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Introducing the Integrated Heel - an elegant approach to seamless heel construction, now updated with a toe-up version!

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Otherwise known as Stocaí Bunúsach {stokee bu-noosah; Irish: ‘basic socks’} this universal sock pattern can be worked from the cuff down
or from the toe up with Integrated Heels.

Integrated Heels, you say! What’s that? 

The Integrated Heel looks and fits similarly to a traditional heel flap and gusset. The difference is in the process. Like the traditional sock heel, the Integrated Heel features a heel flap, a gusset, and a turned heel. Unlike the traditional sock heel, the Integrated Heel is worked almost entirely in the round. This eliminates the need to work the heel flap back-and-forth flat, and to later pick up stitches along its edges. 

The resulting benefits include: a gusset with more give (since you aren’t picking up stitches along a finished edge); fewer interruptions to workflow (which, in turn, speeds up the knitting process considerably); and excellent fit, with ample opportunity for heel-depth customisation.

While I dare not claim to have ‘invented’ the Integrated Heel (goodness knows there is nothing new under the sun!), I did arrive upon this design independently (read about it here), and have not seen it documented anywhere else. I have found this method of heel construction fast and convenient, and hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

This sock pattern includes:
. instructions for knitting basic (’vanilla,’ if you will) cuff-down socks with Integrated Heel construction in a range of sizes and yarn weights

. instructions for knitting basic toe-up socks with Integrated Heel construction in a range of sizes and yarn weights

. a step-by-step picture tutorial on working the Integrated Heel, and

. an appendix with tips for custom modifications

Stitch count & gauge instructions are provided for fingering weight, sportweight, and DK weight yarns, allowing you to try the Integrated Heel in a variety of yarn weights.

The pattern is written for Magic Loop, but includes instructions for adapting it to DPNs and short circulars.

Socks with Integrated Heel construction can be knitted 2 at a time without interruption.

This pattern is suitable for beginner sock knitters.

You will especially enjoy the Integrated Heel method if:
. you have a strong preference for knitting in the round
. you have a tendency to ‘stall out’ on sock projects
. you enjoy seamless sweater shaping and wish socks could be more ‘sweater-like’ to knit (only took much less time, of course!)

Posting pictures of your socks on instagram? Use the hashtag:
integratedheel

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Notes for Using Honer Och Eir Nutiden:

this pattern is compatible with Nutiden yarn, held double

If using Nutiden, aim for a gauge of 22 sts/ 10cm
(most will achieve this with 3mm-3.5mm needles)

For a Junior foot or for narrow to average adult foot:
follow stitch count instructions for Size 0

For a wider than average adult foot:
follow stitch count instructions for Size 1

(I would personally not recommend knitting socks in Nutiden held single-stranded, for reasons of durability/ longevity. But as far as stitch counts it’s not a problem - simply follow the standard instructions for fingering-weight yarn.)