I felt a little guilty bragging about my class with Charlene Schurch and no more gusset holes and not explaining the technique. Truth is, I had no idea how to explain it in words. Charlene’s book, Sensational Knitted Socks, does a great job of that already. This video might help but you really need to get her book.
With the help of a little birdie (thank you Jennifer – Major Knitter), Charlene gave me permission to do a little video of the technique. Now… Steven Spielberg I am not but here you go (I have no idea why the first couple of seconds of the video are moving at warp speed). It helps to watch it at full screen:
It’s been a few months since I took the class so I might not do it exactly the way I learned that day but the outcome is the same and that’s what’s important.
A little side note on the ssk…. instead of slip as if to knit, slip as if to knit; I slip as if to knit, slip as if to purl and then knit the two together. I just like the way it lies a little better. You can see it at the end of the video when I show the finished gusset.
So thank you, Charlene Schurch! I said it before and I’ll say it again, if you have the opportunity to take her class, don’t hesitate. It was really great. Not only is she FULL of knitterly info and advice, she’s really down-to-earth, fun and PATIENT! 🙂
Excellent video! One of these days I will have to have you help me with continental knitting 🙂
How fun to watch you knit and hear your voice! And now we know why you’re so prolific with your knitting — you knit continental! When we lived in Germany I tried and tried to learn — I just couldn’t get past my old habits.
And thanks for the new tip. I’ve always avoided the hole by picking up the stitch that you call the ladder in the gap — picking up two stitches will be even better!
Your video is great…I am going to try this technique on the socks I have going. You’re a great advertisement for continental knitting…you make it look easy as pie.
It’s been forever since I knit socks with heel flaps, but maybe I can use this technique for short rows too. I usually end up with a little gap on one side which I correct with duplicate stitch later. This would be better if I can get it to work. Thanks!
Jean – what a great video. I will definitely be referring to this video again! So glad to have been a little birdie. ; )
Hey! I’ll make a mental note! I don’t do a lot of socks!
BTW, come visit me, I nominated you for a blogaward.
Great job on the demo! You presented it very clearly.
I’ve got Charlene’s hat book and have knit umpteen hats from it. Her sock books are on my wish-list. You’re so lucky to have had a chance to take a class with her!
Great video. I learned to knit socks with Charlene’s book and have been using this method since my very first pair – never a gusset hole!
I also do my SSKs the same way you do and I totally agree that they do look much better.
Thanks for the video. How neat that you got to take a class with her. I love her books.
see bowing to knit teacher!!! thank you! for a first time sock knitter who is currently frogging her starter, you have made my day!
I’m just starting my first pair of socks!
Thimbleanna sent me over to watch your video. As soon as I make my way down to the heel, I’m going to play this over and over again until it sinks in!
Thanks so much!!!!
Hope it helps! Let me know!
Peace,
Jean
i’m just knitting my first set of socks.
thanks soooo much.
What a pity I miss seeing all those gorgeous knits! Thanks for sharing the photos.