I’ve just started knitting socks and would like your recommendations for a good, basic, reference/pattern book on socks. Thanks in advance.
I was just going to ask the same thing… great minds think a like…
LOL!!! I know that there are tons of information on the web but I really love to have a book in my hands…
I think Sensational Knitted Socks is one of the BEST sock books out there. I 
this book! There are lots of pattern options, and the sizing charts are great! The way the book is laid out is really neat–you find a pattern (they are based on 4 stitch, 6 stitch, etc. repeats), and then it tells you how many stitches to cast on for the size you’re making. It’s just a great book.
I got Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles to help me learn that technique and now am working my first sock from Sensational Knitted Socks–which came highly recommended.
Sensational Knitted Socks has good information on the basic “how to” of knitting socks, then how to customize your pattern, and quite a number of patterns with instructions for 4 dpns, 5 dpns, and 2 circulars.
Of course, it’s only my first sock, but I’m pleased with the possibilities from these two books.
Herrschners has “Sensational Socks” on sale for $14.97!!! :cheering:
I forgot to mention that my preference is using DPNs so these two books look very tempting! Thanks! 
my two favorites?
the already mentioned [B][U]Sensational Knitted socks[/U][/B]
[B]why?[/B] lots of variety. (of stitch patterns)
each sock has directions for 4 DPN’s, 5 DPN’s and 2 circs’ (2 circ and ML directions are virtualy identical)
[B]
What i don’t like?[/B] Occationally unclear directions (she explains philosophy of socks in early pages… if you don’t read an just jump in and make socks, some directions are hard to understand.
Second: [B][U]Knitting Vintage Socks[/U][/B].
[B]Why?[/B] lots of variety. opening chapter explains different types of heels, and give generic directions for 4 styles of Heels, and 6 styles of toes…
[B]what i don’t like:[/B] again–be sure and read opening chapter…
titles of socks remain unchanged (so its still “French Childs sock” but the pattern has been updated and its now an adult size sock!
there are other good sock books, but these two aren’t good… they are great.
I think that Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series) by Ann Budd is a great begginers book. It takes the time to explain each part of the sock and why you do each step. It also shows mistakes that are easy to make and how to fix them. The patterns in this book are from worsted weight to fingering weight yarn.
Another good one is “Knit socks.” It is a book shaped like a sock. All of the patterns are written for dpn’s.
I like Nancy Bush’s [U]Folk Socks[/U]. She has lots of really neat patterns, but she does give a basic pattern plus several different toe and heel shapings. There’s also advice about measuring and really general info about socks so that you can make whatever size you want. I wasn’t exactly a beginning knitter when I got this, but I find it easy enough to follow.
ITA 100%! I figured out Magic Loop from this book. I love that it has a basic sock pattern for different gauges.
I’m hoping to get the Sensational Knitted Socks as well.
For me the best sock book I have read is Queen Kahuna’s Crazy Toes and Heels - http://www.queenkahuna-creations.com/ .
I originally bought a regular top down on double points learn to knit socks book when I wanted to learn socks, but I must say I have gotten 100% more use out of Queen Kahuna’s book. Take a look at her site, and the book really is all that and more. I love it!
HTH
I’d go with the Sensational Knitted Socks crowd. There is a lot of good stuff in that book besides the patterns eg. a chart that converts shoe size to the length of foot and component parts.
I would recommend SKS but Getting Started Knitting Socks is really good for a complete beginner. It’s more basic but less scary so more accessible - but both are great books and SKS has more pattern options.
This is just my experience:
I bought “Getting Started Knitting Socks” and I started reading it, and nothing happened. Then I bought “New Pathways for Sock Knitters” by Cat Bordhi and I was inspired. It sounds like a book for people who are already knitting socks, but it’s not. It has great drawings and good explanations. There ARE SEVERAL TYPOS which could really confuse a beginner, like reverse directions for what to do if your gauge is off: it tells you to go up a needle size when you should go down, and vice versa. You can get all the errata from Cat Bordhi’s website. Other than that, I love the book, and I’m knitting my third sock.