Uploaded August 2010 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago

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knitfreedom.com/knitting-video/when-to-start-increasing-for-the-fleegle-heel-gusset

Visit knitfreedom.com/knitting-topic toe-up-socks to get more great tips to help you learn how to knit toe-up socks, one- or two-at-a-time.

When to start the Fleegle heel:

A big issue for first-time knitters of toe-up socks is knowing when to start increasing for the Fleegle heel. Fleegle describes the time to start increasing as "when the knitting reaches the front of your ankle."

I don't know about you, but my ankle has more of a gradual transition than a demarcation where my foot turns into my leg.

To overcome this issue, here's what to do:
Flex your foot as much as you can — this helps the "front of the ankle" become more apparent.

Pull the sock onto your foot (which of course is easy because you're using Magic Loop), and hold it as snug as you'd like it when you're wearing it. If the knitting reaches the crook in your ankle, you're ready to start the Fleegle heel increases.

Use both hands to pull the sock on. You can see that my knitting is stretched snug and hits what, over time, I have come to judge as the front of my ankle.

If you're not sure, better start increasing. Most people just learning this technique tend to wait too long to start the heel.

See some photos and learn more at knitfreedom.com/blog/when-to-start-your-fleegle-heel-increases-where-is-the-front-of-your-ankle

youtube.com/watch?v=DmYhggEeWcs