Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet - Book Review

Oh... you want to knit socks that FIT? Well... have I got the book for you!

Usually when I get a knitting book to review, I go directly to the patterns. Of course I did flip quickly through the book, but found myself captivated almost immediately by the first chapter that talks so clearly about how socks should fit. 

There's discussion about yarn construction (how many plies? what kind of fiber content is best?) as well as a nice exploration into the topic of ease (how the sock fits on the foot). Taking time to read these first chapters in topic-driven books can almost be as informative as a class on the subject. 

(OK, it's not exactly the same as a class, in fact, I highly encourage you to take classes on the subjects you like. If socks are your thing, then sign up for every sock class you can find! You'll be amazed at what you'll learn; not only from the instructors, but also from the students and venues.)

BUT - in addition to this book, there's a VIDEO that Kate did with Interweave as a companion!

I must admit. I'm not really a sock knitter. I LOVE handknit socks and treasure the ones that friends have made for me (as well as the few that I made myself). But as I knit with friends, I find that most folks seem to have a sock that they knit over and over. They have memorized a formula of sorts, and know what fits them. 

In this book, Kate talks about different techniques you might use to customize a particular pattern, and shares the reasoning behind the decisions. More than this, she shares formulas and the calculations (again, along with explanations!) that are involved in crafting a pattern of your very own. I've looked at a LOT of books... and I can say that this is the first book that made me consider designing socks. Until that day comes, I'll follow Kate's lead.

My favorite socks in the book? Of course they're colorwork:

I also love some of the lace socks, but would probably replace each YO with a M1 so that they're a bit less "lacey" - Jarvis is quite handsome, and I think this treatment would work well with the design.

Regardless of your preferences in construction (top down, toe up, two-at-a-time) I am confident this book offers something for you. 

Want to get a copy of your very own? Visit HERE and order it today.

The holidays are just around the corner... and handknit socks are one of the BEST gifts one can give.

Happy Knitting,

Kyle