Member Reviews
This book has very good information about knitting socks. It is better for someone who can knit already but wants more instruction on knitting socks. It is also good for instruction in knitting both socks at once. It is difficult for some knitters to knit the second sock. This way a knitter can knit both socks at the same time.
I have been struggling with sock knitting for longer than I'd like to admit and am always on the lookout for a different way to knit socks, hoping that something with help.
I really thought that this method was one that I'd seen before, so it was a pleasant surprise when it turned out to be completely different. I'm used to "knit two socks at once on one very long circular needle" and this is literally "knit two socks in a long tube, making use of lifelines".. I've skimmed over the method quickly but will definitely be going back and rereading carefully as it looks like something that might work for me.
Talley's method looks easy enough to follow, I'd put it at about "advanced beginner/intermediate" level knitters. I didn't catch any glaring errors on the first read, and will watch for any errata published..
This book will be added to my list of knitting books to actually buy, not just borrow from the library.
Fascinating book for any knitter who likes to knit socks. I would never have thought to knit socks this way before reading this book. I don’t usually knit socks because i don’t like having to repeat the first sock.
I was intrigues about the concept of knitting two socks in one. I did knit two in one socks with two balls of yarn and magic loop method but it has its disadvantages like having to untangle yarn all the time. Here there is only one ball of yarn so nothing is going to be tangles, at least no more than with any other project. The method has you knit two socks as one long tube, inserting waste yarn in several places, then removing it and making an afterthought heels, but also afterthought toe and afterthought cuff. It is an interesting concept, and it is well explained in the book. Because you put the waste yarn lifelines as you work, there is no scary part when you have to cut into your knitting. There is no gusset in the patterns, and the socks are designed with no negative ease so the foot with fit in there, but you might end up with floppy socks in the toe area I guess.
I have not committed to the idea yet, but I really like the method of making lifeline and knitting with the waste yarn for the heel opening, and I think I will do that with my next socks project.
I didn't like that they listed the yarn names without listing the yarn weight, it felt more like an advertising than helpful suggestion, as I almost never use suggested yarns in any projects, but this is the way it is done with this publisher.
I received a free digital copy of the book from NetGalley
Any experienced knitter will tell you that despite them being so small and looking simple, socks are an absolute nightmare to knit, and actually very tricky.
I loved the concept of knitting two socks in one, because usually by the time I finish one sock, I don't have the patience for another one, or it takes me three times as long. I really liked that this was, a "choose your own adventure book for knitters," as Safiyyah states in her intro.
The book contains all the necessary info on choosing a yarn (and goes into depth on the different fibres and weights). There's also a lot of information on the needle types and choosing the right kind of needle for your project. The first chapter truly is the foundation of the book, one that the knitter can come back to again and again, and not just for socks.
The patterns are well laid out and each one comes with great conversational notes from Talley.
I love the attention to detail in the information sections and all the pictures and diagrams throughout. I find some knitting books to be lacking in pictures, but this book most definitely was not lacking in those areas, making it a great choice for beginners, and experts alike.
I loved the chapter on customizing your socks, in which the author gives options for varying cuff lengths and different sole options.
This really is a choose your own adventure kind of book, since there's so many patterns and options available. Some of my favourite patterns are the Savasana Yoga Socks, Huntsman's Cottage Socks, the Littlest Prince(ss) Booties.
There's something for everyone in this book and I was delighted with it. Excited to get started with my first pair of 2 in 1 socks!
I was so excited to see that I could read and review this title as I was just about to start knitting a pair of socks for my daughter.
I sat and read the introduction with interest and really enjoyed this, it was very encouraging and I couldn’t wait to test the idea of knitting 2 socks at the same time.
The issue can when I wanted to cast on. I just couldn’t work out how many stitches to cast on. It came across as very confusing. This was really disappointing as it looking like such a simple, yet effective, method.
Maybe each of the different sizes could have a corresponding colour with the measurements? I’d love to actually try out the pattern!
The pictures were helpful and inviting. I just wish I could have carried on reviewing the rest of the book.
Talley is quite clever in her use of design to assist knitters who loathe knitting the second sock out of boredom. But since one lone sock is not of much use if you are lucky enough to have two feet, I have never suffered from “knitter’s second sock syndrome”. I’ll offer the clearly unpopular opinion that I really don’t like the design of the heel in this collection of sock and bootie patterns. The heel design does not look comfortable or attractive, IMO. I’m also not crazy about the use of bulky novelty yarn featured in many of the sock patterns, as I’m very picky about the kind of yarn I use to knit socks. Sock yarn must first be comfortable to walk on.
This book is just not for me, but it is a beautifully photographed collection which will appeal to knitters who want to try something new.
As a yarn shop owner, I highly recommend Safiyyah Talley’s book for anyone intimidated by knitting socks! Her approach takes away the dreaded heel turn and gusset feared by all beginning sock knitters and allows you to enjoy the process instead! This book will be a must have in my shop!
This is a work of brilliant engineering! The author has solved the "second sock" problem common to so many knitters by knitting one tube with strategic placement for afterthought heels and toes. I cannot wait to get a pair of these socks (in the form of one sock divisible by two) on my needles. I haven't been so excited since I first learned to knit with double points. This librarian/engineer/knitter is eager to get her hands on the physical book (spiral bound) as soon as it is off the presses.
I loved this sock book! Although I am not a new sock knitter, or like the concept of making two socks in one or the afterthought heel, it is a beautiful book with amazing illustrations great for the new sock knitter.
I like the process driven outlay to the book, steps 1-3 beginning to end, with all the processes in between.
Great information on fibres, nylon, yarn weights, needles, gauge, adjustments, blocking, tools, sizing and the overall foot patter, which is a must for any beginner book!
I also like the inclusion of a sock worksheet easily copied to help the knitter plan their socks.
I highly recommend this book and would give it as a gift to any knew knitter in my world.
Thank you to Story Publishing, the author Sifiyyah Talley and #NetGalley for the opportunity to review this beautifully illustrated and well written book.
Knit 2 Socks in 1 by Safiyyah Talley is a treat for the eyes! This book is beautifully written and illustrated with picture-perfect photos that will make you WANT to knit every pattern and variation in the book! In all seriousness, I highly recommend this book if you're like me and never want to actually knit two socks. Let's face it-Socks are boring. With the technique of knitting two socks in one, Ms. Talley has made completing a pair much easier, if only for the mental psych-out that only knitting one sock and creating two out of it creates. The directions are easy to follow and there is a good variety of different looks for whatever socks pique your interest!
If your into knitting socks then this is the book for you. Lots and lots of different socks for women, men and children. But it’s more than just a pattern book.
There is lots of helpful information for knitters in general as well as helpful tips to make the socks more professional. The photos are excellent and there are some lovely ones.
It’s an American book so most of the yarn isn’t available to us in the UK so you would generally have to find similar yarn and some of the language is American.
When I come to making socks I will definitely be getting this book out to look towards. This is a really nice book that has a lovely warm feel about it.
How does a person knit two socks at the same time?
I am going to try this sock knitting method for sure!
Did I ever mention I taught knitting at a major fabric retailer before COVID 19? Our company is not going back to classes yet, but my desire to knit never stopped.
Knit 2 socks in 1: Discover the Easy Magic of Turning One Long Sock into a Pair by Safiyyah Talley makes me want to wield my needles – in a good way. And this method is smart. Basically, the way this method works, you knit a long tube that starts with a sock cuff. At the proper locations, you knit off your required stitches and throw them on a stitch holder for later use. Knit on and on and on until you are at the other end of your socks. Make another cuff, and separate. Whammo.
I’m sure there are a few more intricacies to it, but that’s the idea. And I like it.
This method actually makes sense. Talley reminds readers that knitting socks are a one-at-a-time craft, but losing the first sock during the time it takes to make the second one can be pretty darn frustrating. You might as well not do it at all if you can’t keep track of them. But when they are both on the same tube, there’s no losing them.
You sock knitters understand.
For non-knitters who have read this far, when a person hand knits a sock, they either start at the cuff top or the toe. Either way, constructing the toe and the heel takes a bit of effort, adding or subtracting stitches to create the desired shape. So sculpting the same pair simultaneously makes sense.
I wonder if you could pull this off on one of those hand-crank knitting machines.
I know this idea two-in-one idea is new. I have a few books set up with similar methods in my closet. But Knit 2 Socks in 1, is special because it’s a physically beautiful book put together understandably.
Containing all the necessary explanations about tools and fibers, Talley shares her love for this craft with an expert hand and admirable manner. Talley included lots of little charts for sizes, needles, and yarns.
Adult socks, kids socks, cable socks, stockinette socks, you name it. Knitters need this. Don’t knitters need ALL knitting books? But, you do need this one for your library. You will thank yourself later.
There is only one problem with Knit 2 Socks in 1: Discover the Easy Magic of Turning One Long Sock into a Pair. It publishes next February.
So keep your eyes open and save a few bucks for this one.
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Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
The author knows that knitters often suffer from "second sock syndrome," and that we often don't feel like making the second sock once the first is completed. Her ingenious solution is to make both at once, basically a tube which is cut and completed with toes and heels. I loved the illustrations and the friendly text, and the fact that a young women of color wrote the book, unlike most knitting guides. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy--I'm hoping that the editor gets his/her act together before publication, since the way the charts were laid out was very confusing, and the index included with my advance copy was, weirdly, for a cookbook.
As an avid sock knitter I was really interested in this book. To say I am obsessed with knitting socks is a bit of an understatement, and I had heard of the technique of knitting two socks at once, but never knew how to do it.
This book provides a wealth of information, it clearly covers which needles to use, yarn suggestions, stitch markers etc. It has loads of clear photos, as well as detailed step by step guides on how to achieve the desired effect.
There are also several projects to have a go at. and indeed, have a go I will!
I wouldn't say this is a book for a beginner, I think you would need some knitting knowledge to tackle these patterns, but it certainly explains everything very simply, so I think a knitter who has never knitted socks before could certainly tackle the technique.
I thought it was an excellent book.
Wow this book is so exciting for Safiyyah!!!! I have followed them on Instagram for a while and love the content they share.
This book is beautiful and teaches us how to knit a sock tube confidently! They expand upon the normal "vanilla" sock situation that a sock tube usually provides us by adding in stitch designs and motifs. I LOVE the variety of these socks and think they are all beautiful. I was highly attracted to many of the ankle length socks because it's warming up and it seems to be all I want to wear.
I like how Safiyyah introduces us to a particular stitch motif and then provides several different sock patterns that use that motif.
The only thing I didn't like was the chosen method of closing the heels and toes; when I make my socks I will use the Kitchener method as I like the more squared off look and feel.
This is an amazing resource and I can't wait to cast on my first pair using this method!!!
As an avid (one at a time) sock knitter I often end up with single sock syndrome! This book introduced me to an new to me way to knit both socks at once. I've also been wanting to learn an afterthought heel and this book provided clear instructions. This book contains lots of tips and tricks that you can incorporate into your sock knitting. Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and the author for the opportunity to review an advance copy.
A unique twist on the concept of knitting two socks at one time, and one that feels less intimidating that other methods. The author characterizes this approach as a "choose-your-own-adventure" technique. I can envision applying the logic of this version of knitting two socks-in-one to any sock pattern.
The first sock starts at the cuff and works down to the heel. A lifeline is used as a placeholder to knit the heel later, and you continue on to knit the first foot. Another lifeline is placed to to separate Sock #1 from Sock #2. The leg of Sock#2 is knit next, followed by a heel life line, and moving on to finish the foot and the toe. The socks are separated and finished by picking up stitches to knit the heel and toe on Sock #1 and the heel and cuff on Sock #2.
The author provides context for her method by first explaining the anatomy of a traditionally knit sock, so that a first-time sock-knitter might be comfortable starting with this technique. She offers detailed information on yarns, needles, stitches, techniques and sizing, I'm looking forward to knitting my first pair of two-in-one socks! #NetGalley
Knit 2 Socks in 1 provides clear and complete instructions for your knitting adventure. Many sizes, patterns and yarn types are included. However some knitters may still feel intimidated with separating the socks.
A clear and easy to follow book for this popular technique. The instructions are concise and the patterns provided give a good variety of options to test it out.