Sensational Knitted Socks

This book was actually a repurchase for me. My original copy had been used to the point the pages began falling out, and I didn’t want to lose the ability to use any of my favorite patterns. It’s a great book for making socks to fit anyone, in any stitch pattern you can imagine. Sizing Charts and instructions are very easy to understand, in fact, I had no sock knitting experience (or knitting experience for that matter!) whatsoever prior to purchasing this book, and have since made over 30 pair, all different. I consider it a must have for any sock knitters library.

Now that I finally have this book, I can understand why these socks are being knit everywhere. Beautiful socks based on a thorough understanding of sock construction. I've read the book and learned a lot without having knit from it yet. (Not sure where to start, really!)While the book takes you from scratch, its real strength seems to be as a resource for the somewhat experienced sock knitter. I know I'll refer to it for different heel and toe styles even when knitting from someone else's patterns -- but I'll be knitting for quite a while from this book!The beautiful reticulated and mosaic patterns are terrifically appealing. Or if you prefer to knit with a single yarn, just find your gauge, browse the stitch dictionaries, and off you go.The one thing I'd change about this book is the binding. I can see that it's not going to lie flat unless I mash the spine, and who wants to do that to a beautiful book?Other than that reservation, I'm delighted with this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to kick their sock knitting up a notch.

As so many others have attested before me, this is THE book to teach you how to knit socks. Even though I had done scarves on straight needles and hats on double-pointed needles, socks were a mystery to me. Charlene Schurch demystifies the process by showing a color-coded anatomy chart of the sock itself. She provides instructions for a "class sock" done with regular worsted-weight yarn and manageably large needles. Once the class sock is complete, heel turns and gussets are no longer a mind-bending trauma, but a pleasant challenge. The tables break down the entire process into manageable amounts and the projects begin simply and increase in complexity. As a bonus, the ample stitch dictionary can be used for other projects, such as hats!An additional recommendation to you sock knitters out there - you may also enjoy reading Anne L. Macdonald's No Idle Hands; the Social History of Knitting. Socks appear prominently in this fun and detailed historical survey of knitting in the US.

This is the one sock book that should be in every knitters library. There are so many combinations, and so many lovely socks to knit from this one!

This is the third time I’ve bought this book. My favorite sock “bible “

I had a friend show me this book and was instantly hooked. The book has wonderful pictures that accompany each pattern as well as directions that are easy to follow. The thing that sets this book apart from all other knitting books I have seen is that the author gives directions for three different knitting styles (4 double point needles, 5 dpn, and 2 circular needles)for each pattern. The knitter is able to pick the style that best suites them. Each pattern also gives you a variety of stitch patterns that can be used in each sock pattern. This book will allow you to literaly make hunderds of different socks. This book is also great for knitters of all experience, from beginners to more advanced knitters. The book begins with great directions on how to knit socks, how to make a sock for any size foot, and basics on everything from types of yarns to tools and words to know. The sock patterns are arranged and labeled for experience level. For all people wanting to knit socks, this is a book that is a must!

I've knit for a few years now, but I always shied away from knitting socks finding the instructions in various magazines, books, etc., too complicated and generally confined to a certain type of yarn, gauge, and even sock size."Sensational Knitted Socks" is what launched me into the handknitted sock world!Each pattern has instructions on how to knit with 4 double points, 5 double points or 2 circulars. You choose your gauge and yarn. Freedom of choice!The instructions are very clear -- lots of photographs and instructional charts.The sample socks pictured in each chapter are gorgeous -- but if you prefer, choose one of the other stitch patterns suggested (and photographed). Individuality is encouraged!Ms. Schurch has included knitting instructions for a "mini sock" to help the novice sock knitter learn the parts of a sock and end up with a "real" sock when completed. I was glad I took her advice and made my mini sock - quick and painless!It's truly a wonderful book for anyone who wants to either learn to knit socks or would like to add to their sock knitting library.I highly recommend this book!

Excellent book. It has sizing charts which are hard to find. I actually wanted to get the book "Sock Knitting" by the same author, but it is out of print. (HINT HINT, bring it back!). It has clear directions for a beginner "Class Sock", which does not fit an actual foot, but allows one to learn all the parts of a sock, can be finished in 3-6 hours, and could be knit as an ornament. All the patterns have directions for 4DPMs, 5 DPMs or 2 circular needles. I will likely never knit the majority of the patterns, since I just knit my first very basic toddler sock, but I will use the sizing charts.

I'll let you know how I get on when I've 'mastered' some of the terms the writer uses. The finished items look wonderful - but then glossy pictures always do.I have now followed the instructions for the 'class sock' to the letter, and it really does work. I would recommend this text for those knitters who love learning new skills and techniques, and who are quite patient - it's a very rewarding hobby, and the most basic of garments can be transformed into something very impressive and unique. Do read the book carefully, and don't be put off by American terms (they are 'translatable'), and be prepared to trip up occasionally. You are required to flip backwards and forwards between the different stages of the garment, but it's not too onerous because each pattern is presented in the same way, and after having made the 'class sock' one can see exactly what has to be done. For example, the cuff and leg is explained using a table (it looks far more complicated than it is), you follow that section with the option of knitting with 4, 5 or circular needles, then go to the stitch pattern you want, and having completed that, go to the next section etc. I think that this form of presentation allows the knitter to think and engage more with the garment rather than the usual British style of having a 'complete' pattern all in one place. I thought that the long-tail cast on method was mind-bogglingly difficult just because it was new to me, but I perserved and mastered it and now believe it's the only way to cast on for the top of the sock because it really does 'stretch, but you can find how to do it on the internet, or better still, ask someone. I'm now working on the 'easy' patterns, but with different wools and needle sizes, the results are remarkable - you really can take any wool, with any combination of needle size - just make a tension square first, and again follow the instructions. The 'easy' patterns just mean that you have a more managable number of stitches on the leg part of the sock, that's all. It's a great way too of using up left-over, or unused wool; I'm making socks in kid-mohair silk from a pattern by Kaffe Fasset 'Foolish Virgin' given as a present 25 years ago; how appropriate that title was - I thought then, that I was a knitter; I know different now! And, here's a tip - with 4 or 5 needles the author refers to them as needle 1 or 2 etc, so I stuck some sticky labels with numbers on them thinking that would help - in actual fact, after the first sock or two, you'll see that you don't need to number them, as it will make perfect sense. I'll let you know about the 'toe-up' method when I've got to that part. Good luck.

I had reservations about buying this book but I am pleased that I did. The author deals with different techniques in a clear and unambiguous way that makes it easy to progress. The photographs show socks that are wearable instead of just faddish fashion foot coverings that won't fit inside your shoes. After the details of various shaping and sizing methods, the book is divided into stitch-pattern styles : 4-stitch, 8-stitch, cables and so forth. Each section has a sock pattern utilising the given stitch followed by a generous selection of stitch patterns within that group.The tone of the book is unpretentious and the content based on knowledge and experience. It is better than any other sock book I have seen.

This books by Charlene come recommended by the American sock knitters and in you tube. As they all said, in the end you will be ending up knitting each sample sock shown. Instructions, pictures and advise not forgetting tips are all well illustrated and the writter made sure writting is minimum but clear so all the space could be filled with big sample pictures. Well done Charlene. My only regret that she have not change any of these into Kindle or Ipad version. Its a bible for basic sock knitting. I'll trade my cheating husband with this book any time.

This book has it all! It explains in detail different stitch patterns, different styles of sock knitting (4 dpns, 5 dpsn, two circs), and how to measure feet so you make socks to fit. This really is a sock knitters bible. While I loved Cat Borhdi's Socks Soar on Two Circular needles, which helped to start me off, Sensational Knitted Socks truly pushed me into making my own socks, and my own designs of socks.This book is a must have for any knitter's reference library! Can't wait for more in March 2007!

I'm a guy who can knit and I knit a lot but double pointed needles I hated and could never master it. Using two circular needles or the magic loop method I have been whizzing out socks for Christmas presents with orders from friends and family pilling up!Also the sizes go from young children all the way up to my UK size 13 shoe! If I can master socks you can too with this wonderful sock knitting bible!