5 Great Sock-Making Resources (AND Giveaway!)

Today, the final Rock Those Socks Make-along pattern has been published - you can download Maria's 'lacy' sock pattern HERE. (If you missed them, last week we published the chevron knitted socks and stripy crochet socks.) But it's not over yet as the "sock-making" continues. Several participants have finished more than one pair already, and may even be showing early signs of sock-addiction!! To keep the momentum going, and to help you expand your skills, I've listed five great resources for taking your socks to the next level. (Affiliate links included.)
1. 'HOW TO KNIT SOCKS THAT FIT' by Donna Druchunas
This is a useful little book which will fit in your knitting bag (or on your Kindle) for easy reference and contains answers to most of the questions you are likely to have as a novice or intermediate sock knitter. Although I've already made several pairs of socks, I enjoyed reviewing this book very much and found it to be full of tips on getting a great fit without getting bogged down in too much detail. It covers how to measure your feet, how to swatch, and includes both toe-up and top-down sock construction, and is illustrated with clear charts and graphs (sample below) so they are easy to follow on black and white eReaders as well as in paperback. Order or download now from Amazon, or read on for details of the giveaway! 
Sample illustration, used with publisher's permission
Donna is a true sock expert and has several related Craftsy classes for both toe-up and top-down socks, which lead me nicely onto these...

If you would like in-depth sock knitting instruction via video, you can find just about everything you need on the Craftsy platform where there are various options for sock-knitters of all levels (including Donna's excellent classes).  Click on the images below for more information - you may want to be quick because at the time of writing, some of the classes are on sale! (Craftsy classes all have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are available to watch or download at any time after purchase.)

2. MY FIRST SOCKS with Lucy Neatby
Haven't cast on yet? This class includes step-by-step help for knitting your first pair of socks. 
Learn how to mix and match different heel and toe shapes to create your perfect socks! 
Learn to mix and match your favourite stitch patterns to create and chart custom sock designs.

5. CREATIVEBUG
If you already subscribe to Creativebug, you'll find three different sock classes waiting for you to watch or download to your device. For some reason, they are all top-down socks so I'm hoping there might be more in the works - but you can find  'Hudson Valley Winter Socks', 'Twisted Rib Socks' and 'Knitted Pom Pom Socks' - complete with step-by-step video tuition, and PDF patterns. Simply log in to access them.
Pom Pom Socks & Twisted Rib Socks on Creativebug
If you haven't tried Creativebug yet, get your first month free with code: HALLOWEEN (until end of November).

GIVEAWAY: One lucky reader will be sent a paperback copy of 'How to Knit Socks That Fit', courtesy of Storey publishing. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me where you're at with your sock knitting and what you'd like to learn next. Be sure to leave your Ravelry name, email address or alternative method of contact - the winner will be drawn next Wednesday (18th November 2015).

As well as drawing the winner's name next week, I'll be back on the subject of socks with a selection of my most thumbed sock pattern books. (HINT: They are mostly available to borrow from Kindle Unlimited but unfortunately for me, I bought nearly all of them before KU was around.)

45 comments

  1. I'm about to start sock knitting for the first time. It looks very intimidating, so I haven't started yet.My ravelry name is shroomfrog. :)

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    1. I thought that until I tried it - it's much easier than you think! Give it a go :)

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  2. I am trying to learn about sock knitting so that I can make myself a few pairs. I only crochet, and had a disastrous attempt at knitting a few years ago so am very nervous about taking the leap again!

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    1. Did you crochet before you tried knitting? I think once you have mastered one, it's easier to pick up the other. The great thing about knitting is that if it all goes wrong, you can rip the stitches out and try again. Have fun!

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  3. I've had a ball of yarn ready to go for about a year and still haven't tried it yet! Partly nerves, and partly time. Really want to get started though! My Ravelry name is madfruitbat

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    1. Like they say in the Nike ad - Just do it! I know what you mean about the time, but socks are so small they can live in your bag and come out when you have a few minutes.

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  4. I've been knitting socks for a while now, fairly successfully, but my latest pair for my son managed to be two different sizes -using the same yarn, needles and #of stitches !! I obviously still have some learning to do

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    1. When I'm cross I knit tighter.... did he annoy you part way through? :D

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  5. I knit a LOT of socks. I'm always looking for ways to improve them, though. Thanks for the chance to win the book.
    Lmecoll on Ravelry

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  6. I'm an experienced sock knitter and I'm trying to get the guts to knit two socks at a time using your tutorial. I have a lot of socks where I have only partially finished the second sock and it's been like that for years. I hope to get the gumption to finish them. Bronxknits AT gmail DOT com

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    1. Oh I hear you Christine! This is why I prefer two-at-a-time! You should give it a try - it's really not that hard.

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  7. Have only knitted two pair of sox, but am collecting a nice selection of sock yarns. Particularly like the British BFL and nylon yarns.

    One pair was knitted top down and the other was knitted toe up. Would like to learn how to knit two at a time next.

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  8. Have knitted one and half pairs of socks! Need to learn how to knit two at a time, to stop that second sock syndrome. Loop60 on Ravelry

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    1. Yes, yes, yes! I feel more posts about that coming on!!!!

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  9. I've knitting 2 pairs of socks, one half pair (two at at time, toe up), and am working on another pair (nearly done). I'm just learning, and I haven't get figured out the secret to getting the right size, let alone changing the size slightly. This book could be my answer!

    rav - slawson
    email - sarahmlawson (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Yes, it sounds like a bit of measuring and maths would be just the thing you need.

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  10. Heading towards the heel on my first sock (didn't feel brave enough for two at a time) using the make along your hosting. Not sure I'm addicted yet but will be pleased to get them under my belt. :)
    Kerry
    (Kezbabybabe on Ravelry)

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    1. I don't think I really loved making socks until I started to make them two-at-a-time and having a finished "pair" in one go. Now I like to have them as a simple 'mindless' project for my handbag, which explains why most of my socks are quite plain!

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  11. i am a blankie knitter. big ginormous squares! but i would love to try socks but heels are intimidating. but i think this book could help a lot!

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    1. Then the wonderful thing about socks will be their portability! :D

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  12. I've knitted a few pairs of socks, and would like to think about maybe writing a pattern for some. I think this book would help me think of things to consider that might not occur to me otherwise! Thanks for a chance to win. I'm otagogirl on Ravelry.

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    1. Oh yes, it would. I also have some other resources coming up in a further post which would help with more advanced designing etc. Stay tuned....

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  13. Thanks to your knitalong I'm the proud owner of my first pair of knitted socks. Bought some lovely solid yarn that will become wide stripes, enough for 2 more pairs of socks that will take shape during the summer holidays : ) I have learned heaps from your blog! thanks
    copihueviajero on Ravelry

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    1. Wonderful! And you are very welcome, it's been lovely having you as a participant xxx

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  14. I have knitted a few pairs of socks. I love trying out new techniques with every pair. what I´m mostly struggeling with is sizing, esp. whith different patterns ...
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Anja
    adebar on ravelry

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    1. Yes - I agree with you on this, as my first few pairs were not a great fit as I made them all a bit too big. In fact, I recently posted that (after making more that ft perfectly) I switched to a new pattern with a different heel and it was enormous. There is definitely some trial and error and finding what works best for you.

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  15. I have undone mine about 15 times am going to try again tomorrow not used to using 4 needles and hoping to find a easier patterns somewhere soon

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    1. What's the issue Julie Anne? If it's that you're not used to using the needles, switching them might help. If knitting in a stitch pattern is too much, you can knit in stocking stitch... If you want help, pop over to the Ravelry group with more info (and pics if possible) and we can help you to trouble-shoot :) http://www.ravelry.com/groups/crafts-from-the-cwtch-community

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  16. I have knitted many pairs of socks but would definitely like to refine my technique!

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  17. I've crocheted a few pairs of socks that I love and have always wanted to be able to knit socks. I have 2 balls of gorgeous sock wool that cry out 'knit me' every time I look at them. I bought nearly all of the Craftsy classes on socks two months ago and decided to just do it. It's not as difficult as I thought it would be and I am getting there, albeit very slowly. Donna's book would be a welcome addition to my resources as I find myself going back and forth between pictures on different pages. I've just realised that I don't have a dedicated sock book. I'll have to sort that out on payday and the Kindle subscription looks quite useful as well. Thanks for a brilliant blog. I use it all the time :-) I'm RedcatCrochet on Ravelry

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  18. I'm just a beginner. My sister in law tho is a pro and every year I get the most amazing colourful sicks for Christmas!!

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  19. I have knitted a few pairs of socks. I like two at a time on two circular needles. No second sock syndrome!!
    Blackbrow on Ravelry

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  20. Looks fun and never made socks

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  21. I'm 36 and I'm just learning to knit properly. My mum tried to teach me when I was a kid but I never had the patience. A good pair of socks is one of life's great pleasures but I've got small size 3 feet so when I buy socks from some shops they are too big (most start at a 4). I've never thought of knitting my own socks but now that I've seen this I really want to!!!

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  22. i just started knitting about a year ago and Im having a hard time with ribs on dpns. I can knit and purl fine but when I do the next row it does not match up. I have no helpers, just youtube and me...but it is going well....did not realize it is completely opposite of working with flat needles.

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  23. I have never actually tried socks so I am a complete beginner - but I've seen some fab Christmas socks I would love to knit, so I suppose what I'd like to learn next is just how to knit socks!

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  24. Never made a pair of socks so a complete beginner.

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  25. I did try once and loved the way the heel looked but it was too holey and I lost heart 😱

    Ravelry: seasidesue1
    Email: [email protected]

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