Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series) (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Essential for all knitting collections."  —Library Journal

"I strongly recommend this book for anybody who wants to become a sock knitter."  —Knitter's Review

"The best beginning sock book that has been published so far. That is all. Go buy it."  —Knitty.com

"No detail is ignored and Ann anticipates questions as if she is sitting next to you. This is a finger twitching book—it makes me want to drop everything and knit something from it right now."  —KnitPicks Podcast

"One of the best sock knitting books to come out in a long time."  —Knitting News Cast

"Photography is sharp with a tight focus providing an excellent reference for those needing a visual guide through every step."  —Monsters and Critics.com

"With this book from Interweave Press, you'll be knitting gorgeous socks in no time."  —Let's Knit (UK)

Product Description

From cast-on stitches to binding off, this handbook details the simple steps needed to turn seemingly complicated sock knitting projects into easy and enjoyable activities. Helpful photographs and instructional drawings ensure that even inexperienced knitters will be able to produce high-quality socks and handle more complicated techniques, such as the Kitchener stitch at the toe. Using instructions for five different sizes—from child through adult large—at five different gauges, knitters can produce styles ranging from delicate dress socks to thick and furry slipper socks. More adventurous knitters can add variety and flair by following one of 16 unique designs or trying one of the dozens of rib, cable, and lace patterns provided. With plenty of tips and a handy stitch dictionary, this guide unleashes the creativity and fun of sock knitting.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680296
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680296
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,246 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

101 of 101 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book that WILL teach you sock knitting -- no, really!, October 22, 2007

By	Ramoth (Wisconsin, United States) - See all my reviews

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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.

76 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for beginners, August 12, 2007

By	KKM "Stay at home mom" (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews

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.

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great for beginners too, September 10, 2007

By	J. Horsman "gpr girl" (Colorado) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.