Socktopus: 17 Pairs of Socks Worth Showing Off

by Alice Yu

Sock knitters now have something to really get their needles into with this inspirational book packed with invaluable tips and 17 fabulous projects. Bespoke socks are a joy that once experienced will make it hard for the wearer to ever return to the one-size-fits-most items of old. Full of clear, helpful instructions on how to master the knack of turning a heel, sizing a sole and creating a cuff, knitters will be intrigued and enlightened by this handy book. Ideal for the aspiring, advanced knitter who wants to move on to the 'Holy Grail' of perfecting the sock, Alice Yu explains the differences between types of yarn, plies and fibre and breaks down the anatomy of the sock, to help readers understand how to master each element. The projects introduce the knitter to techniques that, once mastered, will allow them to adapt and create their own designs. Any specific techniques in the projects are illustrated with clear step-by-step images and Alice's clear, concise instructions will ensure that confidence builds quickly.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

Reviews

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another out-of-print collection of lovely, late '00s-early '10s knitting patterns, which is odd to me, because socks don't really go out of style, do they? Not the way sweaters or hats do ... Anyway ... There are some true gems in this book and I have a pair in progress now, so I'm calling this book read. :) If you happen upon a copy, it's worth adding to your knitting library.

[Marjukka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is a first: I want to knit every pattern in this book. That's saying something (although perhaps more about my tastes and how happily this book happens to suit them than anything else).

I enjoyed the section on types of yarn and fiber in sock knitting, although failed to see the point of pages devoted to pictures of swatches.

However, I like that this book is clearly and bravely not aimed at someone who doesn't yet know how to knit: often books for "advanced" knitters still have a short tiny section about the basics of knitting which always struck me as odd. That short an explanation seems to me to be useless to everyone. I'm glad this book skipped that entirely, but doesn't try to scare off beginners, either. I'm a firm believer in the idea that any knitter can knit anything, there is no such thing as hard knitting because how do you measure that? You can't. Just as soon as you know how to knit and purl, you can do anything, including every pattern in this book.

The pictures are, on the whole, beautifully done. There were one or two patterns where I wished there were close up pictures of details like heels and toes, but then I figure, this sock may not have anything special going on in those sections. I guess I'll find that out once I get 'round to knitting those patterns. Other than that, both the photography and the technique illustrations were clear and very helpful.

I look forward to learning many new techniques while getting to knit all these beautiful socks!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I want to knit every pattern in it, and I've already knitted four of them. All of the patterns are fun and unique. They show off hand-dyed yarns very well and make it a breeze to have a sock that you know will be awesome.

Of the patterns I've knitted so far the only one I didn't truly enjoy was Spring Shoots, it has an afterthought leg, which I didn't enjoy, and just overall feels fiddley. I've also knit Kandahar, Farmer McGregor Socks, and V-Junkie. I used a different yarn for each and they came out very well.

One critique I have for this book is that her yarn requirements sometimes leave me running short. For Farmer McGregor I had 510 yards and ran short by ~10 yards, when the pattern only calls for 433 yards and makes no mention of not being able to do larger sizes in this amount.

I really do love this book, and I'll be going back to knitting socks from it shortly.

[Tonileg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collection of single color or handpainted dyed sock yarns with easy to medium difficulty patterns. There are various yarns used which are easy to modify to other brands and types of yarns.

Totally Vanilla
Kandahar
Junkie - easy one color textured print - which I made several pairs because it was so simple and I even modified by knitting up with two different color yarns, one for the pattern in the ankle and a different one for the foot.
2luvcrew
Vorticity
Rumpled!
Hundred Acre Wood
De Stijl
Fiori di Zucca
Kwalla
Farmer McGregor
Shur'tugal
Crowley
Om Shanti
Mince Pie Mayhem
Caretta Caretta
Spring Shoots

160 pages and bought new on Amazon
4 stars

[Manda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only problem with this book is that while the author talks a little about & shows different swatches of different types of yarns in the beginning of the book, ALL of the socks in the book are knit in her own yarn. I don't think it's enough to knock a star off, though I can see myself knitting most, if not all, of the patterns... love me some socks. :D

(Christmas Gift from my sister, 2011)

[Helen Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic photography, great patterns and beautifully written - definitely a winner and need to cast on soon !!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Can't wait to knit all 17 pairs of socks