Customer Reviews

Knit Socks!

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The instructions in this book are clear, accurate, and easy enough for a beginner to follow successfully. Well worth the money for anyone interested in learning to knit socks.

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!

I'd never attempted a pair of socks until I got this book. I started with the basic stockinette sock (the first pattern). The layout of the instuctions makes them easy to follow as you're knitting. I was concerned using 5 needles but after about 5 rows I got the hang of it. Interspersed throughout the book are tips useful for any of the patterns. Be sure to glance through the entire book before you begin so you catch all the tips. McCarthy makes knitting socks fun!

The info to price ratio in this book is just awesome. I've had a couple of false starts making socks in the past, but have never finished, and this book has inspired me to finish. Right from the start I learned a better way to join the stitches into a round, which has given me enoucragement. There's a nice variety of patterns to keep me busy for a while (lots of colorwork and some textured patterns), and the layout of the book isn't bland and dry like the one sock booklet I've bought in the past. There are patterns that use worsted weight and heavier yarns, a godsend for me because good sport and sock weight yarn is expensive and hard to come by around my local area. No toe up patterns or anything overly technical, but there are other books for that. This is a fun little book that I'll be returning to many times after i finish my first pair.

Knit Socks contains 15 different patterns, with step by step directions in a clear, easy to follow format. I've found that the majority of sock patterns are written for small needles and fine fingering weight yarns. What I like best about this volume is that most of the patterns are written for sport, DK, or worsted weight yarns, and therefore, the projects knit up faster. Author McCarthy also provides suggestions for adapting the patterns to produce designs of one's own. This has been a fun addition to my knitting library.