Lynne Rowe - The Sock Knitting Bible: Everything you need to know about how to knit socks

LYNNE ROWE

If I could only knit one type of project for the rest of my knitting days, I would definitely choose socks. There are so many variations and so many techniques to discover and learn that I could happily sit with my sock yarn and needles and knit these amazing tubular structures for ever, creating something different every time.

I love the never-ending possibilities of all the combinations. There are long socks, short socks, ankle socks, plain socks, striped socks or patterned socks, and it doesnt matter how many pairs I knit as I know they will always come in handy and, as well as being practical, theres definitely something magical and mindful about knitting socks. You can patiently sit, working stitch by stitch, round by round and before you know it, youre in your calm zone feeling relaxed and peaceful and another sock is flying off the needles.

Im delighted to share all my skills and knowledge with you in the form of this reference bible, which Ive written with both new and experienced sock knitters in mind. Ive covered all aspects of sock knitting, from beginners basics, through to more advanced techniques, so that you can choose to keep it really simple or step it up and go for a more intricate combination of stitch patterns and techniques.

My handy guide to all the different sock yarns will help you choose the right yarns for your hand-knitted socks, and the illustrated guides on how to knit in the round will help you knit with any sort of knitting needles. Ive even included recipes for a two-needle sock and a sock with no heel, either of which could be a great way to start your sock knitting journey.

There are so many things to try and new skills to learn, which is really exciting and is sure to keep you on your toes.

Ive split the book into sections so that you can tackle things step-by-step and work at your own pace, without feeling overwhelmed.

• The first section covers all the different parts of a sock and how to measure your feet to work out how long and wide to knit your socks.
• In the second section we look at the the essential materials that you will need, with an in-depth guide to yarn and needles, through to optional extras such as row counters, project bags andblocking equipment
• The third section addresses every aspect of tension/gauge to help you knit socks that fit.
• Then we move on to the fourth section which takes you through the basic patterns for each type of sock, including toe-up, cuff-down, two-needle and no-heel socks.
• The fifth section provides a variety of cuffs, heels and toes, so that you have all the tools at hand to mix and match these elements in yourknitted socks
• In the sixth section I feature 10 amazing sock designers, each sharing an exclusive pattern for you to try, with a mix of beautiful textures, cables, lace and colourwork. Youre sure to find something thats just up your street.
• The final sections contain all the knitting techniques that you need to knit socks, including how to knit in the round with different needles, jogless stripes, adding beads, colourwork, two-at-a-time sock knitting, plus lots more.

So everything is here for you to start, or continue, your sock knitting adventures.

Whichever projects you choose, I hope this sock bible will be a useful resource for years to come, as you build up your own colourful and cosy hand-knitted sock drawer.

Happy sock knitting,

Lynne xx

If youre completely new to sock knitting, then this book is a great place to start. If you follow the steps below, they will take you through all the aspects of knitting a sock, from exploring the parts of the sock itself, through to choosing yarn and needles ready for casting on.

If youve already knitted socks there are many different sock elements that you could try inSock elements: CuffsHeelsToes, and lots of gorgeous socks to knit in theSock projectssection, where our featured designers showcase different knitting techniques, such as cables, lace, colourwork and using beads.

And dont worry if ultimately you still prefer to knit flat, because we have included a two-needle sock recipe, so there is something for everyone.

Here are the steps to follow before you start knitting your socks:

Read theSock anatomysection inAll about socks, to explore all the different sock elements you will be knitting.

Follow the guidance inMeasuring foot sizeto determine the length and circumference of your feet so that you know the measurements you are knitting to (when I say your feet or your foot throughout the book I mean the foot of the person who will ultimately be wearing your socks).

Read through all theTools and materialssection to help you choose the most suitable needles and yarn.

For your chosen needles, practise casting on, knitting in the round on a small swatch and casting (binding) off as explained inKnitting in the roundSock techniques

Read throughChecking your tension/gaugeand use your swatch to check your stitches are the right size so that your socks will fit.

Use your tension/gauge and foot measurements to work out which size sock to knit.

If needed, refresh your general knitting techniques as illustrated inSock techniques

Choose your preferred socks and variations fromSock recipes, and youre ready to cast on!

Once you have mastered the basics you can move on toSock projectsand try all the different socks by our featured designers.

And if at any point you get stuck, just flick through the bookand useit as a reference point.

There are lots of different parts to a hand-knitted sock and this bible provides many different techniques for the same element, so that you have a nice selection of choices to mix and match and make your socks more personal and unique.

You can see all the different parts of a sock in the annotated sample (see ), where Ive used different colours of yarn for the different features so they are easier to identify. As you begin knitting your sock, you will see that some elements are really simple and others are a little more complex.