Knit Socks! [Hardcover]

Betsy McCarthy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2004 | Series: Knit

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

From the Back Cover

Practical and Pretty, Cozy and Colorful
With the friendly instruction of knitting teacher Betsy Lee McCarthy, you can produce a pair of beautiful socks on your first try. Covering everything from choosing yarns to adapting patterns to any type of needle, Knit Socks! gives stitchers the confidence to get started and the skills to tackle more challenging projects. Wear them yourself or give them as gifts; handmade socks never go out of style.

"Knit Socks! shows how to produce a pair of lovely socks - even if it's your first try at a knitting project."  -- The Needlecraft Shelf, Library Bookwatch

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: 7 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #587,712 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 88 people found the following review helpful

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

By Alianne

Format: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

Format: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.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

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

By Nancy D

Format: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.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Even I can knit socks now! August 20, 2005

By Xtena

Format:Hardcover

I have always considered myself an excellent crocheter, and a mediocre knitter. For years I told myself I would NEVER be able to knit socks because I thought I was too uncoordinated to ever get the knack of double pointed needles.

I tried the magic loop method of knitting in the round on one circular needle but I couldn't find a big enough or smooth enough needle to master the technique. Finally I broke down and bought this book, a pair of number three double pointed needles, and some sock yarn. The instructions are extremely clear and detailed and the illustrations are excellent. After a few aborted attempts I finally got the knack of handling the double points and am working on my fifth pair of socks from this book.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, with reservations December 12, 2005

By Wendy Larkin

Format:Hardcover

As are all the books in this series, Knit Socks! is loaded with lovely pictures, long, clear instructions, and a broad range of advice and explanations. It assumes some basic or even intermediate knowledge of knitting.

The instructions on turning heels are unusually precise, and well written. I believe even a beginner would have a fairly easy time, if they review and practice a bit. The designs are straightforward and practical. Earlier reviewers have already noted in greater detail the book's strengths.

So, my problem with this book? Its SHAPE! Storey books had a great idea with this series and I have nearly all the books, regularly use and enjoy them. Most of them, however, retain a basically even, rectangular or square shape. This one is bottom heavy and awkward, making it hard to flip through the pages or prop open. Also I have noticed that the bottom edge is already beginning to show distress and signs of ripping out. The heavy weight at the bottom of the book seems to cause it to open too wide and the pages carry more stress than at the top; some of my pages are already separating from the seam.

I've owned books 35+ years that still look new. This one is less than two months old and is beginning to look like a well-used library copy!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Knitting your first pair of socks July 21, 2007

By Linda Bulger VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Like many knitters, I can successfully follow well-written directions. I had even knit socks, but only by slavishly following a pattern; I didn't KNOW HOW to knit socks.

This little book deconstructs the process and can give you the skills you need to really know what you are doing. The patterns are varied and interesting, using five-needle directions which makes the process clearer for the beginning sock knitter.

While I do recommend the book, there are a few provisos:

* The beginner will need to do a bit of leafing back and forth. For example, picking up gusset stitches and kitchenering are covered very well, but not, of course, with the individual patterns. One good primer sock pattern with these techniques incorporated as you need them would make a smoother flow -- and then you'd KNOW HOW to knit a sock.

* Once you KNOW HOW to knit socks, the patterns are written with more detail than you need and you'll probably need to condense them for convenience.

* There are several patterns from worsted or doubled sock yarn. In my experience, at least in my climate, these thicker socks are of limited appeal. People want fingering-weight socks to wear inside regular shoes.

All that said, this is a handy, sturdy book that can launch a happy career of sock knitting. It worked for me!