Getting Started Knitting Socks , 1 pc

by Ann Budd

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.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, How To

136 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Tonileg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best BEGNINNER sock knitting book that I've found. I recommend to anyone to borrow or buy because it is really clear with images as well as a break down of all the different techniques of heel, cuff and toe patterns.
This is not for the experienced knitter because the patterns are fairly boring, I liked Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn and Op-Art Socks: Creative Effects in Sock Knitting or Around the World in Knitted Socks: 26 Inspired Designs. Those three books give a great resource of different gauges and patterns.
Back to this Getting Started Knitting Socks, this is only Double sided needles technics with lots of clear drawings as well as photos that will hold your had through the difficult 'in the round' and 'turning the heel' which are the tough parts of starting to make socks. The best part is the easy explication of the patterns split up by gauge, ex. page 52 pattern for the gauge: 8 stitches per inch, then page 54 pattern for the gauge: 7 stitches per inch. I may buy this book because it does the math for the beginner knitter to adapt the yarn they have to the pattern so I can lend it to my friends that need that kind of help.
136 pages and borrowed from the library
4 stars

[Athena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book for anyone new to sock knitting: it has a few basic patterns and thoroughly walks knitters through all the twiddly bits of sock construction with well-written text and outstanding photos for each step. This book is a must-have for novice sock knitters and/or those knitters looking to add to their personal reference library. A beginning knitter can successfully knit a pair of well-made socks using the patterns & information in this book.

The book contains detail on the pros and cons of different needles: 4-needle, 5-needle, short circular, two circulars, and long circular (the last has an excellent explanation of the 'Magic Loop' technique which now finally makes sense to me). Budd shows how to measure feet for a good fit, and has a reference grid on yardages for different yarn sizes with gauge and by foot size.

There are basic patterns you can use for a pair of first socks with details for modifying these patterns as you become comfortable doing so. One pattern is basic but terrifically interesting: a multi-yarn striped sock pattern that uses the beginning of the Fibonacci number sequence (1,2,3,5 & repeat, using 3 colors of yarn: 1 row A, 2 rows B, 3 rows C, 5 rows A, 1 row B & so on) - this makes a gorgeous stripe pattern and could be a good way to use up leftover yarns.

For modifying the patterns there are excellent reference chapters featuring ribbings (including a spiral rib), cable patterns & a couple of intriguing faux-cables, lace patterns, along with cuff variations so you can move on in your sock knitting to create socks uniquely your own.

The book is sturdily bound and fits easily into a moderately-sized knitting bag. Published in 2007, it has earned it's place as a classic knitting reference work.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I've been wanting to learn to knit socks for a long time, but everything I read made it seem so difficult. Budd has put together a gem here, with clear instructions accompanied by generously-sized images. The first chapters cover selecting your yarn and needles and demonstrate all of the techniques necessary to make a simple sock. The remaining sections provide basic patterns, starting with a simple crew sock and progressing to more complex socks using cables and lace designs. The book is definitely geared towards sock beginners, and experienced sock knitters looking for complex designs and patterns will find the book lacking in that regard, but I would recommend this book in a heartbeat for every library knitting collection and any one looking for a first or second sock book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to learn to knit socks, this is the book. I've read a few others and this was the only one that was completely straightforward. Bring your DPNs, yarn of your choice and a ruler. Budd will get you measured, cast-on and on your way quickly. She has several different basic patterns for you to try.

What I don't like about this book is that she doesn't offer too much instructions on using two circular needles or magic loop. And maybe that was intentional, to make it easier on a new knitter. If you're not new to socks, don't bother with this one. Each sock is the same, top down construction.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great small book for new sock knitters or for people like me who just want it as a reference. I wish I'd had this when I started knitting socks because it really spells out what supplies you need, how to choose the yarn you'll use, and walks you through tons of the variations in techniques used in each part of the sock. There are also several patterns to try out. It's seriously a great resource for sock knitters.

[Cynthia Parkhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books on library science aren't the only essential occupants of my keep-on-hand reference shelf. Another title I turn to consistently is Ann Budd's "Getting Started Knitting Socks" -- especially when I'm ready to break out the double-pointed needles and cast a new project on. From start to finish, Budd's easy-to-follow explanations are with me every step along the way to creating beautiful and wearable socks.

[Denise Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm at just the right level in my knitting for this beautiful little instruction book on making socks. It takes what seemed to be a mysterious process that requires strict pattern following and makes it obvious and straightforward. I can't wait to try some stripes or texture in my next pair of socks!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reference book, but not quite as versatile as I was hoping. It dismisses toe-up socks with a parenthetical and (I believe) outdated comment that toe-up construction is only common in Eastern countries. It also doesn't have the variety of heel options that I thought it might. This book WILL get you started knitting socks as long as you want to knit cuff down with a heel flap and gusset. It is an excellent source of detailed information about knitting socks in various gauges with various weights of yarn. It also contains very good photos and descriptions of different stitch patterns that work well in socks and which could be adapted, once you have some sock-knitting experience, into toe-up socks and/or socks with different types of heels. I'll certainly keep the book on my fiber arts shelf for the gauge and stitch pattern parts, but this isn't the encompassing book of sock options I was looking for.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought since I started reviewing books I would reviews the books I cannot live without. This book is one of those. Though I can knit all sorts of styles of socks I always refer to this book for anything sock related. I bought this book from a yarn store for the price on the back because I was desperate to learn how to knit socks. It was well worth the price and i will pay full price for ANY of Ann Budds books in the future.

Ann Budd explains the construction of socks very well. She tells you what materials you need as well. How she explains the anatomy of a sock just clicked with me when others couldn't.

This is my 'Sock Bible'. I really don't think I could live without this book and continue to knit socks.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book to buy if you are interested in knitting socks. Everything you need to know is in this book. I have been knitting for many years and have been attempting to knit socks for at least 16 yrs. I learned something new with each pair completed , but I could never discover that pattern that gave me the perfect fit I was longing for in gifts and for myself. Ann Budd gives you a helpful formula and the walks you through step by step to knit that perfect basic pair, then branches out with patterns and different weight yarn, stripping, etc. This will be a go to book for many years!

[HadiDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I set myself a goal of learning to knit socks this winter with, to date, limited success. I've found sock instructions (in other books and on web sites) confusing and complicated. This book starts from basics and I especially like the section where she explains the logic of the sock pattern. She has separate instructions for different gauges/weights of yarn which is very useful for a beginner. I borrowed this from the library and subsequently bought my own copy.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect for my needs. I've always wanted to knit socks, but it looked so fiddly that I couldn't be bothered to try. Now I'm afraid I've developed a serious fetish! Ann Budd's book explained everything and provided excellent basic patterns. I'm onto my third pair from it and I'm feeling confident to branch out and maybe try toe-up socks next!

[Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good for getting the "basic" recipe for a sock. However, most of the patterns are written for using a 4 needle set of dpns. While adjusting patterns using dpns for use with 2 circular or magic loop isn't too difficult, a beginning sock knitter may not feel comfortable doing so.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started off really liking this book and the simple instructions it gave.
Then, when it came to the gussets, it did not give me any indication of how many stitches to knit if I was working with a different needle or yarn size other than the type used for demonstration in the book (which you can't if you want to wear your socks with shoes), so good luck trying to calculate that.
To top it all off, when I read the instructions to use the knit stitch instead of the purl stitch (because surely I can trust the book on this... right?), I got about 10 pain-staking rows into it before seeing how disjointed and ugly the mismatched stitch types looked.
If you think I'm bitter that I have to carefully undo all that work because I was foolish enough to think that this instruction book knew what it was talking about, you're right.

[Alix · Rating 1 out of 5]

A disappointment to be sure. It does have some merits.
Pros: Excellent information about yarn, guage, and tools / notions.
Patterns are fairly easy to follow
There is a nice variety of projects in different yarn weights.

Cons: Teeny tiny postage stamp size "how to" step drawings that leave a lot to be desired are most frustrating and not conducive to learning at all.
Full-color photos, although nice, are of the finished step, not the step as it is worked. They serve as a "tah-dah yours should look like this", not terribly helpful.
Charts suffer this same tiny print problem, magnifiers are required making reading them very difficult.

Overall this isn't a bad book, it's just not particularly helpful. Others may find it more suitable.

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favourite knitting book to date simply due to the layout which came across a little convoluted for my preference. Definitely not geared for novices. I think the author's error was trying to give too much information from the very beginning instead of spreading it out more. I've heard good things about Ann Budd, so I may try another of her books in the future when I'm no longer such a neophyte.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 2 out of 5]

The strength of Getting Started Knitting Socks is in its variety of stitch patterns and technique tips for making socks. All of the patterns, however, are for gusset flap construction. I don't find this look appealing, and picking up stitches is my very least favorite technique in all of knitting, so I will stick to short row heel patterns and refer to Getting Started Knitting Socks for tips on fit, preventing holes, and the like.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FANTASTIC book. I always recommend this book to those who want to learn how to knit cuff-down socks. Such a great resource - so many sizes/gauge to choose from, learn the basics of socks and the different ways to cast on, different types of heel flaps and how to pick up stitches, and the book takes you through every section of sock knitting. I think every knitter needs a copy of this book!!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very intimidated with knitting socks until I found and purchased this excellent kindle book! This is my go to book for knitting wonderful wool socks! I have made about a dozen so far... It has clear easy to follow instructions. Once you make socks, you won't want to wear anything else. I really recommend this book!!!!

[Dawn Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

For people wanting to learn the basics of sock knitting this book is perfect. It has different construction styles with easy to understand instructions. A terrific reference book, I refer to it time and time again.

[Beata Dobrogoszcz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant guide

I think it is a brilliant guide both for inexperienced and experienced knitters. I used to knitted socks many years ago and found this book very useful to remind me the basics.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

really, the best book if you want to get started knitting socks. I just returned to re-read it as I am knitting socks for someone else for he first time. there are other patterns that i like now, but this was the first one, and best.

[Anne Whoriskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear,comprehensive excellent knitting book.

As a knitting manual it is a clear,comprehensive excellent knitting book. The authors style and tone makes it a good reading book also"

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took the mystery out of sock construction for me with its clear instructions and accompanying photos. If my brain process glitched when trying to understand the instructions then online videos helped but there is nothing like having an actual book in front of me for instant referral. Thanks Ann!

[Angie]

As with other Ann Budd knitting books, this one provides basic patterns and techniques as well as ideas for designing your own project. Directions are all top down using DPNs.

[Susan Eubank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very basic, but that's my level now. Probably should work on these socks, but want to do the fancier ones in other books. Dang. Probably should buy.

[Jane Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a brilliant book for all sock knitters - really easy to follow

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing that I like best about this book is that it has patterns matched according to your stitch gauge: basic patterns for 4, 5,6, 7, and 8 stitches per inch.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the clear directions but did she write a book about knitting toe-up socks?

[Christina Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book for sock knitters. This was my first book to learn from.