The other day I was working on an idea for a new Mocassin slipper. After turning over the one I was wearing, I decided to try and duplicate the shape of the sole. How? With short rows.
Dividing the sole shape lengthwise, I charted the short rows to achieve the upper half which ends at the toe edge. Next, I flipped my chart and designed the other half, ending the final row at the back of the heel. If you will notice there is a blue line of loops down the center; that is the provisional cast on row. Once the first half is finished, the provisional chain is released and the stitches are picked up to complete the second half. Below is the result of my playing around.
If it looks a bit textured, it is. The entire project is Twine Knitted. The wonderful double layer will keep my feet warm and toasty. 🙂
The finishing round of this part of the slipper was a purl row, as it made a clean transition before starting the short row shaping for the sides.
After working about 5 even rounds, I marked off the front tow section and began to shape the back part of the slipper sides with short rows. Once the short rows were complete, I closed the gaps, continued around to the toe section and ,decreased stitches at the front to create a much nicer fit. The next section will be the top of the toe and a flap that lays up on to the instep. I am thinking about doing a Fair Isle design for that. Humm????????
It was during the process of creating the flap for my toe section that I decided to share the process I used .
This double layered(or lined) flap is knitted with straight sides, and single and double stitch portions to form the shape.
I have completed a tutorial with written instructions as well as a chart. The idea is to get you imaginations going. Short rows are not limited to sock heels, shoulder seams, and sleeve cap shaping. This tutorial is a swatch practice that I hope will help you feel more comfortable with closing all sorts of short row gaps.
Below is a result of repeating the chart three times on the same original cast on.
I feel a hand puppet coming on!!!!!!
Short Row Closure Practice Tutorial
PS: I will be uploading the slipper pattern when its finished.
This morning I added a PDF that might help you understand the way I design these short rows-at least I hope it does.
Happy Knitting
KT
Creative Knitting - Beyond Knit and Purl 