Knit Socks! [Hardcover]

Betsy McCarthy (Author)

Book Description

Series: Knit | Publication Date: September 15, 2004

Anyone who's ever picked up a set of needles thinks about knitting a pair of socks.

Continuing Storey's popular die-cut Knit! series, Knit Socks! offers 15 one-of-a-kind patterns that keep feet toasty warm while making a cool fashion statement. Betsy McCarthy--a nationally renowned knitting teacher and designer of simple, innovative knitwear patterns--recommends which types of yarn to use (wool and wool blends hold the sock's shape best), and discusses the types of needles suitable for knitters of varying levels of skill (wooden or bamboo for beginners who knit more slowly, metal for speedy, experienced knitters). And McCarthy's tips on working "in the round" using five needles will benefit even people who have knitted for years.

The friendly, step-by-step instructions and color-coded charts make Knit Socks! perfect for knitters of all skill levels.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Betsy McCarthy teaches knitting workshops for beginning and experienced knitters. She is famous for her simple, innovative knitwear patterns and for her teaching method, which gives students the technical expertise and confidence to create their own knitwear designs. Her sock and hat patterns have been published by Fiber Trends. McCarthy lives in Washington.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (September 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580175376
• ISBN-13: 978-1580175371
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #422,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for a sock newbie, November 17, 2004

By 

Alianne (Manassas, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knit Socks! (Hardcover)

This books assumes you have a basic knowledge of knitting and very little knowledge of knitting socks. That's what I wanted in a first sock book. There are explanations of each sock part, how to use double-pointed needles, and various other tidbits that might be useful to a first-time sock knitter. The instructions are set up step by step and are easy to follow.

The only problem I had with my first pair of socks was the short row heel, but I re-read the author's section entitled "You Can Do It!" and realized her explanation of short rowing did make sense. You really do follow the pattern and it comes out looking like a heel.

The patterns are lovely and fairly simple. There are patterns that would be a pleasant challenge to a sock newbie. If you're looking for more difficult patterns, this probably isn't the book for you. But, if you are new to knitting socks, this is a wonderful book.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for learning to knit socks, October 12, 2004

By 

fyerfaery (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knit Socks! (Hardcover)

I've been knitting for a while now, but I have been afraid to venture into the world of sock knitting. However, after seeing someone knitting a pair of sock, I couldn't think of anything else. I knew I needed to knit a pair of socks.

I went to a local yarn store and poured through every book they had on sock knitting. I finally ended up going with this one. The book has great illustrations for getting started on double pointed needles, and sock patterns that give instructions for multiple sizes and yarn gauges. The sock patterns range from beginner to intermediate, and all the patterns are socks that I would actually wear (though maybe not in the colors they are presented in). Also, the book is a convenient size for carrying around with your knitting.

The only drawback of the book for me was that they don't have any patterns for knee-high socks. But you can't have everything.

Since I have gotten the book I have been able to start my own pair of socks (well, the first one at least). I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to knit socks.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Help for beginning sock knitter, March 3, 2006

By 

Nancy D (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knit Socks! (Hardcover)

I am a beginning sock knitter and this book was recommended by my knitting teacher. The directions in the book are very easy to follow. I couldn't make sense of how it would work, but my teacher said "just follow the directions explicitly", so I did and lo and behold, I had a sock! The book is very good at telling you how many stitches you will have left on your needles after you work a certain pattern, so you can easily spot a mistake. There are also helpful explations of certain techniques. My only criticism would be that the socks, as patterned, are quite large (the book tells you this), so if you have tiny feet you may have to change the gauge. This isn't just a beginner's book though; there are some very beautiful and intricate patterns in it.