Socks Books

I've just started knitting socks and recommend this to other beginners. She's included instructions and charts for different sizes and different yarns. The hard back is durable for frequent referral.

Ann Budd is simply a genius. Getting Started Knitting Socks is very well written -- great pictures and good descriptions. I was most impressed that the directions were clear enough that I knit my first sock with no outside help or instruction and that it came out beautifully. I highly recommend this book.

This is a great little book that has wonderful diagrams and pictures that will teach you how to learn to knit socks. I found this to be thorough and easy to understand and helped me conquer my fear of knitting socks. Would recommend this one in a heart beat. It was the first book on knitting socks I purchased and I think this is a good one for a beginner. It has been a very useful reference book and I find myself going back to it time and again.
I'd recommend this one in a heartbeat.

I bought this book based on its great reviews. I am finding it very difficult to follow. The authors keep referring to Needle 1, Needle 2, and Needle 3 and then say see Figure 1, 2 etc. ---- well, none of the Figures have any labeling on them as to which needle is which. I don't know what the other sock books are like, but I don't recommend this one.

This book is meant for DPNs and not for circular needles. So if you want to learn to use DPNs to knit a sock this is a really nice book! I actually really like the photos and instructions and tips given in the book. They are detailed and for a self-taught beginner knitter like me learning to use DPNs, very nice.

The only issue which I felt was important, which was not really addressed in the book was using the circular needle method to knit socks. With the growing use of circular needs to knit fast and quick in tubes (as well as to get the weight off the knitter's wrists!) I think it's important to show knitters the basics of how to knit at least 1 sock (if not 2 socks) with at least 1 circular needle.
There is only a tiny section (a third of a page) that tells you about the basic idea of using 1 circular needle to knit socks. The rest of the book focuses only on using DPNs. Patterns are also all for DPNS.
That's ok, if a knitter just wants to learn to knit with DPNs. Also, for beginner knitters like me who want to also have a look at how to knit with 1 circular needle, it's almost impossible to "convert" the knitting patterns by myself to work on circulars, without a lot of trials.

I know that DPNs are sometimes so called the "original method." However, i think in this time and age, when one can knit using 1 needle and can knit not just 1 but 2 socks at one time, why only learn to use 4 needles to knit 1 sock?

I understand that there are some knitters who prefer using DPNs and that's ok, but it would also be good to include proper instructions and patterns for the use of circular needles to knit socks. After all, DPNs and Circular needles are the 2 main methods used to knit socks.

I am an experienced knitter and have no problems with highly esoteric patterns. Also, I loved previous Cat Bordhi's books ... though they also would have benefited from thorough editing and proofreading. This book, however, is inexplicably user unfriendly with its 'go to page 51, go to page 121 if ... or to 124 if ...' and so on. Also, as one of earlier reviewers noted, there is a lot - A LOT! - renaming, including insisting on markers A, B, C, etc. for - it seems to me - only one purpose: to market her own letter markers. I was very, very disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone.

I am not a knitter, however, I love to give this book away hoping that a pair of these fab-o socks walk up to my door!

bought this for a much lower price on another knitting related website - y'all know which one I mean. Love the designs. However, it's not for the novice sock knitter. get your head around sock construction and knitting on two circs before jumping into this. it will help a lot and you'll be richly rewarded with some brain exercise -- and warm tootsies to boot!

I was so psyched when I received this book and couldn't wait to start. How many socks have I knit from the book for myself, Zero. I have started 2 and have put one on hold because it was taking forever! Plus all the socks have to be tried on as you go. You can't just knit and go. The Coriolis Spiraling sock pattern looks nothing like what you are knitting. I do not think the pattern in the book is the real sock pattern. I've been knitting for over 20 years and still couldn't get my sock to look anything like Cat's. If you want a book where you have to flip through it to figure out the next step this book is for you.

I had knit several typical sock patterns with success, and I loved the finished product, but the sock bug had not hit me. I found typical patterns to be kind of boring and I also had a little bit of trouble with consistency in the sizing.

Cat's patterns are wonderful and extremely well written. I love her new increases (though the mother/grandmother stitch hint did nothing for me) and the master patterns and numbers are excellent. I will use this book forever and probably never get tired of it.

I used to think socks were boring and took a long time. Now with Cat's patterns, I realize how captivating and quick socks can be!

I looked at this and the "Favorite Socks" books. I decided that I wanted (needed) both books. The SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS book has a wide range of patterns. In the front there is a step by step section on the how-to of sock knitting. From the simple to the adventurous level, there are plenty to choose from.

I really liked that there was a whimsical section. Here are the socks that you won't find everywhere. From the "Sunrise Socks" to "Little Piggy Toes" you will find something for you.

There are plenty of patterns that work up easily but are definitely one of a kind. It makes sock knitting fun to learn. You will want to make everyone from the kids to the kid at heart several pairs from this book.

This is a great book for the sock knitter. I would recommend this to anyone. Happy Knitting!

What a fabulous collection of socks! I will definitely be turning to these patterns for years to come. I don't know that I'd recommend this for someone just starting out ... but if you've made a few socks and want some fun variations, I recommend this book!

This is a totally unusable book. I've been knitting for over 50 years so I'm not inexperienced, but of the two patterns I've tried in this book, neither worked. It has some fun projects to look at, but nothing to recommend the directions for making the two I've tried. Socks Socks Socks: 70 Winning Patterns From Knitter's Magazine Sock Contest

Lots of lovely socks! If you want to learn how to knit socks, try Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series). If you want to design your own, go with Charlene Schurch's books Sensational Knitted Socks or More Sensational Knitted Socks. But if you want to knit some really cool socks, buy this.
I especially liked the fact that these patterns give the type of yarn needed (i.e., sock weight or DK weight) so it's easy to make them your own by choosing the yarns you want to knit with, rather than finding a beautiful sock but realizing that it is beautiful because of the specific yarn used, not because of the pattern.
The book is divided into seven chapters, for Simple, Kids, Lace, Color, Texture, Whimsical, and Icelandic socks. There are some that I don't think I'll ever knit, but seeing how someone else did them is a source of inspiration for me.

I haven't knit many socks, but I love this book.
Instructions are for double pointed needles. Easy read instructions. I did fine switching the instructions to circular needles instead. The books is set up with easy socks in the front and most difficult in the back. So they reach many different areas in experience of sock knitters. They also have all different people for the sock patterns, meaning for baby, children, man, woman; not just one type.

I learned how to knit socks with this book. The instructions were exceedingly easy to follow. That is why I gave the book the second star. HOWEVER, there are so many errors in this book, it should be republished, or at the very least, there should be errata published somewhere. A reviewer who gave the book 1 star pointed out that in the basic instructions, the book says "sock 1" instead of "sock 2" I also ripped my work out, thinking I had done something wrong. Once I realized the error, it was very easy. The pictures are clear. But it is a very real error and ought to be corrected. In almost every pattern, there are errors. Errors such as telling you to knit 15 across and then saying that you have 12 stitches remaining. Errors on almost every single heel turn.
Also, I actually have since switched to DPN's (double pointed needles) because I prefer that. I do not like the moving of all of the stitches across the needle wires every two minutes, I can't get into a knitting groove like that. If you want to knit two at a time and not have to keep scooching the stitches, use DPN's and just get a second set. That is actually cheaper than buying two circular needles.

This just isn't the sock book for me. I think I will remain a one at a time sock knitter. HOWEVER, the illustrations on how to do the grafting/Kitchner stitch were well worth its purchase, and the sock patterns can be done one at a time. I really like the variety of the
socks that are presented, and the stitch patters. But I do think it
will take just about as long to knit my socks one at a time, as it will
to keep track of the extra long needles.

But this is just me.

Happliy knitting my socks the traditional way.

This book is a great way to start knitting socks on two circular needles. I had never knitted socks before & though I'd knit other things on dpns I wanted to knit my first pair of socks two at a time. The book was great. Answered most of my questions & I knit my first pair with the book alone & no guidance from the local knitting shop (which is also fun, but if you're going to write a book it might as well be thorough enough in and of itself without having to go ask for help.) Her explanations are very detailed & clear. What I love about this book is that she gives measurements for every sock size, man, woman & child, so to convert any pattern for whoever you'd like to knit it for. She also tells you how to convert any pattern for dpns to the two at a time cirular needles method. I only gave it 4 stars because the variety in pattern has more to do with yarn varience than pattern, though enough to get you started & give you ideas. She does have one cabled pattern, and a few lace variations. And though she was exceptionally clear in her directions there was an instance where she assumed you would already know the technique & didn't describe how to do it anywhere in the book. Actually this only happened once for me when it came time to pick up stitches. I had never learned this correctly & when the pattern said to pick up 11 stitches, I had no idea how to do it & couldn't find a description anywhere in the book. Luckily I had also bought Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks book at the same time to refer to, which included the directions for the various ways to accomplish picking up stitches. Her descriptions for other techniques, like the proper way to ssk, etc, were far superior to other books/magazines that I've read & I actually corrected a few of my stitches, which I had previously been doing wrong. Overall, I would highly recommend this book.

Simply put:
It's clear, got fabulous instructions, and wonderful pictures to guide a beginner to knitting socks... and 2 at a time!

I just knit my first pair of socks - ever! I had never even attempted to make socks before and just dove right in using this book for a guide. The pictures were great and the instructions were very helpful - the author includes boxes with tips throughout the instructions - it seemed she was always addressing the very question I had in mind at that very moment.

This was a great way to learn to knit socks - working on two at a time let me use stitches and concepts that were brand new to me 2x in a row (which I like to think really reinforced it for me!) and gave me instant satisfaction - when I was done I popped them on my feet without having to start all over to make a second one!

I got this book for a gift, and since I go to a Friday Night Knitting Club, I bought this book for a gal for her birthday!! One of the other ladies is having a birthday in February, so I need to order another book for her!! Everyone just loved it and we all just learned to make socks!! Now we have a gallery of different patterns. It's a great book and beautiful pictures. Check it out!!!

I love all the international designs in this book. There are many different levels of knitting in this book. It will give you plenty of inspiration to knit. There are also made different designs from the more plain with sock yarn to the lacy with fine yarn. I will be making quite a few of these socks.

I have only begun knitting less than a year ago, but I'm quick to learn and use wherever on the internet and books I can to learn more. I was struck with awe at some of these sock patterns, and I have knitted one pair. A truly comfortable and cute pair! I've even adapted the double padded socks for a heal guard sock for some new shoes that caused me some serious blisters!

The designers were smart too; They incorporated a spiral into the hardcover! How brilliant!
I do indeed recommend this lovely collection. I can't wait to keep knitting them!

I have only been knitting about a year or so. I gravitated towards socks because they were small and portable projects, my investment in money was relatively small as I could make something with one or maybe two skeins of yarn, and they just seemed fun to do. This was the first book of knitting patterns I bought. Since I was new to knitting, I had not seen the patterns in the Interweave magazine so they were all new to me. The designs are varied in style and ability level. Some were easy for beginners like me, but I could also see more difficult designs I wanted to try as I became more skilled in my knitting.

One of the best parts of the book is its desgin. The spiral binding ensures the book will stay neat and usable for a long time. I wish more publishers realized this and made the same accomodations for us.

Another good feature is at the back of the book where there are diagrams and explanations for abbreviations used in patterns, stitch patterns, how to kitchner the toes (the clearest directions I have found). All the things new knitters want at their finger tips.

I have used this book extensively over the last year, made at least 5 pairs of socks and have more in my que when I get ready to start them.

Overall, the book is well worth paying for and having in your personal library. After all, I often get books from the library in order to use just for one or two ideas, this book is worth spending money that I would normally use to get more yarn.

This is a great book but there are a lot of mistakes in this book. I had a friend give me the corrections on the patterns she found on the internet.So maybe you should look into this . There are some beautiful patterns.
Olga

This book is filled with great history tidbits about sock knitting, and is filled with instructions for many different heel and toe variations. and then there are the many, many photos of old socks that have been preserved over the years which demonstrate many of the techniques and patterns that Nancy describes. Finally, there are her interpretations of many of these patterns, with instructions on how to duplicate her efforts, beginning with a basic sock pattern.

While I have not knit any of the patterns precisely as printed in this book, I have used many of the ideas and designs in my own sock patterns...with great success. As a matter of fact, while I do own many sock pattern books, I rarely follow a pattern precisely. I know the sizes to knit for the various people I knit socks for, and only use these books for ideas and will often incorporate portions of patterns, or combinations of patterns.

I've read complaints about this book in that some of the patterns don't seem to fit well. For me, sock pattern books are much like cook books...one doesn't need to slavishly follow a recipe, but rather one uses it as a roadmap to achieve a particular result. Since socks are knit following simple math guidelines, once those are committed to memory, socks can be knit using whatever yarn or needles you fancy. Having a book such as this can help you turn a generic pair of socks into something very stylish, or even spectacular!

This book is a fun read, has lots of interesting ideas and techniques, and should be on the bookshelf of every sock knitter!

Great book. Full of useful information as well as interesting historical background information on socks. Lots of patterns, different patterns. Great reference book.

I've had this book for years. When I'm thinking about starting a sock this is the book I always choose. I love the classic sock pattern. The author gives basic instructions for child ladies and men. She gives you a variety of options for the heels and toes. I made the Lithuanian Amber Socks for my nephew. Once he outgrew them we passed them on to the next kid. They are now on the fourth child and still look great.

This is a good source book for socks and I'm looking forward to trying to convert some of the needle knitting patterns to a loom pattern and see what I can come up with. Then I might try some of them on needles. They look gorgeous, and very interesting. I have read through the descriptions and everything on each sock listed several times. It's a good source book for socks.

This is a wonderful book, full of tips, with patterns ranging from simple everyday socks to beautiful lace wedding stockings. The first few pages, illustrating differences between toe and heel design, are especially instructive. When I first bought this book, I had made only a few scarves and while I struggled a little, I was able to turn a heel without too much trauma. I love this book. It is beautiful and informative.

this book is simply delightful. beatifully photographed, with easy to understand written and illustrated directions. I love that the majority of the book is devoted to photographs, it is pleasing to look at and offers guidance and inspiration for the projects.

Received my book today, was disappointed that this book did not feature enough of other craft ideas. "Minimalist" type of book, if your into this sort of craft book. For that kind of price, I would expect more craft ideas, not many patterns listed in this book.

I owned several japanese craft books in japanese language, usually they show more craft ideas with patterns, than this particular book craft. Surprisingly, this book is written by a Japanese.

Would advise you not to buy this book, unless, your a die hard fan of this author. If you MUST buy this book, go buy a used book. Or, borrow it from the library.

It is a waste of money! I thought of returning the book back to Amazon, but it would take too much of a hassle, would keep the book, but wont use it.

I cannot wait to get the second book. I wish it was easier to find cute gloves that are cheap to cut up.

This book gives great step-by-step instruction on how to create adorable softies like the dog on the cover. I found the instructions very easy to follow. The book goes on to show pictures of softies that I found inspiring to be able to create my own ideas from the basic steps in this book. Very cute.

Okay, I'll admit, I get on craft kicks and I'm relentless while I'm plowing through, and then I lose my motivation/get distracted/get hungry and abandon projects. I just can't help myself, though, when I see a book like this on the bookstore shelf. My head starts spinning with the possibilities - not long after opening the book, I'm picturing my friends and relatives unwrapping my adorable creations as I bathe in mountains of earnings from Etsy. Then I snap back to reality and realize that I'm still standing in the bookstore drooling over the insane cuteness.

This book gives easy instructions for adorable creations that hypothetically could cost you nothing. Got a sock without its missing pair? Old winter stretchy gloves you know you'll never wear again? Get crackin' and make some sweet little animals out of them! If they come out horribly, toss them to your dog to gnaw on. He won't mind.

Sock and Glove, I'm so glad I bought you but I have yet to make one of you. Forgive me!

This book rules!!!! Well done, John Murphy!!! I never knew you can make into incredible and cute creations with just a pair or two of socks????!!!! Pure Genius!!!

So many creative ideas illustrated in this book, and clear instructions with diagrams showing you how to make them.

Can't wait to start making them!!!! I'm going to shop for socks tomorrow!!! hehehe

Lurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrve this book!!!!

This book got me really going on hand sewing, my mom had only taught me the blanket stitch may years ago. They are all great monsters with huge attitudes. John teaches you the basics in very simple terms. Some of the monsters are easier than others, but they are all worth the time and effort. His simplicity allows you to mix and match and use your imagination. They make great gifts for kids and adults, but maybe a bit difficult for kids under 13 to create.
I bought bigger socks and more stuffing quickly.....men's extra large cotton socks stretch very well and make giant monsters!

I've owned this book for a few years now. My son and I totally love creating our own monsterpieces. The directions are easy to follow. First the author gives you general directions (and helpful tips) then he follows it up with a step by step if you want to copy one of his creatures. The materials are inexpensive and the end result is fabulous. I highly recommend for those who like to get inspired, learn the technique, and then run with their own creativity.

Bought this book as a gift for my 30-something brother and he and his friends enjoyed hours of raucous laughter while using the book to create many of their stupid sock creatures. A good book to use as inspiration for an older child activity like in 4H or Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts as well. Brings out the inner artist, tactile creature, hidden silly in people.

The first time I saw a sock monkey, I thought it was one of the coolest things I had ever seen and immediately went out to buy a pair of socks in order to make one. The whole idea of making a toy that was that detailed, out of nothing more than a pair of socks, fascinated me. Once I had finished making my sock monkey, I was all ready to make some more sock toys. However, I'd already made a sock monkey and couldn't think of what I would do with a second one, which sort of put a stop to my sock creations.

"Stupid Sock Creatures" is a book written for people just like me; people who like the idea of making toys out of socks, but who can't think of what they would do with a second sock monkey. It contains instructions for creating 8 different sock creatures, as well as advice on the art of sock toy construction (which can be used to design your own toys) and a gallery of other sock creatures that can be used for inspiration.

Most of the creatures are very simple to make and would be appropriate as a child's first sewing project (that's not to say that they wouldn't also appeal to adults - I'm 27 and I think they're great). Basic sewing technique instructions are given and there are no paper patterns to deal with (most of the cuts are approximate and made by eye-balling the socks). Admittedly, the toys don't look as professional as the toys in some of the other craft books that I own (which is why I gave this book four stars, instead of five), but they have personality, and, to quote "Pulp Fiction", personality goes a long way.

I first received this book in first grade, and it is the first book I remember reading when I arrived to America at six years of age. It has stuck with me ten years later, and I still remember growing teary-eyed when reading about the young boy who dies in the snow.
Sadly, I lost the book during a move, and I thought I wouldn't be able to find it anywhere else, but Amazon is just good for everything. ;] So now I'll be able to reconnect with my childhood and hopefully let my younger brothers experience it with me.

George Washington's socks is a great book! In the story a boy named Matt go on an adventure with his frends and his little sister. They travel back in time to the Delawer River and go on an epic adventure full of tragedy, action, mystery and lots more! I highly recomend this book to any one who is a history fanatic or just wants to learn something and have fun at the same time.

HAPPY READINGS!!!

This was a great book with lots of heart and history. A perfect read aloud for families....

George Washington's socks is a great book! In the story a boy named Matt go on an adventure with his frends and his little sister. They travel back in time to the Delawer River and go on an epic adventure full of tragedy, action, mystery and lots more! I highly recomend this book to any one who is a history fanatic or just wants to learn something and have fun at the same time.

HAPPY READINGS!!!

Hi, I'm here to warn the public that this load of crap woodruff calls a book is the worst thing in the entire world. GOD!!! she just had to kill gustav, what's your freaking problem lady!!?? Sheesh, rowboats don't go back in time, you'd be a moron to read a piece of crud like that!!! And she killed Israel! she's not an author, she's a murderer, I tell you! She's starting to make Olaf and Voldemort like merrily skipping church ladies.
Phil Oldants

emily kocian says that she really love the book and that she likes the auters othetr books

Excellent book for your child's library. My son has read this over and over... Happy reading

The ever-prolific Beverly Cleary crafts another gem with this cat's-eye view story about life in Portland, circa 1972. Socks is an orange tabby cat who is adopted by a young couple moving into their first house, a house that Socks is determined to be the master of. Of course, a cat's self-image and the realities of the world around them don't always coincide, and Socks is subjected to many hardships and indignities -- being given away at a shopping mall, having to put up with visiting relatives who aren't "cat people," being put on a diet and -- most tragically -- being locked outdoors. At the heart of the book is Socks having to make peace with an intruder in his domestic heaven: the young couple have a baby, and their much-beloved kitty cat has to adjust to no longer being the center of attention. In typically bittersweet fashion, Cleary gives an unsentimental look inside the life of a housecat, and provides younger readers with a funny story about sibling rivalry. Cat lovers will moan when poor Socks gets put outdoors, but purr aloud when things work out okay in the end. (ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

My (animal lover) 6 yr old daughter and I listened to Socks on tape in the car. We absolutely LOVED it! Beverly Cleary does an excellent job at portraying the story through the eyes and actions of a loveable cat. It's our favorite story by Cleary.

This book has been loved by three generations in our family. We now have a cat named Socks in the family, and we are introducing it to him. :-)