Hand vs. Machine Knit the Heel Stitch (Slip stitch) Throw Blanket

The classic heel stitch for the hand-knit socks creates a thick cushion. We borrow that stitch pattern for a blanket. This video below shows you both the hand-knit and machine knit methods.

Watch the video tutorial on Hand knit vs. Machine knit a Heel Stitch throw blanket

Hand-Knit the Heel Stitch blanket (Basic pattern)

In the hand-knitted version, I use the worsted weight yarn ( Lion Brand Wool-Ease) and cast on 200 stitches (for adult size throw).

Knit 2 inches of 1 x 1 ribbing and start the main part.

For the first and last 10 stitches, I continue the 1 x 1 ribbing.

The center is the heel stitch: knit 1, slip 1 purlwise, repeat these 2 stitches for the front side rows,

and purl every stitch on the backside of the knitting.

Knit until the desired length,

knit 2 inches of 1 x 1 ribbing and bind off.

Machine Knitted version

For the machine knitting, the LK150 is limited to 150 stitches. You can do 2 panels and sew up, or combine two LK150 machine to make a really big blanket. Or just make a lap blanket or baby blanket.

I use worsted weight yarn, tension 7 (both mast and carriage tension) on the LK150 knitting machine. You have to calculate the cast on stitch and row number according to your swatch and the desired final dimension.

The ribbing can be reformed by hand manipulation. The top and bottom ribbing can be mock ribbing.

Similar to the hand-knit version. After the first 2 inches of ribbing, work on the Slip stitch.

With the Slip stitch, the B position needles will slip and not knit, D positions will knit back to B position.

Pick out every other needle so the slip stitch needles are in the B position and the rest is in the D position.

Knit 2 rows of Slip stitch (every other needle), and 1 row of plain knitting. This creates a thick and warm blanket. At the same time, keep the first and last 10 stitches as 1 x 1 ribbing.

Repeat these 3 rows until the length you like, knit 2 inches of the ribbing and bind off.

Slip stitch setting on the LK150 machine

For the LK150 knitting machine, the Slip stitch is with the side levers to the dot (circle), and Russel levers to the II.

Just double-check before you knit the next row. Return the Side lever to the triangle for plain knitting.