Our Favourite Sock Knitting Books
These are the four books that I would recommend for anyone wanting to start knitting socks, or improve their sock-knitting skills.
The Ultimate Sock Book - Vogue Knitting
If you only buy one sock knitting book, it should probably be this one. It includes everything you need to get started, including illustrated instructions for casting on, knitting in the round and binding off. There are sections on the history of sock knitting and the anatomy of a sock and it includes 25 knitting patterns for socks. The best bit though is that it includes two sock ‘recipes’, one for top down and one for toe up socks, which will allow you to design and knit your own socks in any yarn that you choose. There is also a pretty decent stitch directory, giving plenty of options for both the cuff and the body of your socks.
The Knitters Book of Socks - Clara Parkes
Clara Parkes is the author of several wonderful knitting books, and this book on socks is no exception. It is not a beginners guide, but includes an in-depth look at how the fibre, yarn preparation and stitch patterns that can be used for socks will affect the final outcome. This is the book to buy if you want to get technical in your choice of fibre, and contains invaluable information on yarn and design considerations for those who want to design their own socks. It also includes 20 sock patterns by a variety of different designers, including one which is described as a beginner, top down sock pattern.
Folk Socks - Nancy Bush
This brilliantly researched book starts with an in depth section on the history of sock knitting, including sections on the different sock knitting traditions from around the world, and some really interesting pictures of the different historical socks. It then goes on to describe the various techniques for sock knitting, including a really informative section containing a number of different heel and toe constructions, and several variations on the wedge, round and star toe. This would be a great book to buy if you have some experience of sock knitting and want to be able to use a different heel or toe construction to improve the fit of your socks. 18 patterns, all inspired by different global sock knitting traditions are also included.
52 Weeks of Socks - Laine Publishing
This is a beautifully photographed and very inspiring round up of 52 modern sock patterns, all from different designers. There is a great range of techniques and construction types in these patterns, so you are sure to find something new and interesting. I would have loved to see the patterns in the book indexed by technique or yarn, to make it easier to search, but as they are not it’s a case of working slowly through and reading the introduction to each of the patterns in order to decide which ones you want to knit. That’s not a problem though as it really is a gorgeous book.
Have you got any sock book recommendations that you would like to share? Feel free to pop them in the comments below.