7 Best Basic Sock Knitting Books

by Cheryl Moreo

Last Updated on July 2, 2022 by Cheryl Moreo

Sock knitting can be intimidating for many knitters, but I find it enjoyable and enchanting. The enchantment occurs when I reach the point of turning the heel.

In an effort to encourage more knitters to delve into the world of sock knitting, I have compiled a collection of my most beloved books on the subject. Rest assured, once you experience the satisfaction of crafting your own pair of socks, you’ll be captivated.

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My Favorite Go-to Sock Knitting Books

I initially intended to compile a list of my top seven sock knitting books. However, upon gathering my collection, I realized I owned a total of 30 books on the subject. Consequently, I have condensed the selection to include only the finest seven basic sock knitting books. Please note that these books are not ranked in any specific order.

Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting by Laura Chau

Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting By Laura Chau Is A Book For Those New To Sock Knitting. It Is A Step-By-Step Guide From Understanding Yarns, Working With Double-Point Needles, Using Two Circular Needles, Or One Long Circular Needle, And Troubleshooting Mistakes. The Knitting Techniques Are Clearly Explained With Pictures Showing Each Step. Learn To Knit Top-Down Socks, Flat Socks, Or Toe-Up Socks. Also Included Are Many Pattern Stitches For Socks.

There Is An Errata Sheet For This Book.

Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd

Ann Budd Is A Former Senior Editor of Interweave Knits And The Author Of Many Knitting Books. In This Book, Ann Takes You From Casting On Stitches For The Leg To Working The Kitchener Stitch At The Toe. Each Step Is Broken Down And Clearly Illustrated. This Book Has 16 Sock Patterns. She Provides Instruction On Knitting Socks In The Round Using Four Double-Pointed Needles, Five-Double Pointed Needles, One Very Short Circular Needle, Two Circular Needles, Or One Long Circular Needle.

There Is An Errata Zip File. Follow This Link, Go Down The List, Click On Books, And Then Find This Title And Click.

Easy Knitted Socks by Jeanette Trotman 

Easy Knitted Socks By Jeanette Trotman Has Felted Boots, Beaded Socks, Lacy Socks, Fair Isle Socks, Tubular Socks, Bobby Socks, Baby Bootees, Legwarmers, Slippers, And Stockings. All Techniques Are Explained Step-By-Step. There Are 20 Quick And Easy Projects For All Ages.

To-Up! by Chrissy Gardiner

To-Up! by Chrissy Gardiner has patterns and worksheets to enable you to get your sock knitting into shape.

“A Veritable Toe-Up Masterclass Complete With Helpful Worksheets, Well-Illustrated Technique Tutorials, And 15 Fresh And Varied Patterns From Someone Who Is Truly Passionate About Socks.”–

Clara Parkes, KnittersReview.Com, Author Of The Knitter’s Book Of Yarn And The Knitter’s Book Of Wool

You will be most fortunate if you can get your hands on Toe-Up!

Toe-Up 2 at a Time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes

In this book, Melissa Morgan-Oakes reveals The Secret of Knitting Two at Once on One Circular Needle Works for any Sock Pattern!

This book is Melissa Morgan-Oakes’ follow-up to knitting two socks at one time on one needle (top-down). She takes you through all the learning steps to knit two socks from the toe-up on one needle. There are 15 designs.

Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch 

Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch is a must-have book. The book helps you choose any yarn, gauge, stitch pattern, and size.

• There are nearly 1,000 variations.
• There are ten basic designs and loads of stitch patterns.
• You can use knitting needles sizes 2, 4, or 5.
• Choose your favorite method of sock knitting: 4 or 5 double points or two circular needles.
• Learn sock anatomy.
• Learn how to take foot measurements to find the proper size for your sock knitting.
• Find sock knitting techniques for top-down or toe-up with different heels.

Other Good Reads

Not a Sock Book, but a Good Knitting Book

Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot’s Bag of Knitting Tricks by the Yarn Harlot (Stephanie Pearl-McPhee) is a good read. Starting on page 131, you can find Sock Recipe: A Good, Plain Sock. I have met and chatted with Stephanie on several occasions. I even took a class on learning to hold the needles and knit as she does.

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Knitting Abbreviations and Their Meanings

After reading my blog post about knitting abbreviations and their meanings, you can subscribe to my newsletter to receive a password granting access to the Resource Library. You will find a printable version of the knitting abbreviations chart in the Resource Library.