remains at each edge.

Next Row: On the right side, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, knit to the last wrapped stitch, and knit it together with its wrap.

Do not turn the work.

If using DPNs, redistribute the heel stitches onto two needles.

Next Round: Work Round 8 of the chart across the instep stitches. Then knit the first wrapped heel stitch together with its wrap and finish the round.

You now have 64 (80) stitches again. The beginning of the round is located at the side of the foot.

Foot

Next Round

• Work the instep stitches following the Instep chart
• Work the sole stitches in stockinette stitch

Continue until the foot measures 5 (6.5) cm less than the desired final length. Finish with Round 8 of the chart.

Toe

The short-row toe is worked the same way as the heel.

The first half of the short rows is worked along the sole toward the toe tip, and the second half is worked across the instep back toward the foot.

Next Row: Instep stitches: k1, k2tog left, k27 (35), k2tog, k1

Do not work the sole stitches yet.

Total:

• 31 (39) instep stitches
• 31 (39) sole stitches

Work the first and second halves of the short rows exactly as for the heel until one wrapped stitch remains on each side.

Lace Socks with a Boomerang Heel Using the Wrap-and-Turn Method — Toe-Up Version

Toe

Using a provisional cast-on, cast on 31 (39) stitches.

Work the first and second halves of the short rows exactly as for the heel in the top-down version.

Next Round

On the right side: 

• slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back,
• knit to the wrapped stitch,
• knit it together with its wrap.

Carefully remove the provisional cast-on and place the 31 (39) stitches onto the instep needles.

Knit the instep stitches.

Then knit the first wrapped stitch of the second half of the toe together with its wrap.

You now have 62 (78) stitches.

Next Row

Instep stitches: k1, increase 1 stitch by knitting into the front and back loop, k26 (34), increase 1 stitch, k2. 

Work the sole stitches in knit stitches.

Total: 64 (80) stitches

Redistribute the stitches as before:

• 33 (41) instep stitches
• 31 (39) heel stitches

Continue working the foot and heel in the same manner as the top-down version.

Conclusion

This article explains how to knit lace socks with a boomerang heel using the wrap-and-turn method. The socks can be worked in either direction — top-down or toe-up. We hope that this detailed tutorial will help you easily knit elegant lace socks with a boomerang heel. Socks with a boomerang heel using the wrap-and-turn method are perfect for advanced knitters.

Read our other articles about knitting socks with a fifth boomerang:

1. Men’s socks with a boomerang heel and toe.
2. Stylish Men’s Knit Socks with a Hybrid Heel and Boomerang Toe.
3. Women’s Knit Socks with a Boomerang Heel (No Wrap & Turn) – Cable and Texture Pattern.
4. Openwork striped socks knitting yarn 2 colors.