Customer Reviews

Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series)

5 star:		(101)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you swear that no book can teach you sock knitting, that you need someone to sit with you for a month and show you how, this is the book that will change your mind. As observed in other reviews, the instructions and photos are impeccable, but I want to tell you about the layout! This is among the most intelligently laid-out instructional books I've ever seen.

Many other sock books will lead you through the steps: Step one, cast on. There follows four pages on how to cast on. Step two, knit x rows of ribbing. There follows two pages on how to knit ribbing. Step three, begin the heel flap. There follows five pages . . . you get the idea. Ann Budd separates the how-tos from the overview, the clear, abbreviated instructions, in which the rhythm of the whole thing is evident -- and you never, ever lose sight of the path. Struggling with the heel flap? Refer back to the how-to section where you'll find detailed, SUPERB photos and instruction, then return to the three-page abbreviated instructions and continue on. And here's evidence of that layout brilliance: Each such how-to section is confined to a clearly demarcated set of pages (with lots of pix and lots of white space), and is not part of a huge flowing unit of text that covers thirty pages which you must search to find the part you want.

Once you've completed a pair of socks or two or three, you don't need to turn back to the how-to section, and -- lo! You're ready to knit any pair of socks from anyone else's abbreviated instructions (*Sl 1 pwise wyib, k 1; rep from * and the like).

Also, because the sock patterns here are classed strictly by gauge (5 stitches to the inch, e.g.), you're not tied to specific brands of yarn. Handspinners rejoice! Knit up a swatch of a given handspun yarn, select the page of instructions that matches the gauge and GO.

I have never knit socks before except for my Fuzzy Feet slippers that were intended to be felted (thus, no need to worry about little mistakes). I bought this book based on the previous recommendations on Amazon.com and after looking through it at a local store.

I was also curious about knitting socks with two circular needles and though this book does not explain in detail how to do so, the instructions on how to knit socks based on dpns is so well thought out, clearly described and illustrated, that I had no trouble attempting my first pair on two circulars. Ann Budd does briefly describe and illustrate several methods for knitting in the round (dpns, two circulars, one circular).

She also explains several methods for flexible cast-ons, finishing the toe of the sock, avoiding or fixing the hole that tends to occur at the top of the gussets, making the heel and toe more durable, etc. There are several wonderful patterns that even an experienced sock knitter would enjoy AND Ann Budd explains several variations for any pattern that would get you on your way to a customized sock.

I really appreciate the fact that the sock patterns are not yarn-specific and, instead, are based on number of stitches per inch. I bought some yarn that I really liked and needles that fell in the middle of the range listed on the yarn. Then I did a gauge swatch, counted the number of stitches per inch and found a pattern in this book to match. So easy!

It is an excellent book and very colorful.

Ann Budd has made a clearly illustrated, beautifully detailed book. It has the best pictures and instructions I've seen -- like a more detailed and colorful Handy Book of Patterns. I love it -- and I have 12 other sock books. She includes general patterns as well as "this is the reasoning behind it, measure your feet and you can make them perfect for yourself" kind of patterning. It's nice to have both. Well done.

Wow! After purchasing about five other sock-knitting how-to books, HERE'S the one I should have bought at the very first!

Not only does Ms. Budd cover the rudiments of sock making and shaping, etc, she covers about every GAUGE imaginable. Do you want to make socks out of a bulky Boucle yarn? No problem! She has the gauge for that. Wanna try out socks with a basic worsted weight? She's got that here too! PLUS, she has all sorts of beautiful stitches to jazz up your socks. She even has the stitches divided up according to their repeats, so you can easily find a stitch pattern that will work with the amount of stitches you need for your gauge.

I haven't gotten through all the book yet. But what I've seen so far is...WOW! I've got another book on order from Ms. Budd. Can't wait!

In short: BUY THIS ONE. Yeah!

I tried several other sock knitting books (with terrible results and frustration!) before I stumbled upon this gem. This was the book that FINALLY made sock knitting make sense to me!

The book begins with an in-depth explanation of the anatomy of a sock as well as all the skills that you'll need to knit one. From there, it gives you several "recipes" to knit socks based on stitches-per-inch. In the back of the book, there are also some nice patterns. The book also gives you some different stitch patterns (different ribs, cables, etc) to mix in to your basic socks when you are ready to try something new.

I read the entire introduction to this book to begin with, and then I made a swatch from some yarn I had laying around. Based on the stitches per inch that I got, I went to the page of the book for the "X Stitches Per Inch" sock, and it walked me through my first top-down sock! It was as easy as pie. After many failed attempts with other books, I couldn't believe how easy this book made it.

Note that all the patterns in this book are knitted top-down. If you want to learn to knit toe-up socks, you'll want to look elsewhere.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get started in sock knitting. It's a great jumping off place. This book helps you truly understand the shapes and techniques of sock knitting -- and once you have a firm grasp on those, the sky is the limit!

I found this book to be very helpful. I had knitted socks previously but had forgotten all the steps. With Ann Budd's book, I am now on a roll with the sock knitting. The instructions are clearly written and the illustrations very helpful.

I got this bug to knit socks for the whole family and had never knit a pair of socks before. I bought several "how to" books before I started. This was the book that I ended up using over and over. It has great pictures and illustrations. I found all the instructions clearly explained and easy to follow. She explains how to make socks in detail before you get to the patterns so you have a clue what you are doing before you start. When you need to reference any part in the "how to" section it is easy to find in the clearly defined sections. When you get to the pattern section, I especially liked that she separated the patterns by gauge (ex: 8 stitches per inch, 7 stitches per inch, etc) so you can follow the one based on the gauge you knit in as well as being able to use it different types of yarn. I started knitting socks about a month ago and I am on my fifth pair. I highly recommend this book.

This book gives clear and concise directions/explainations for all tecniques needed to knit socks. I knit my first pair of socks very successfully with the basic pattern, and the book still has enough variety of patterns to keep me busy for a long time. I think even experienced sock knitters will find something new in this book.

My own knitting experience has, until this point, been limited to scarves, hats, shawls and (in 1976) a couple of sweaters - I've not had the nerve or the inclination to knit socks. With this book as a guide, however, I think I'm ready to make the plunge: Ann Budd gives detailed guidance on each step and provides instruction on how to make sure the sock you make fits its intended victim - I mean, recipient. Once you're comfortable with the basic sock, the book also contains a number of additional patterns to help you spread hand knit socks among all your friends and relations.

I am a complete visual learner, and with the widespread availabiltly of "how to" videos on the internet, who needs to waste money on a still-shot book, right?

WRONG!

I have never found a video or tutorial on the internet that is a thourough as this book. It completely explains each intimidating step of the construction of a sock. I only recently learned how to knit and sock are only my third project. I was able to make a pair of socks that not only fit me, but fit me well.

Another brilliant part of the book is that it has a basic sock pattern for every weight yarn. So if you are either scared to use superfine weight yarn (or simply cannot find it due to unavailability) there are patterns from sportweight to DK to bulky, making it really nice if you are stash-busting.

Once you are comfortable with a basic sock, the book advances to show you techniques that involve lacework and how to use varigated yarns to their optimum beauty. And because the book breaks down each individual part of a sock and variations on each part, you quickly find yourself picking and choosing from a variety of different options, making each pair of socks one-of-a-kind and your very own.

I highly recommend this book to any novice knitter who is dying to learn how to make socks. It will be money well spend and a reference that will have a home on your pattern shelf for years.