Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits

Wow! This book is about as perfect as a knitting book in this category can be. The introduction is a great resource for ways to knit socks from the toe up. The pictures and instructions are clear and easy to follow. The sock pattern section wowed me. The socks are beautiful. There are the more basic socks for beginners and then there are lace socks, cable socks and even guernsey socks. There are at least four pairs of socks that I can't wait to get started on. The last section has abbreviations, definitions, resources and a chart with different gauges for sock knitting depending on the type of yarn you are knitting with. What more could a knitter ask for. When I buy a knitting book I ask myself three questions. Does the book contain patterns that I want to knit? Are the patterns easy to follow? Will the book be a good resource for me? The answer to all three questions is a resounding 'yes'. The book contains about twenty different sock patterns so there is something in it for everyone. The photographs and diagrams are clear and lovely and anyone who is a sock knitter would benefit by adding this book to their library.

I got this book used and the price was great! I don’t know why all knitters don’t do toe up socks! I was so happy to find a book dedicated to this. I just go it so I have not put the patterns to the test but the book looks great! So many patterns and directions are great!!

I've always wanted to knit socks, but just couldn't bring myself to do it in the "cuff-down" mode -- just didn't make sense to me. They always looked so hard, and I was jealous of all those knitters who LOVED their socks! From the toe up makes sense to me! I started about a month ago with one of the "vanilla" sock patterns and was amazed at how easy they were, and how well the sock turned out! I could try it on as I went and make sure it fit my foot. I have now completed 3 pairs -- one vanilla, the serpentine, and the labrynith (or however that's spelled!). I also like that once you're done, all you have to do is weave in a couple loose threads, and that's it! I haven't tried all the "toe-starting" variations, but I think that once you find one that you like, and that you do well, there's no reason to know all of them. Same for binding off. I found one I liked, could do well, and it works! I do like that Wendy gives you several variations of toe, heel, and binding off. Gives you options to create a sock from start to finish -- based on what you like and what you can do. I loved the book -- the photography is great, the descriptions are well done, and the sock patterns are varied enough to find something (or several) to knit.

Toe up two at a time socks are new to me. But for anyone suffering from second sock syndrome, this will be your cure! The patterns are well written and there are excellent, easy to understand explanations. She even includes some calculations to ensure your socks are the perfect length for any size foot.

I consider myself a relative beginner to knitting, having only been doing it for a little over a year now. I found the instructions easy to follow and knitted up a beautiful pair of socks (only the second adult-sized pair I've ever done). I especially liked that the patterns aren't all for fingering weight, as sport weight is a lot more instant gratification. I also really liked the inclusion of instructions for several types of cast-ons and bind-offs, as a beginner I really appreciate the extra information. Russian bind-off is my new favorite thanks to this title. Many patterns in this book are finding their way into my queue, and despite one reviewer's comment, my husband said there were plenty of dude-approved designs. One little warning I'd like to share with others though... absolutely do not let this book get wet, even a bit. My toddler splashed a teaspoon of water on this book and in the 10 seconds it took me to pick it up and wipe the excess off on my shirt every single page stuck together at the edge! It was worst on the first and last pages where they came in contact with the folded back parts of the cover. Most of the pages in my copy are now damaged and ripped. Whatever coating is on the pages to make them glossy works like moisture-activated glue. I've had this happen with magazines that the post officer delivered in the rain before, but never with a book. I wish they'd made it less glossy, realizing that many knitting groups meet with food and drink around.

Purchased for my daughter, she loves it

This is an excellent toe-up sock book! Clear instructions, lovely photos. That said, my only grump about the book is that she never tells which of the many "make 1" knit increases she prefers or suggests which increase to use in which application. In spite of this minor flaw I'm giving Socks from the Toe Up five stars because of the excellent techniques, fitting hints and patterns. She gives three basic "vanilla" sock patterns each using a different heel (short-row heel, gusset heel and slip-stitch heel). She basically uses two different toes: the short-row toe and the "easy" toe (with multiple cast-on variations). She gives multiple cast-off or cuff variations (sewn, russian, tubular, and picot). The sock patterns are primarily feminine, though two of the ganseys and the mock cable could be made in a more masculine color scheme. Though none of the patterns are sized for children, I did use the serpentine sock pattern with a smaller guage to fit my four-year-old, adjusting to fit her foot and leg measurements.

Love Wendy’s sock patterns. I usually use Cat Bordhi’s heels, but Wendy has written the best stitch patterns for great socks!

For a long time I wondered what all the fuss about sock knitting was (apart from the gorgeous yarns, of course!) and now I know. I tried cuff down, but got bored long before it came time to turn the heel, but with toe up, it was a very different story. Having something that looked like a sock after just a few inches and being able to try it on as I went along, just made me want to finish the pair and get them on my feet. My first socks were a triumph, thanks to Wendy :) The book describes in simple steps how to start, how to make the heel, how to do the shaping to get a perfect fit for your individual feet and the patterns are easy to follow and pretty enough to inspire you to want to make them ... all of them! There is a sizeable section on the various different ways to cast on and off, different techniques for making and shaping toes and heels and there is even more support and info available from Wendy's website, so she pretty much has all bases covered for new and experienced sock knitters alike (though this book is aimed primarily at beginners). Then we come to the patterns. Lovely, lovely patterns! Short socks, long socks, plain socks, patterned socks, socks for ladies, gents and kiddies; all are covered. I'm a fairly experienced knitter, so I had no problems following any of the patterns, though I did have to YouTube some things I'd never done before eg wrap and turn, just to make sure I was doing it right. I loaned the book to a friend who has only been knitting a couple of years and she managed to turn out a pair with very little help from me. Although I wouldn't describe myself as a sockoholic (I love my lace shawls too much for that), I would certainly recommend this book to those new to knitting socks, as a good reference guide to the techniques and terminology used and because the patterns are beautiful, very wearable and you will want to knit them, over and over again.

"Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits" is an absolute must-have for anyone passionate about knitting socks. This book is perfect for both beginners and experienced knitters looking to master the art of toe-up sock knitting. Wendy Johnson’s clear instructions and well-explained techniques make learning the toe-up method a breeze. The book covers all the essential techniques for knitting socks from the toe up, which allows for more flexibility in customizing the fit and length of your socks. I especially love the variety of patterns offered, from simple designs to more complex ones, all with detailed charts and instructions. The techniques are thoroughly explained, ensuring that even novice knitters can follow along with confidence. Whether you’re looking to make your first pair of socks or improve your sock-knitting skills, this book has everything you need to succeed. The toe-up construction is not only fun to learn but also eliminates the dreaded “kitchener stitch” at the end! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to elevate their sock knitting game.

靴下だけの本ですが、針の選び方、毛糸選びの注意点、つま先の編み方5種、かかとの編み方3種、輪針と5本針の編み方、綴じかた4種が図入りで詳しくかかれており、靴下編み初心者にも優しいです。 しかもかわいいデザインがいっぱいです。つま先から編むので、編みながら試着してぴったりサイズが編めます。足囲のサイズ調整もしやすいデザインです。日本の靴下のパターンは、よく言えば手作り感がある、悪く言えば野暮ったい感じが多く、ここまで繊細なデザインのものは見かけません。 デザインの内訳は以下の通りです。 1)メリヤス編みのベーシックな靴下の編み方 2)レース編み12種 3)表編みと裏編みだけで模様を作るガンジー3種 4)ケーブル2種 5)太めの糸で編むスポートウェイト3種(サイズ展開が豊富) 靴下初心者の方は5のスポートウェイトからはじめるといいかもしれません。 針はUSサイズの針を用意する必要がありますが、手がきつめの人は日本の0号でも編めるかもしれません。不安な人はアメリカアマゾンで海外発送してもらえばいいと思います。靴下用の防縮ウールは輸入毛糸を扱っているところで買えます。ソックヤーンで検索してみてください。洗濯機で洗わないという人は日本の細めの毛糸を買うのもアリだと思います。長さとグラムを参考に似た毛糸を探せます。 英文パターンが初めての方は、今年出版された名著、編みもの『英文パターン』ハンドブック(著者:西村知子)を手元に置いて編むことをオススメします。

Highly recommend this book for both beginning and advanced knitters. Description on how to knit toe-up is concise and detailed. I learned how to knit toe-up socks with this book - I am a total beginner - and I am now knitting my fourth pair lace-pattern socks which I thought I was not capable of doing. BTW, I just began knitting socks 5 weeks ago after buying this book. Thank you to Wendy Johnson for sharing her techniques and writing such a great book!!

Bel libro molto dettagliato sia nelle immagini che nelle spiegazioni. Indispensabile per chi desidera imparare a creare calzini a maglia ma anche per chi vuole perfezionare la tecnica. Unica nota negativa il fatto che esiste solo in inglese.