A few week's ago, I shared my Twisting Pathways Socks, which are published in The Sock Knitting Bible by Lynne Rowe.** This week, I’m taking a closer look at the rest of the book.
The Sock Knitting Bible,** published by David and Charles Books, is a complete guide to knitting your own socks, including step-by-step instructions for three basic sock constructions, as well as tutorials on lots of different types of heels, toes and cuffs. To round the book off, there are ten exclusive knitting patterns designed by independent knitting designers.
The book starts with an introductory section that includes sock anatomy, how to measure your feet and what size sock to cast on, as well as information on what yarn and needles to use, and how to swatch and check gauge. This section contains loads of invaluable information, which can really help when you’re getting started knitting socks. One minor negative is that the sock sizing chart does not include average foot circumferences, and that it only goes up to a UK 12, which is fine for most people, but I know several people whose feet are larger than that.
The sock recipes chapter includes full step-by-step tutorials on knitting three types of sock: cuff down (heel flap and gusset), toe up (short-row heel) and two needle socks (heel flap and gusset), as well as an assortment of customisations – adding contrast sections, scrappy socks, shortie socks and socks without heels. This chapter also includes variations on various sock sections: cuff types, heel types and toe types, which is great if you want to mix and match.
The sock patterns included in the book are all beautiful. They are written with beginners in mind, so are mostly at the simpler end, with some more complex cables, lace and colourwork included for more adventurous knitters. The patterns included are all exclusive to the book:
Sloping Hills by Winwick Mum – nice, simple socks with a textured pattern
Under the Stars by Emma Potter – fabulous heavier weight socks with sequins
Twisted Pathways by me – Read about them on last week’s blog post
Spring Lace by Emma Fletcher – Pretty lace socks
Bracken Cables by Olivia Villareal – Simple cabled socks with twisted stitches
Summer Meadows by Carmen Jorissen – Gorgeous colourwork socks
Autumn Berries by Kaitlin Bathold – Lovely lace columns
Red Sky At Night by Abby Brown – Bold colourwork socks
Beads of Dew by Anniken Allis – All-over lace with beaded detailing
Winter Snow by Kerstin Balke – Colourwork socks with stripes breaking up the colourwork sections
The pattern section has great photography throughout, and the colour palette for the projects is really cohesive. All the patterns come in at least three sizes, and include the construction details, as well as suggestions on yarn substitution, and both charts and written instructions, which makes them really user-friendly.
The final section of the book is the tutorial section, which features tutorials on knitting in the round, types of cast on, basic stitches, reading charts, increasing and decreasing, adding beads, picking up stitches, working cables, colourwork, short rows, casting off, finishing your project, and blocking. This section is really comprehensive, and includes lots of helpful illustrations.
Overall, The Sock Knitting Bible is beautifully presented, with fabulous photography that really shows all the details of the patterns and techniques included. The text is well-spaced out, with plenty of white space, making it easy to concentrate on the instruction you’re working from. This is a great resource for anyone starting their sock knitting journey, and is also a great book for experienced sock knitters – I would happily knit any of the patterns in the book.
Want to buy a copy? You can pick up your copy now from Blackwell’s.**
Note: The book was supplied by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
**Affiliate link.
