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Name: The Knitter's Book of Socks: The Yarn Lover's Ultimate Guide to Creating Socks That Fit Well, Feel Great, and Last a Lifetime: Parkes, Clara: 9780307586803: Amazon.com: Books
Price: 15.28 USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.7 (392 reviews)

Clara Parkes

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The Knitter's Book of Socks: The Yarn Lover's Ultimate Guide to Creating Socks That Fit Well, Feel Great, and Last a Lifetime Hardcover – October 11, 2011

by Clara Parkes (Author)

4.7 392 ratings

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A sock is a work of wonder. No other knitted garment has as many structural demands or endures as much wear and tear. The humble sock must defy gravity, suffer the confines of our shoes, and endure being trampled on all day long.

All too often, the root cause of a sock's triumph or failure is the yarn itself. In The Knitter’s Book of Socks, Clara Parkes shows you how to knit socks from yarn up, following the sock yarn life cycle from its foundations to its final moments on a proud foot. By understanding a sock's basic needs—elasticity, strength, and moisture management—you’ll learn how to play with these tools like building blocks, confidently combining fiber, twist, ply, pattern, and clever stitch tricks to construct your perfect pair of socks.

To help put these principles into practice, The Knitter’s Book of Socks also offers 20 fresh, original patterns from today’s sock-design luminaries, including Cookie A, Cat Bordhi, Ann Budd, Nancy Bush, Anne Hanson, and Melissa Morgan-Oakes. The socks presented here run the gamut from simple knit-and-purl combinations suitable for beginners to innovative designs with lush colorwork, swirling cables, and delicate lace.

Understanding the elements of yarn is the first step on every successful sock knitting journey. With this book as your guide, you’ll learn how to make any sock yarn shine and love every pair of socks you knit.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In The Knitter’s Book of Wool and The Knitter’s Book of Yarn , Parkes educates knitters on the ins and outs of fiber and makes minutiae interesting. Here, she describes the qualities that make yarn suitable for sock knitting, explores the different types of fibers that can be used in sock yarn, and analyzes stitches and stitch patterns commonly used in sock knitting. There’s also a beautifully curated selection of sock patterns, including new designs by some of the biggest names in the field. Though the instructions are clear, the majority of the patterns are best suited for those with sock-knitting experience. An essential addition. -Library Journal

About the Author

A lifelong knitter, Clara Parkes has spent more than 10 years immersed in the world of yarn and fiber as the publisher of KnittersReview.com. A frequent contributor to Interweave Knits and Twist Collective, she is also the author of The Knitter’s Book of Yarn and The Knitter’s Book of Wool. She lives on the coast of Maine in a farmhouse full of yarn.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Potter Craft; 9.11.2011 edition (October 11, 2011)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0307586804
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0307586803
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.9 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 0.97 x 9.37 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #372,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #632 in Fashion Craft
- #744 in Needlework (Books)
- #807 in Knitting (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.7 392 ratings

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Clara Parkes

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“Long before social media cluttered every corner of our existence, Parkes’s conversational 411 about new yarns and interesting pattern designs forged connections among far-flung knitters, who discovered they were a global community rather than lone practitioners of a cozy hobby they’d learned from Mom.”

– KATHY BLUMENSTOCK, THE WASHINGTON POST

Author of seven books including the New York Times-bestselling KNITLANDIA, Clara has dedicated her life to exploring the stories behind, and qualities of, all the fibers that we wear on our bodies—and taking readers along for the journey. Through her writings, workshops, books, television and radio appearances, Clara has championed the notion of paying closer attention to what you knit and where it came from.

She turned passion into profession in 2000 when she launched KNITTER'S REVIEW, the first online knitting magazine and community.

Today she heads up THE WOOL CHANNEL, a multimedia platform dedicated to teaching and celebrating nature's original miracle fiber. She also writes THE DAILY RESPITE, a brief email newsletter called "an important newsletter for the times" by InsideHook.

Parkes divides her time between city and country in Maine, always writing from a desk in the kitchen.

“Through her woolly peregrinations, Parkes has become an unapologetic advocate for wool, a digital Cassandra in Allbirds, tweeting about the loss of this mill or that business, enjoining those of us who love the stuff — and can afford it — to not just consider the ‘food that goes into our bodies’ but also become ‘more mindful of what we put on them,’ because behind every skein of yarn there are dozens of stories.”

—LESLIE PETROVSKI, VOGUE KNITTING

Customer reviews

392 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and thorough, providing useful information on sock yarns. They appreciate the clear patterns and methods for constructing socks. The writing style is well-written and easy to understand. Readers enjoy the inspiration and thought-provoking content. Overall, customers consider it a worthwhile purchase and a good purchase overall.

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Information quality Pattern quality Yarn type Writing style Ease of use Inspiration Value for money Comfort

54 customers mention "Information quality"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and thorough. They say it explains everything beginners need to know about socks and yarns. The book provides good patterns and advice, with explanations of special features and why they might differ. Readers appreciate the descriptions at the front of the book about all the different elements that make up socks. The book also gives goals and targets for improvement in knitting skills.

"...behind the "right" decisions for sock knitting and this gave me a lot of detail and answers. It's very well written, just like her other books...." Read more

"...offer a wide variety of functional approaches to socks with skill building, and the designs are nice with many different looks...." Read more

"...style of writing and the information it provides is so clear and useful. Her books are some of my favorites. You should give them a try...." Read more

"I really loved the book. The section on yarn types and fibers was fantastic. Nice section on sock construction...." Read more

46 customers mention "Pattern quality"41 positive5 negative

Customers find the patterns in the book clear and well-written. They say the patterns are good ways to learn a technique or understand a design feature. The book has 20 sock patterns, including one each by Nancy Bush, Cookie A., and Ann Budd. It's well-organized and photographed, with various techniques to produce a fine pair of socks.

"...Beautiful photography and page design as well. The patterns are pretty, too, and will offer some challenges and some comforts of stitches/techniques..." Read more

"...to socks with skill building, and the designs are nice with many different looks. Don't start another pair of socks until you've read this book...." Read more

"...This book was a great introduction. Loved the toe up pattern...." Read more

"Really love this sock book. Fun patterns." Read more

35 customers mention "Yarn type"32 positive3 negative

Customers find the book helpful for sock knitting. It provides good advice about yarn types and washing instructions. The book covers valuable skills like making better yarn choices and custom fiber blends.

"I'm new to knitting socks and love all the detail in this book about yarn/fiber, what to look for, why, etc...." Read more

"...The section on yarn types and fibers was fantastic. Nice section on sock construction. Im not new to knitting, but am to sock knitting...." Read more

"Really love this sock book. Fun patterns." Read more

"...Because this book is both a useful technical reference on sock yarns and a great collection of designer sock patterns, I give it an unqualified 5..." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing style"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the clear layout and easy access to information. The written content is detailed and interesting.

"...It's very well written, just like her other books. Beautiful photography and page design as well...." Read more

"I don't write reviews but this book deserves it. This is a yarn text with a special focus on the requirements of yarn for socks...." Read more

"...I enjoy her smooth, clear, style of writing and the information it provides is so clear and useful. Her books are some of my favorites...." Read more

"...It is detailed, readable and a "go to" for information as we make decisions about knitting socks...." Read more

11 customers mention "Ease of use"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to use with clear instructions and methods. They say it's a straightforward read that helps them understand fibers and techniques better.

"...The text is an easy and humorous read with a straight forward approach, like you are chatting with the author while getting schooled...." Read more

"...It describes yarn blends, size and technique. The remaining book, another 150 pages are sock pattern by famous designers. Good designs...." Read more

"...This is for the knitter who wants to understand fibers and techniques more thoroughly...." Read more

"...The patterns are great and really easy to follow, with a good glossary and 'how to' for all stitches used...." Read more

6 customers mention "Inspiration"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's inspiration and instructions. They find the author thoughtful and intelligent.

"...So far I have not only enjoyed the inspiration, but the patterns/instructions have been as classy as the photos. I would buy it again." Read more

"...and gives details for fibers that are fascinating and great food for thought. The patterns are lovely and I can't wait to knit them." Read more

"Beautiful book, bought as a gift for my knitter sister. She loves it." Read more

"A beautiful book....wonderful instructions and illustrations. this will long be a favourite of mine." Read more

4 customers mention "Value for money"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a good purchase and worthwhile. They mention it's worth it for the pattern alone.

"...I love this book, and think it very worthwhile. There are also a nice mix of patterns I'm anxious to try." Read more

"...the two reviews up - Lucy Neatby"s double knit socks - worth it for this pattern alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..." Read more

"Good purchase..." Read more

"Great choice..." Read more

3 customers mention "Comfort"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for making durable, comfortable socks. They appreciate the challenges and familiar stitches and techniques.

"...are pretty, too, and will offer some challenges and some comforts of stitches/techniques I already know." Read more

"...to again and again as you learn to make wonderfully fitting and feeling socks." Read more

"Straightforward explanation of what goes into making a durable and comfortable sock; one that will last. I definitely recommend purchasing this!" Read more

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bmw369
Exactly what I was looking for
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2023
Verified Purchase

I'm new to knitting socks and love all the detail in this book about yarn/fiber, what to look for, why, etc. I've been interested to know the logic behind the "right" decisions for sock knitting and this gave me a lot of detail and answers. It's very well written, just like her other books. Beautiful photography and page design as well. The patterns are pretty, too, and will offer some challenges and some comforts of stitches/techniques I already know.

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One person found this helpful

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heather p
must have sock book
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2023
Verified Purchase
I don't write reviews but this book deserves it. This is a yarn text with a special focus on the requirements of yarn for socks. Most of us who knit don't know as much as this book offers about all the details of yarn. And then there's the technical information on socks. I am new to socks and this answered questions I didn't know I had. The text is an easy and humorous read with a straight forward approach, like you are chatting with the author while getting schooled. The patterns offer a wide variety of functional approaches to socks with skill building, and the designs are nice with many different looks. Don't start another pair of socks until you've read this book. Even if you don't knit socks, your yarn knowlege and skill for choosing the right yarn for your project will benefit. Just buy it.

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3 people found this helpful

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Ye Old Man
This book is useful, fun, and easy to read. Everybody should read it!
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
This book, like all of Clara Parkes books is an absolute Must Have. I own several of her books, and have read even more. I enjoy her smooth, clear, style of writing and the information it provides is so clear and useful. Her books are some of my favorites. You should give them a try. This book will help guide you to selecting the proper sock yarn for your use and how to take care of it. This book will help you with the decision making on the socks you want to knit. I’ve only been knitting regularly for about 5 years, from what started out as physical therapy following some orthopedic surgery in my hand. The knitting keeps the parts of my hands moveable, I enjoy doing it, and I get to keep and use or gift the items I make. Clara Parkes books have made it so much fun learning more about yarn and knitting, that I wish I would have been doing this all my life instead of after I reached 60 years of age. Careful though, reading this author’s books can be very addictive and cause you to want to know more. I am enjoying learning so much about fiber and knitting that I’d like to do life again, and this time focus on everything fiber, knitting, spinning, etc, and the rich history it has. Clara’s books will cause these sorts of thoughts, so be careful. Reading them causes joy and happiness too. 🙂👍

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Ye Old Man

This book is useful, fun, and easy to read. Everybody should read it!

Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021
This book, like all of Clara Parkes books is an absolute Must Have. I own several of her books, and have read even more. I enjoy her smooth, clear, style of writing and the information it provides is so clear and useful. Her books are some of my favorites. You should give them a try. This book will help guide you to selecting the proper sock yarn for your use and how to take care of it. This book will help you with the decision making on the socks you want to knit. I’ve only been knitting regularly for about 5 years, from what started out as physical therapy following some orthopedic surgery in my hand. The knitting keeps the parts of my hands moveable, I enjoy doing it, and I get to keep and use or gift the items I make. Clara Parkes books have made it so much fun learning more about yarn and knitting, that I wish I would have been doing this all my life instead of after I reached 60 years of age. Careful though, reading this author’s books can be very addictive and cause you to want to know more. I am enjoying learning so much about fiber and knitting that I’d like to do life again, and this time focus on everything fiber, knitting, spinning, etc, and the rich history it has. Clara’s books will cause these sorts of thoughts, so be careful. Reading them causes joy and happiness too. 🙂👍

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15 people found this helpful

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TigerLilly
Great for experienced knitter who wants to begin knitting socks.
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2012
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I really loved the book.
The section on yarn types and fibers was fantastic. Nice section on sock construction.
Im not new to knitting, but am to sock knitting. This book was a great introduction.
Loved the toe up pattern. I had never used the magic cast on method and it took me a few tries to get it right. The one flaw for me was that the author didnt give any instructions on the magic cast on. She instead sent you to a youtube tutorial.

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7 people found this helpful

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Serena Jeffreys
Great patterns
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025
Verified Purchase
Really love this sock book. Fun patterns.

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Serena Jeffreys

Great patterns

Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025
Really love this sock book. Fun patterns.

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Sharon W.
More than a pattern collection
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2011
Verified Purchase
The most exciting part about knitting these days is the information that is available to knitters about how yarn and fiber perform. Clara Parkes has led the way in collecting and presenting information so we can make informed choices as we put time and effort into our projects. If you are a knitter you want your projects to function the way they are supposed to and last. Let's face it when we knit we are in a competition with store bought items. Sure we knit because we are driven to it but at the end of the day our items must hold up, be beautiful and do their job better than what we could run out and buy. Clara's new book gives us ALL the information we need so that the socks we knit do that. It is detailed, readable and a "go to" for information as we make decisions about knitting socks. This is a must have reference for any knitter who wants to understand our craft and knit with the best results possible.

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6 people found this helpful

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coffee lover
Good purchase
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025
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The book arrived quickly and was exactly as described.

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Charlotte
My favourite book so far!
Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2022
Verified Purchase

Beautifull patterns for all tastes!
Some easy, some tricky, well described and fun to learn plenty of new techniques as every sock is made differently!
Some grids are a bit small, but well as it is my book I scribbed here and there to make it easier to find where I am.
A great book, highly recommand.

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Aurore Bds
Magnifique livre sur l'art du tricot chaussette
Reviewed in France on June 25, 2017
Verified Purchase
J'ai commandé ce livre car je me suis mise au tricot chaussette récemment mais le virus m'a attrapé de suite et depuis je cherche à connaitre toujours plus de techniques.
Ce livre est très très complet puisqu'il part du fil choisi jusqu'à la chaussette finie tricotée.
Je le conseille à toutes les amoureuses des chaussettes tricotées mains.

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Lisa Manning
Nice socks
Reviewed in Australia on September 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
Well set out, easy to follow patterns. Very good guide from he fibre to use, needles, skill and finished product - will enjoy producing these

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Michaela S.
Gut, aber mit Einschränkungen...
Reviewed in Germany on November 5, 2016
Verified Purchase
Das Buch hat schöne Muster für Socken. Es gibt jeweils eine geschriebene Anleitung und einen Strickchart. Die Bilder sind ansprechend. Es stehen immer die Socken und deren Muster im Vordergrund, trotzdem ist es schön durchzublättern.
Jetzt zum ABER: immerhin 50 Seiten beschäftigt sich die Autorin mit Faserarten, Passform- Grundsatzfragen, Garnarten etc. Das ist für mich vllt noch ganz interessant, da ich selber Wolle verspinne und daher auch gerne was erfahre über Vor- und Nachteile von verzwirnten Garne, Dochtgarne usw. Die meisten Stricker/innen werden aber zu industrieller Sockenwolle in "schöner Farbe" greifen, und für all die sind diese ersten Seiten wohl teilweise nicht so lesenswert.

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et
Lots of small valuable info.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2013
Verified Purchase
This is a great book for sock knitters. I have knitted socks years ago and am getting into it again.
This book is very useful in the information it gives about yarn and attributes for socks. Also the info on how socks should fit - which explains why my earlier attempts were only good for padding about the house.
Really interesting section on stitch patterns and how you can use it along with the nature of your yarn to maximise your sock.
Lovely patterns from experienced sock knitters such as Cat Bordhi.
Mixture of toe up and cuff down patterns. And loads of techniques.
If you ever thought of designing this would be a useful book to have read.

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The Knitter's Book of Socks: The Yarn Lover's Ultimate Guide to Creating Socks That Fit Well, Feel Great, and Last a Lifetime Hardcover – October 11, 2011

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5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I was looking for

5.0 out of 5 stars must have sock book

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is useful, fun, and easy to read. Everybody should read it!

This book is useful, fun, and easy to read. Everybody should read it!

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4.0 out of 5 stars Great for experienced knitter who wants to begin knitting socks.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great patterns

Great patterns

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5.0 out of 5 stars More than a pattern collection

5.0 out of 5 stars Good purchase

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite book so far!

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnifique livre sur l'art du tricot chaussette

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice socks

4.0 out of 5 stars Gut, aber mit Einschränkungen...

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of small valuable info.

Exactly what I was looking for

must have sock book

This book is useful, fun, and easy to read. Everybody should read it!

Great for experienced knitter who wants to begin knitting socks.

Great patterns

More than a pattern collection

Good purchase

My favourite book so far!

Magnifique livre sur l'art du tricot chaussette

Nice socks

Gut, aber mit Einschränkungen...

Lots of small valuable info.