Betsy McCarthyKnit Socks!: 17 Classic Patterns for Cozy Feet

I have the original sock-shaped book and I love it. I thought it would be great to have it on my Kindle - Oops! Not so!!! The tables that I so enjoy using are impossible to read on the Kindle. The pattern instructions are divided by part of sock being knitted and each part has its own table, which, in my opinion, makes this PRINT book really easy to use. If you really like the socks on the cover because of the pattern and are disappointed that there is only the one pair made that way, you can use a book of patterns and find something that will fit into the charts for the flowered socks. Get some graph paper and draw the number of stitches and rows on it, then put in the pattern you've chosen from another source - colored pencils or crayons make your own chart easy to use. I use the Intarsia and Fair Isle sections of The Knitting Stitch Bible by Maria Parry-Jones to do this sort of thing on socks and doll clothes. The book also has the following sections: Knit & Purl, Rib, Cable, Bobble, Lace, Sequins & beads. With just a little experience you can utilize a book like this to make most any pattern an original by you. I would advise any beginner knitters reading this to refuse to be put off by naysayers. If you truly want to make a pair of socks for someone, even yourself, you will be able to do it. I can say this because I learned to knit when I was 16 by making a pair of Argyle socks for my steady boyfriend. If you're being told to make a dozen scarves or potholders first, just ignore that advice and make what you really and truly want to make. You can do it!!!

I have never made socks before and this book was recommended to me to learn how. I would have liked to have seen a lot more instruction on how to actually make the socks. The whole picking up the stitches at the gusset really had me stumped. I would have liked to see more pictures of the actual process.That said, if you know what you are doing, the patterns in here are very attractive with lots of options. I just wouldn't suggest that you learn to knit socks from this book.UPDATE: Well, I finally learned how to knit socks on 2 circular needles. And I even understand what the whole gusset thing is now!! Actually, all the instructions make more sense. I turned my first heel the other day. Now that I can do these things, I think this book is even better. The patterns are very nice--I am working on the cute sock with the rolled cuff. A nice book to have on the shelf.

I have been wanting to knit socks for awhile. When I saw this book, and the rave reviews it received, I thought I'd take a chance. So far, so good. I started with the first, and easiest, pattern and I've been pleased with the outcome.I gave it four rather than five stars because I haven't knitted almost all of the patterns, so I don't know how easy they are to do for the beginner sock knitter. But, judging from the clear and easy-to-follow first pattern, the same detail carries through for the rest of the patterns, so I'm hoping they're do-able too.What's good is that the sock patterns utilize different yarn weights, so not all the socks need to be knit in finger or sport weight yarns. In fact, some of the patterns provide instructions for two weights, so that expands a knitter's options.Overall, this is a good beginner's book to sock knitting. I am encouraged to continue to knit socks.

For the person who complained about the discrepancy between the charts on her Kindle and on the page: you can read Kindle editions online on your computer at read.amazon.com and probably have a better image of the charts than on your Kindle.

If you have never knitted socks before, this knitting-bag-sized book (6"x 9") will tell you everything you need to know about knitting classic cuff-down socks. Instructions are included for three popular sock-knitting methods: (1) using double-pointed needles, (2) using two circular needles, and (3) using one long circular needle and the "Magic Loop" approach.The book has 17 different sock patterns (some with extra variations), most of which call for slip-stitch heel flaps and simple stitch combinations. Nearly all of the patterns appeared previously in McCarthy's sock-shaped book,  Knit Socks! . The patterns are presented in tables, and every step for each sock part (cuff, leg, heel flap, heel turn, gusset, foot, toe) is written out in detail. A great feature is that the tables give the stitch counts whenever the counts change (because of increasing or decreasing), including row-by-row counts when turning the heel. This step-by-step approach results at times in rather wordy instructions.All of the patterns can be knitted by a novice sock knitter. "Winter Garden", the flowered cover design, is a more advanced, charted design that introduces the Fair Isle (stranded color knitting) technique. "Yoga Moves" includes an alphabet chart that can be used to personalize gift socks or add any short message around sock legs. "Off the Cuff" has an interesting fold-down cuff that uses the natural roll of stockinette stitch for an unusual cuff treatment. "Lacy Days" incorporates simple lace patterns; "Diamonds and Cables" and "Best Foot Forward" offer attractive cabled socks; and "You've Got Rhythm" presents three versions of textured-pattern socks.There are patterns for many different weights of yarn, and at least one pattern ("Fireside Stripes") that is designed to show off handpainted yarn. Also included is a pattern with a stockinette heel ("Straight-Laced") and one with an "eye of peacock" heel ("Fireside Stripes").If the competition among sock-knitting books weren't so fierce right now, this would be a 4- or 5-star book. However, because the patterns are so simple, the book is primarily of interest to new sock knitters. Therefore, the book rates only an "average" 3 stars.

Not as many different patterns as "Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch.

I recommend this book. I have been knitting for decades but hadn’t mustered up the energy to try sock knitting. This book breaks things down and makes sock knitting feasible for any one competent at basic knitting.

After reading the reviews and researching sock knitting books, I decided that this was the best one to go for, and I was not disappointed! Clearly written, it gives good explanations in the instructions, so that as a first time sock-knitter, I felt really well supported and informed. First time I have ever used circular knitting needles - which takes a bit of getting used to. A really lovely book and I would recommend it!

Enjoying having my imagination improved. Have got a bit boring over the years. Nothing like home knitted socks for warmth and it doesn’t matter how many crazy colours you use to do it. 🤪

Bought this book for my daughter for Christmas it’s an expansive book on technique however it’s a bit wordy in the description

Very attractive book, with detailed instructions. Particularly good as it includes the use of at least two different weights of non specific yarn brands. Difficult to judge whether the patterns are suitable for beginners but definitely be welcomed by an enthusiastic knitter.