Expert: Ed Matos - 12/3/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am working on crocheting a pair of socks, and I am currently working on the shaping of the heel. It tells me this

Ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 9 (10-12-13-14) sc. (Draw up a loop in each of next 2 sts. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook - Sc2tog made) twice. Turn.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 3 sts. (Sc2tog) twice. Turn.
3rd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 5 sts. (Sc2tog) twice. Turn.
4th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 7 sts. (Sc2tog) twice. Turn. 9 sts.

I understand that Sc2tog is a simple decrease with a single crochet. But won't I don't understand is how to do three stiches and 2 decreases then in the next row stitch 5 and 2 decreases. The math simply doesn't add up.

ANSWER: Hello Joe

Thanks for the question.

It actually is correct

so hopefully this will help

X X X X X X X X X X X X
S S S 2 2 2 2

X X X X X X X X X X
S S S S S 2 2 2 2 2

X X X X X X X X X
S S S S S S S 2 2

remember that the ch 1 counts if you skip that stitch, unless stated that it does not. Since you are shaping, you are doing stitches in the rows before.

Hopefully this will help. Should you need any assistance, please let me know.

Happy Hooking

Ed



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I don't understand what the X's mean. Could you tell me basically the order in each row? Like: Single crochet, single crochet, single crochet, single crochet 2 together, etc? Because this has thoroughly stumped me and I need to make two of these socks and then make about 3 more pairs if I can, in a month.

ANSWER: Hello Joe:

OK, you should have a total of 15 stitches.

Remember that you will be working also with the unworked stitches creating the shaping you need.

At the end it does end with 9 stitches.

I think there may be some errors in the pattern. Did you get it from the Internet? or a book?

Hope this helped.

Should you need any assistance, please let me know

Happy hooking

Ed

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It came from online. From Patons.com I already did a good part of the heel that seperated from the ankle and the ribbing. They're called Family Crochet socks. I would send you a link but you have to be a member. But it's free so it's easy enough to get to.

Answer
Joe:

I am very sorry that I was unclear. But I have found the pattern and I have a few questions.

when you start the shape heel, how many sc are there before the 9 sc you do? The decrease is done on each side to create the cupping needed. Now that I was able to read the pattern, I can see where the confusion is.

So once you do the 9sc and the two sc2tog (total of 11 sc) ch1 turn

you will now do the 3sc and the 2 sc2tog - this should leave 2 dc from the previous row unworked.

you will now do 5sc and that will place you at the beginning of the previous row, now you should have 4 sc available after that (from previous rows) - those are the ones you will use for the decrease.

you will do 7 sc, this will place you at the beginning of the previous row, now those 4 stitches unworked from row one, those are the 4 stitches you will use to complete the sc2tog - twice.

I am sorry I explained it incorrect before, its hard to only see a portion of the pattern and be able to give a resolution, but once I read the pattern, I can now see what the author is wanting to be done.

Hopefully this will help. Should you need any assistance, please let me know.

Happy Hooking

Ed