This is the ‘Eye of Partridge’ heel. It’s a lattice work of slipt stitches alternating the placement of the slipt stitches each right side row. The resulting fabric is sturdy with a little bit of give but not too much. This means that this pattern is best used for people who’s heel width you already know. A heel with the same number of stitches will not fit both a wide heel and a narrow heel well. The fabric of this heel is very flat, providing an equal amount of cushion over the entire heel.
The basic pattern for the Eye of Partridge heel that I use is:
Row 1 (right side): *Sl 1, K 1* repeat across ending K 1.
Row 2 and even rows: Sl 1, purl across
Row 3: Sl 2, *K1, Sl 1* repeat across, ending with K2.
This is the more commonly used Slip Stitch heel. The pattern forms two distinct types of columns. The wider looking columns are the slipt stitches, the smaller ones are solid knit stitches. This produces a very stretchy heel that will fit a rather wide range of people. Because it’s so stretchy, it will fit a semi-narrow heel almost as well as it’ll fit a wide heel. This heel has ridges and when you wear it you’ll notice that some areas feel a bit more exposed than others.
The basic pattern for the Slip Stitch heel is:
Row 1 (right side): *Sl 1, K 1* repeat across ending in K1.
Row 2 and all even rows: Sl 1, P across
These are both variations on the German Heel Flap. That being said, they don’t just have to be used in the German Heel Flap, you can plug them into most heel flap patterns. Personally I prefer the Partridge heel flap, I like that it’s long wearing, and I think it’s pretty. It’s a little bit more fiddly than the standard Slip Stitch heel, but as you work the rows a few times you’ll pick up on the pattern and know which row you’re on just by looking at the stitches on the needle. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
cheers for now,
Danielle
You know, I just recently learned what exactly an eye of partridge heel was (yeah, I know, and how many socks have I knit? Not a one with that type of heel though) ANYWAY – this is helpful to see in action. Great pics. I do like the look of the EOP heel better but had no idea about the qualities of it in relation to heel size. Thank you.
Those heels are fantastic. Makes me almost want to knit a sock . . . chuckle/snort/gasp . . .
i’ve never actually seen this technique before (Eye of Partridge). i really like it. is this something you would opt for or something that would usually be written in a pattern?
I love the look of the Eye of Partridge heel flap, it has been calling out to me longingly to use it. Soon, soon, especially after seeing your GREAT photos Danielle!
How did I miss this post? Those heels are gorgeous, I’m definitely filing this post away for the next adventure into sock knitting.
I agree with Belinda….
Alright! This is what I need… a flat heel so it doesn’t rub inside my winter boots! Thank you, thank you, thank you for such great photos.
A friend just showed me the “eye of the partridge” stitch pattern this afternoon. I came home and looked on the internet to see if I saw it there and came upon your site. Do I need your permission to use the pattern after having seen your posting?
Thank you; this is very helpful! I have heard of both kinds of sock heels, but I had no idea when you would use one instead of the other.
Love the look of the EOP heel, and I am surprised that I have not com accross it before.Thanks
Did you slip your stitches purlwise or knitwise?