Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet

This book is a must-have reference tool for anyone who knits (or plans to knit) socks. It is a complete guide to sock knitting, and she's done the math FOR you. Kate details not only have to measure feet to get the perfect fit, but also how to make more than an educated guess about fit when you can't measure the feet you're knitting for! She provides formulas, tips and tricks to make sock knitting easy AND fun, and oh by the way here are some beautiful patterns as well! The book cover says 15+ patterns, but Kate's formulas and techniques for knitting any sock top-down or bottom-up really gives this book hundreds of patterns. The ribbed sock pattern does have an errata when switching to the heel-- the RS and WS instructions are reversed. Just stay in pattern and your socks will be perfect. This is my first pair of socks and my husband is dying to wear them!

Has a lot of useful charts and general sock knitting theory. Would have given 4 stars but found an error in the pattern for the Basic Ribbed Socks. This has lowered my confidence in the other patterns and will have to look them over very carefully. This would not be easy for beginner knitters.

I have very wide feet. I have had to alter every sock pattern I ever used. Being only an intermediate knitter at best, it was very hard for me to knit any socks since I had to alter and use a different pattern every time since none were the right size. Hundreds of dollars of yarn, thousands of hours of time and several books later, I finally found this book. It finally enabled me to knit a pair of socks that actually fit.Only wish I found this book earlier.

I'm going to go over some of the highlights of this amazing book, but if you're pressed for time, here's the TL;DR version: if you knit socks, you NEED this book. True to the title, this book gives you everything you need to knit socks that fit--whether you have "average" feet or unique feet, Kate gives you all the tools you need to create a great fitting sock, either from someone else's pattern or when creating your own. She starts with the basics--how socks are supposed to fit, and what parts of the foot you need to measure to size your socks. She talks you through the process of determining whether your feet are average--in which case most sock patterns should work for you with little to no adjustment--or unique, in which case you may need to make adjustments. Of course, she doesn't just leave you stranded there. No, she goes on to address some of the circumstances that might require pattern adjustments--slender ankles, shapely calves, high arches, even long toes!--and explains how to make those adjustments. Is it a lot of math? Yes. But it's worth it for socks that fit! Two of my favorite inclusions in the book are an extensive yarn requirements chart, where Kate indicates approximately how much yarn you'll need to knit socks sized 5"-10.5", at gauges from 4-9 sts per inch (finally, you'll know if you have enough yarn leftover for another pair!); and shoe size charts, where she provides approximate sock measurements for womens', mens' and childrens' shoe sizes (if you've ever tried to measure a child's foot, you'll know how valuable that is). But don't let the title fool you. This book isn't just about knitting socks that fit. It's about knitting great-looking socks that fit. In addition to the truly exhaustive information Kate provides about sizing, measurements and customization, this book is full of tips and tricks about how to make your socks look good. Those holes at the gusset? Kate tells you how to get rid of them. Blocking? Covered. Keeping your socks from wearing out? Check. Stretchy cast-ons and bind-offs? Yup. Avoiding or fixing those darn ladders? That's here too. And if that weren't enough, she's also included both top-down and toe-up plain vanilla sock patterns (that she talks you through adding your own stitch patterns to, I might add!), PLUS 12 original sock patterns! Even better, 5 of the patterns include instructions for working both top-down and toe-up, and several of the designs are unisex--something the knitting world is truly in need of. If you're a sock knitter, clear a space on your bookshelf and order this one right away!

I knit socks a lot. Generally toe-up, generally without a pattern, generally forget the specifics of how to turn a heel when I get there. This book offers varying heels, toes, and everything in between. If you want to knit socks without following someone else's pattern (and HOPE they fit) this is an excellent resource. It includes everything, including how to measure feet to make sure the socks will fit their intended recipient. I bought the Kindle edition because invariably when I get to the point in the sock I need a reference I am no where near where the physical book would be (and bookmarks are really easy and never fall out).

This book provides clear instructions with illustrations to help you take the measurements needed to know whether your feet are "standard" enough for common sock patterns to fit you. Now, you probably already know this based on socks you've already made, but the book goes further to diagnose exactly which part of your foot/leg is unique, and how to then modify patterns so that the resultant socks will fit perfectly. There are formulae provided so that anyone can do the calculations to create their own patterns, but for those who don't want to work out the math, there are also tables provided so that you can just look up the numbers you need. The top-down pattern included that I've tried has Dutch heels (I think they all do). I highly recommend this book for sock knitters.

I only discovered this book recently. And delayed on getting it because of its price. However, I have found it to be the absolute best books on knitting socks. I now wished I bought this book first, on the topic, instead of it being my 11th book on the topic. This is the only book you need to learn to make socks. Even the writing is infinitely better than any knit book, overall, that I own. And I owe so many that’s it is too embarrassing to disclose that number. The book is well worth the price.

Awesome book! I have a fit problem on my knitted socks with my high arch (instep). All my foot ratios are normal except for heel diagonal. This causes difficulty pulling handmade socks over the heel. Perfect easy solution in the book. I just finished my first pair of socks with this fix...what a huge joy!!! This is not a lazy person's book. It requires work, measurements, gauge, pen and paper, thought. Do the work, you will be rewarded with PERFECT socks.

This is an excellent book. There are charts which give stitch counts for babies to adults. Directions for measuring feet are clear. If the size you need is not on the chart easy formulas are included to make the right size. Patterns include top down and toe up directions. After mastering the basic sock more involved patterns and color work are introduced. Tips and tricks are included as well as great pictures of stitches and options. I love this book. I have been looking for something like this for awhile now, so I am super stoked about finding it!

I took a class from this author, Kate Atherley, and it was so good that I decided to purchase her sock book. She promised that knitting socks for a custom fit would not be too difficult. After going through the book and viewing all kinds of socks from Fair Isle, to lace, texture, and cables, I realized that I had a good chance of being able to knit most of these patterns. On the whole, they are lovely and instructions are provided for toe up and top down. I have a lot of sock yarn in my stash so I'm set to go.

This book is a must-have reference tool for anyone who knits (or plans to knit) socks. It is a complete guide to sock knitting, and she's done the math FOR you. Kate details not only have to measure feet to get the perfect fit, but also how to make more than an educated guess about fit when you can't measure the feet you're knitting for! She provides formulas, tips and tricks to make sock knitting easy AND fun, and oh by the way here are some beautiful patterns as well! The book cover says 15+ patterns, but Kate's formulas and techniques for knitting any sock top-down or bottom-up really gives this book hundreds of patterns. The ribbed sock pattern does have an errata when switching to the heel-- the RS and WS instructions are reversed. Just stay in pattern and your socks will be perfect. This is my first pair of socks and my husband is dying to wear them!

Has a lot of useful charts and general sock knitting theory. Would have given 4 stars but found an error in the pattern for the Basic Ribbed Socks. This has lowered my confidence in the other patterns and will have to look them over very carefully. This would not be easy for beginner knitters.

I have very wide feet. I have had to alter every sock pattern I ever used. Being only an intermediate knitter at best, it was very hard for me to knit any socks since I had to alter and use a different pattern every time since none were the right size. Hundreds of dollars of yarn, thousands of hours of time and several books later, I finally found this book. It finally enabled me to knit a pair of socks that actually fit.Only wish I found this book earlier.

I'm going to go over some of the highlights of this amazing book, but if you're pressed for time, here's the TL;DR version: if you knit socks, you NEED this book. True to the title, this book gives you everything you need to knit socks that fit--whether you have "average" feet or unique feet, Kate gives you all the tools you need to create a great fitting sock, either from someone else's pattern or when creating your own. She starts with the basics--how socks are supposed to fit, and what parts of the foot you need to measure to size your socks. She talks you through the process of determining whether your feet are average--in which case most sock patterns should work for you with little to no adjustment--or unique, in which case you may need to make adjustments. Of course, she doesn't just leave you stranded there. No, she goes on to address some of the circumstances that might require pattern adjustments--slender ankles, shapely calves, high arches, even long toes!--and explains how to make those adjustments. Is it a lot of math? Yes. But it's worth it for socks that fit! Two of my favorite inclusions in the book are an extensive yarn requirements chart, where Kate indicates approximately how much yarn you'll need to knit socks sized 5"-10.5", at gauges from 4-9 sts per inch (finally, you'll know if you have enough yarn leftover for another pair!); and shoe size charts, where she provides approximate sock measurements for womens', mens' and childrens' shoe sizes (if you've ever tried to measure a child's foot, you'll know how valuable that is). But don't let the title fool you. This book isn't just about knitting socks that fit. It's about knitting great-looking socks that fit. In addition to the truly exhaustive information Kate provides about sizing, measurements and customization, this book is full of tips and tricks about how to make your socks look good. Those holes at the gusset? Kate tells you how to get rid of them. Blocking? Covered. Keeping your socks from wearing out? Check. Stretchy cast-ons and bind-offs? Yup. Avoiding or fixing those darn ladders? That's here too. And if that weren't enough, she's also included both top-down and toe-up plain vanilla sock patterns (that she talks you through adding your own stitch patterns to, I might add!), PLUS 12 original sock patterns! Even better, 5 of the patterns include instructions for working both top-down and toe-up, and several of the designs are unisex--something the knitting world is truly in need of. If you're a sock knitter, clear a space on your bookshelf and order this one right away!

I knit socks a lot. Generally toe-up, generally without a pattern, generally forget the specifics of how to turn a heel when I get there. This book offers varying heels, toes, and everything in between. If you want to knit socks without following someone else's pattern (and HOPE they fit) this is an excellent resource. It includes everything, including how to measure feet to make sure the socks will fit their intended recipient. I bought the Kindle edition because invariably when I get to the point in the sock I need a reference I am no where near where the physical book would be (and bookmarks are really easy and never fall out).

This book provides clear instructions with illustrations to help you take the measurements needed to know whether your feet are "standard" enough for common sock patterns to fit you. Now, you probably already know this based on socks you've already made, but the book goes further to diagnose exactly which part of your foot/leg is unique, and how to then modify patterns so that the resultant socks will fit perfectly. There are formulae provided so that anyone can do the calculations to create their own patterns, but for those who don't want to work out the math, there are also tables provided so that you can just look up the numbers you need. The top-down pattern included that I've tried has Dutch heels (I think they all do). I highly recommend this book for sock knitters.

I only discovered this book recently. And delayed on getting it because of its price. However, I have found it to be the absolute best books on knitting socks. I now wished I bought this book first, on the topic, instead of it being my 11th book on the topic. This is the only book you need to learn to make socks. Even the writing is infinitely better than any knit book, overall, that I own. And I owe so many that’s it is too embarrassing to disclose that number. The book is well worth the price.

Awesome book! I have a fit problem on my knitted socks with my high arch (instep). All my foot ratios are normal except for heel diagonal. This causes difficulty pulling handmade socks over the heel. Perfect easy solution in the book. I just finished my first pair of socks with this fix...what a huge joy!!! This is not a lazy person's book. It requires work, measurements, gauge, pen and paper, thought. Do the work, you will be rewarded with PERFECT socks.

This is an excellent book. There are charts which give stitch counts for babies to adults. Directions for measuring feet are clear. If the size you need is not on the chart easy formulas are included to make the right size. Patterns include top down and toe up directions. After mastering the basic sock more involved patterns and color work are introduced. Tips and tricks are included as well as great pictures of stitches and options. I love this book. I have been looking for something like this for awhile now, so I am super stoked about finding it!

I took a class from this author, Kate Atherley, and it was so good that I decided to purchase her sock book. She promised that knitting socks for a custom fit would not be too difficult. After going through the book and viewing all kinds of socks from Fair Isle, to lace, texture, and cables, I realized that I had a good chance of being able to knit most of these patterns. On the whole, they are lovely and instructions are provided for toe up and top down. I have a lot of sock yarn in my stash so I'm set to go.

I love this book! I've bought lots (no, seriously, a LOT) of other sock books, and they've all been informative on some level, but still never felt quite comfortable enough to jump into making socks. This is the first book that actually explains and makes total sense to me! This book has really good explanations and breaks everything down step-by-step--from where exactly to measure to understanding how those measurements equate to your knitting. There are standard sizing charts for everyone--womens, mens, and kids--which can be used as a starting point and/or for comparison for adjustments (from overall fit, to length, to sock height). The book also has a variety of really nice looking sock patterns, and I love that there are directions for top- down and toe-up for every one of them! This is fantastic since I don't know which method I prefer yet! The only drawback that I could see for some people is that you do have to do some math calculations with this book (Atherly explains how to do the calculations really well though!). So if you aren't afraid to do a little math, I'd highly recommend this book!!

I had gotten this book from the library months ago, and there was so much information to get through that I couldn't manage to get through it all before it was due back (with many people waiting to check it out). So, I sought out a copy to own. I am very pleased with all the great information that really did teach me how to finally knit a pair of socks that fits my foot and stays put. If you like knitting, and you need to unlock the method of getting your handknit socks to fit your feet, this book teaches you how to do that either with the formula in the book for creating your own, the patterns in the book, or what to look for and what to adjust in other sock patterns you may come across.

Very comprehensive book. Gives me everything that I need to help me successfully knit socks. Wonderfully written Great photographs and charts. This is my go to sock book. I liked it so much that I gave a copy to a friend!

Takes the experienced beginner from start to finish without skipping anything. The math is wonderfully laid out, makes it crystal clear. Chart helps you find your sock’s heel, gusset, cuff, etc. measurements. Customizing socks takes you through foot measurements, options, math. Even gives a page for customizing socks for diabetics. I have six other sock books and this is the best. Toe-up patterns and math fully provided for, finally!

I bought this book because I was interested in developing some more in depth sock knitting skills. I have been knitting socks for years, but they are all pretty much the same construction. I found this book on ravelry, and as the kindle version wasn't expensive I decided to buy it. You can't open the page up to see a grid and skip to where you would like. You can't expand the illustrations to see them better. I've put in a whole day of reading and so far have not seen a sock pattern. I'm also very skeptical about the ratios involved in the measurements. There are also probably more measurements than necessary. I might feel better when I actually see a sock pattern, but so far I'm unhappy.

This book is well organized and clearly written. There is a lot of knowledge here from someone with experience and she shares plenty of tips and tricks thoughout. All of the patterns are attractive and I would knit any one. (Not something I can say about many knitting books.) Kate has included a 'design case study' with each of her patterns and these are one of my favorite features. Also there are formulas for top down or bottom up socks, based on whatever guage how to incorporate different types of stitches. A+

I first experienced this book as a check-out from our library. I decided I wanted my own copy for reference. There is a wealth of information on yarns, needles, basic sock construction, sizing, toe-up or toe-down styles. There are some master patterns and charts designed for varied yarn and need gauges. Allows one to craft their own specific sock styles. There are also some patterns for special designs.

This book was recommended to me by a Ravelry member, to help overcome issues with getting hand knit socks to fit. It was everything she said and then some! Instructions are very clear. Includes lots of photos and several patterns. I highly recommend this book.

Learning to knit socks, which are pretty technical. The fit is important, so a plain pattern book is not going to work in many cases. This book helps to make sense of sock fit and provides information that you can apply when you need to alter patterns or make up your own. A well made sock not only fits better, it will wear much longer.

I do like the chart information in the book that gives you the information to knit any size sock in any weight yarn once you know your stitches per inch in that yarn. It would be easier to read in a larger, black font.

I have problem feet and know plenty of people who do. This has been one of the most helpful books regarding sock fitting I ever used and though I hate math, the end-result was truly worth it.

Feet come in all shapes and sizes and this book uncovers the mysteries of measuring before knitting. There are relationships between circumference and length as well as ankles and calves and many other ways a person's feet can fall outside the normal range. Once you know your measurements and your knitting gauge, you can adjust your stitches to produce amazingly well fitting custom socks.

Finally, socks that fit perfectly. The author takes the fear our of doing the math to achieve that goal. Wish I had purchased this book sooner. Would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to knit socks for feet that are not "average."

Everything you could want to know for knitting socks written in such a way as to be understandable and useable by a novice knitter - thank you for this fabulous book

Fantastic book for anyone looking to take their sock knitting to the next level! More than just a collection of patterns, this book explains how to determine what adjustments to make to customize your socks to the wearer's feet and then gives detailed descriptions of the techniques used.

Excellent reference and resource book, love it, highly recommended! Wish there were a hardcover spiral version.

Knitting Socks is such a challenge and scary thing, but this books makes it seem easy and comfortable.

Amazing book that helps you get the exact fit. Clear directions on sock construction and a math friendly way to know exactly number of stitches to cast on to ensure a good fitting sock.

This is a really great book!! It explains how to measure your feet, what measurements are important & has tons of tables for common measurements, yarn amounts needed, and more! Finally you can knit amazing socks that actually fit correctly!! LOVE THIS BOOK!!

I purchased this book so I could knit socks for my family without having to ask them to trace their foot, or make extensive measurements. But it seems like the charts don't really correspond well. example: I wear a size 7.5 shoe, but according to the calcs, I'm a size 4.5 shoe size... So, good book, but didn't meet my needs.

I initially bought the Kindle edition of this book. But the book has so many internal cross references that getting from place to place on Kindle was cumbersome. I quickly bought the hard copy and am so glad I did. An excellent reference book that I expect to turn to time and again.

Lots of information on calculating the perfect fit. I was sort of using some of this before I bought this book, but now I can fine tune my method. Well worth the purchase.

This book is very detailed in the how and why of construction in socks. When I am ready to make my socks I will refer to this book.

Just what I needed to advance my skills as a sock knitter

Really great resource book with many pages of avg measurements for all kinds of socks plus many great patterns that go into great detail on how to knit and customize them!

Far more info than I imagined. I look forward to exploring this book and learning new skills.

Partner loves this book. It takes some thinking to apply the info to your socks, but it's well worth the effort.

Excellent book, well written and illustrated. Gives very good instruction. Recommended.

Very well written. Clear and simple. I own several sock customization and how-to books on knitting socks and this is my favorite.

Requirement for any knitter desiring expertise in knitter well fitted socks!

Details carefully explained when you want to go beyond knitting a basic sock that fits perfect.. Good diagrams and patterns.

Finally, I’ll have socks that I won’t be darning all the time because they’re too loose here and there. Lots of great explanations about fit. Thanks!

If you plan to knit from the book, I recommend that you get the hard copy instead of the Kindle edition. It is difficult to go back and forth and keep the kind of notes you need on the Kindle. I think the book is probably good, but I am having trouble getting all the details.

One of the most comprehensive, easy to understand sock knitting technique books available Anyone should be able to knit well-fitting socks using this book. I highly recommend it.

Item arrived damaged, but contents of the book are exactly what I wanted

I love this book! I’ve made multiple pairs of custom socks because of this book and they fit!

A lot of maths but necessary !

This book helped me in figuring out the sizes for the socks I was making and designing. These will be Xmas gifts.

I can't wait to jump into this book for some really great socks to knit.

great book. so glad i found it.

I learned something new that I never thought about it. Definitely worth your money to learn.

The book is very detailed and complete. However you need a mathematical degree to comprehend the specifics of the theory. A lot of information.

A good book for learning how to knit socks.

Interesting

Fitting details are excellent.

This will be a great help with my first pair of socks. Thanks

good book on socks!

A must-read for anyone serious about knitting a well-fitted pair of socks.

Perfect, made the knitter in the family smile!

Great! It has all the tables with all measurments.

I got this book to learn how knit socks that will fit, just starting to learn, great info in every chapter, so happy with it.

I really like all the sock knitting information in this book and I already have a lot of sock books. If you are into sock knitting, I think this is a "must have."

The book is better than the ipad version!

Great book if your looking for detail which I'm sure you would be.

Having gotten my hands on Kate Atherley’s newest knitting book, Custom Socks, I’m happy to report back for anyone who is on the fence about buying a copy! But first, some background on me and full disclosure time: I have been knitting for over a decade and co-authored Anticraft: Knitting, Stitching, and Beading for the Slightly Sinister, published by F+W in 2007. I have also worked with Atherley in the past on personal branding and various graphic design projects. Custom Socks is published by Interweave, which is now owned by F+W. Atherley’s bio will tell you that she’s in a unique position as a knitter, having a degree in mathematics as well as fashion design, and also having worked in the tech industry “translating” between the nerdy coders and the muggles. She’s not just boasting here; her experience is pivotal to her ability to accurately connect between written pattern and finished object, and how to manipulate the pattern to affect that object. I remember when I first began knitting and finally felt adventurous enough to modify a pattern to fit me better… and I also remember how dismayed I was when I realized that I had, yet again, picked a hobby that involves a f***ton of math. Custom Socks is written for every knitter that has had that realization and experienced that dismay. Some of us just aren’t good at math, and that’s ok. That doesn’t mean we’re not good knitters, and it doesn’t mean we’re not good people, it just means that we’re not good at math. Or maybe some of us are okay at math, but overwhelmed by what seems like an insurmountable amount of math needed to design custom piece. Custom Socks is geared to help. Not only does Atherley explain, in detail and with diagrams, how socks are constructed; what the purpose of each section of a sock is; how best to make it fit your foot; and, yes, both from a toe-up and top-down method, she has done the math for you. Let me repeat: SHE HAS DONE THE F***ING MATH FOR YOU. You can’t help but notice the tables when flipping through Custom Socks. Tables upon tables upon tables, extrapolating data from hundreds of foot measurements (gathered by Atherley over the course of many years from volunteers of all shapes and sizes) into your own personal number of cast on stitches, gusset sizes, leg circumferences, and more. These tables essentially turn her toe-up and top-down simple sock patterns into plug-and-play bespoke sock patterns: take your own measurements and follow the instructions. That’s it. Really. No, really! And lest those knitters with math prowess (you lucky b******s) think there’s nothing in this book for them, Atherley’s in-depth technique explorations on making gussets, casting on and binding off, knitting fabric that is hard-wearing, and spicing up her basic sock recipes with texture and colorwork make this book a must-read. In addition to the two simple sock patterns, there are eleven case studies in making socks with varying degrees of complexity that will satisfy knitters ready to take their sock designing to the next level. What knitting skills are needed to truly make Custom Socks a worthwhile purchase? If you can knit, purl, increase, decrease, and knit in the round with your method of choice (DPNs, magic loop, etc.), you can make custom socks. Now go forth and knit!

Great book for sock knitters

Very good instructions on how to measure your feet for the socks.

Well organized and thorough.

I like this book. I appreciate all of the sizing information. I have made a few pair of the ribbed socks and a pair of the "secrets and lies" pattern. Much better than the free pattern on the sock yarn. I like that there are complicated patterns and simpler ones too. Nice variety.

Great book with lots of detail and info. She definitely holds your hand all the way through this one.

Has some great patterns and good for people new to knitting socks. Great size charts!!! I have small feet so this is a life saver even if you just use it as a reference tool. Great buy!

I don't know, I've read glowing reviews about this book... I wonder if they actually read it. I have a degree in science and I can't seem to understand it. The only help I got out of the whole thing was to knit your socks a half an inch shorter than your actual foot length. Yes ,there are a lot of sizing charts but no info on what to do with them. It's confusing

This Book is FANTASTIC!!!. Everything you want or Need to know about socks and how to make them

Full of really useful and important information about knitting socks.

Great information to customize socks!

Great for making socks that fit!

This is a great book, very informative and useful. Nice patterns too.

Love this!

Very easy to follow instructions!

Must have for sock making.

I like it.

Great! So much helpful information to customize socks!

This Is one of my favorite sock knitting books. Several Beautiful sock patterns of different skill levels.

more than met my expectations. I never knew there was such detail in knitting a pair of sox that really fit! It's nice to do things right!

Quite helpful! Now all I have to do is the MATH.

Birthday gift for my mom. She loves it.

I am a sucker for a gorgeous skein of sock yarn. You see, it's a bit like a puppy: if I pet it, it has to come home with me. So because of this affliction, I have a lot of sock knitting books. I really like them, and this book makes me want to get rid of them all. I've always suffered with the issue of socks not fitting me properly, and I never quite knew why. I blamed my "cankles" or my big toe, or my lack of arches. I also blamed the fact that I just must be knitting the pattern wrong, or I was a bit vague on gauge, or I was just a tight knitter. It never dawned on me that I wasn't "average" or that there was a way to actually make my socks fit properly. I just stretched the heck out of them on my sock blockers later. (Which by the way, is never the answer.) This book is a must have for ANYONE that knits socks (or is afraid to knit socks.) Whether you have grand plans to become a designer one day (a dream of mine) or if you just want the socks to not cut the circulation off in your calf. The charts (oh the charts!) make it all seem EASY. After reading this I thought, hold on I can actually design custom socks, that fit, for ME. It does what is says on the tin. The wording is easily understood, the charts are well organized, the patterns are beautiful, and it all just makes sense. You will not be disappointed with this book, or your new custom socks.

This book is eerythi This book is everything I hoped it would be.if you are a true knitter . BUY IT!!

This was recommended to me, and I'm an engineer, so I was intrigued by the math and ratios and adjusting my sock patterns for my foot. But did no math-minded person check the writing? On one page it says that foot length (L) is about 5 to 10 percent larger than foot circumference (C), and shows the equation L = C x 1.05 (this is correct). Then on another page she says C = L x 1.05, this is wrong, and I stopped checking the math and sadly, lost faith in the resulting recommendations for adjustments. The book shows extensive tables for estimating foot measurements by shoe size, and this was so incorrect to my specific measurements that I again lost faith in the data in this book.

great book, with lots of practical information that I probably always knew but hadn't taken on board. Highly recommended

Very helpful to design custom socks.

I Gave It a "3" but I'm not really raving about it. The main problem is that the print is way too SMALL. I must admit though that I went through it quickly. I will go back through it and depending on this second review I will come back and amend this review.

A book worth owning. Now if I can only find the time to knit!

I really like the chapters on sock sizing and adjustments for "non-average feet". Patterns are interesting to knit, with both toe-up and top-down versions included for each pattern. Started knitting the "Man of Aran" sock, but found errors in the stitch guide for 2/1RCInc & 2/1LCInc. It should be written as: 2/1RC inc: slip 2 stitches onto cn and hold in back of work, k1f&b, then k2 from cn 2/1LC inc: slip 2 stitches onto cn and hold in front of work, k1f&b, then k2 from cn I had a difficult time finding the errata for this book on the publisher’s website. Once I found it, the issue above wasn’t included.

This is an extremely detailed guide to taking a sock pattern (or building a sock pattern) and making it actually fit. Not just for the first four hours of the day but for the whole time you’ll wear them. It teaches you the anatomy of a sock, how to measure, how to the math required to adjust the stitches, and so on. It is filled with details, hints, graphs and charts, how to add stitch patterns to a pre-existing pattern, how to make the heel more dense, etc. And of course it has great patterns with beautiful pictures. All the patterns are unique and beautiful. My only complaint is the yarn weight in the projects. although all are made with Superfine yarn, which I won’t even pick up let alone actually use. I would have liked to see some patterns with something besides laceweight yarn, on needles larger than a size 2.

This book is extremely detailed. You learn a lot about the construction of socks, what sizes mean, what yarns are used, the variety of needles to use, and so on. Basically if it involves a sock at all, ever, it's in here. It's pretty easy to read....well as easy as any pattern type book is. The patterns are for nice looking socks and there's a good variety. It also shows two ways of doing the sock(toe up or top down) depending on your preference. Bottom line: a must have for new or relatively new knitters. Even more experienced knitters can probably find some new idea in here. It has quite a few patterns as well that look nice when completed.

I like the first one I ordered but then by mistake ordered 3 more and have returned them for credit

Custom Socks is one of the only sock books that will satisfy new and experienced knitters equally. Atherley offers thorough foundational explanations, easy-to-use sizing charts for basic top-down and toe-up socks that cover a vast range of sizes, and then shows all the steps she used to derive those charts so that you can work out a nearly infinite range of sizes! If that isn’t enough, there are a dozen beautiful patterned socks (some lace, some cabled, some colourwork - a tasty range and assortment of challenges) most of which are given in both top-down and toe-up instructions to keep your needles busy. For new sock knitters, Custom Socks contains the best sock anatomy explanation I’ve seen - what the parts of a sock are, how they’re worked and *why* they’re made that way. Every step of the sock is explained clearly for both top-down and toe-up construction. Sidebar notes offer the kind of pitfall-avoidance advice that we used to get from a family member who would sit beside us while we learned. For everyday sock knitters, Custom Socks offers one-stop answers. Based on surveys Atherley conducted using hundreds of real feet, the tables here for the basic socks work in a variety of yarn gauges and cover all of the average sock sizes you’re likely to need. With so many choices in beautiful sock yarns, these two basic patterns alone could help you make a lifetime of gorgeous, well-fitted socks. For agile sock knitters, Custom Socks ups the ante with a dozen really lovely patterns that are thoroughly explained and sized. In addition, the chapter “On Adding Stitch Patterns” gives you all the tools you need to get creative and add your own pattern stitches, cables, lace or colourwork. For non-average sock knitters, overlooked by nearly all other sock volumes, Custom Socks is salvation. The chapter “On Adjustments for Non-Average Feet” lays out methods to accommodate feet and legs that don’t conform to the “rules”. Legs more slender or more shapely than average, toes more blunt or more pointy, arches much higher or lower, feet that don’t mirror each other, feet and legs on the same body that need different sizes - Atherley offers solutions to get socks on all the variety of the human form. My favourite part (in addition, of course, to the spectacularly useful sizing/gauge charts) is the Design Case Study that accompanies each of the dozen sock patterns. The case study gives insight into Atherley’s design process, but more importantly she shares the method and calculations she did to make the patterns work out evenly and make the sizing make sense. As someone who would like to design socks, walking this mile in Atherley’s socks is really helpful. Custom Socks was produced as a result of Kate Atherley’s singular skill set. With a degree in mathematics and a previous career in the technology industry, Kate pursued her knitting passions and is now knitty.com’s Managing Technical Editor (where she has edited hundreds of pairs of socks) and a freelance technical editor. Kate is a renowned teacher who appears regularly in Canada and the US and occasionally Internationally. Her first two books, Beyond Knit and Purl and Knit Accessories: Essentials and Variations, offered foundational skills and a wide range of accessory patterns and design assistance. Her third book, Pattern Writing for Knit Designers, is aimed at an industry audience of designers at all levels, to help them write knitting patterns with clarity and reliability. Custom Socks represents a synthesis of all that Atherley has done before: clear instructions grounded in solid explanation, tricky maneuvers and mathematics made straightforward, inspirational designs made achievable.

This books is A-MA-ZING, absolutely fantastic. Using Kate's "formula" I've knit my best fitting pair of socks ever ON THE FIRST TRY, no frogging/re-knitting so many times that I should have three socks rather than a part of one. If you're going to purchase one sock knitting book make it this one. Kate is a sock knitting genius, the foot survey she conducted is brilliant and she's very, very good at making her information clear and understandable. Quite possibly the best knitting book I own period. BUY IT!

This isn't just a book of sock patterns. This is an absolutely thorough guide on knitting socks that you'll actually love to wear! Kate Atherley takes you through every step of the process, from selecting the right yarn, to the needles that will work for you and how to use them, and a multitude of techniques. Even if you've been knitting socks for years this book is a must have for your knitting library, especially if you're wanting to start customizing sock patterns. If you're a beginner who has never knit a sock before, don't worry! The information in this book will help you, not overwhelm you.

I have not knit anything from this book or any socks at all for that matter, but I love how fully and clearly everything is explained. I think this is the only sock book I will ever need! I want to make some "plain" socks with pretty yarn and the Valencia socks.

Too bad. Wanted to like this book but too many errors. Who edits these things?

The book is well organized and thorough. The method is less complicated than the many words of the author suggest, however, I learn by photos and a few short descriptions. Most folks will enjoy the additional explanation given by the author.

Love this book! I've got very thin ankles and have never managed to make a pair of socks that didn't slouch at least a little bit. Now, I don't. Also used it to figure out how to make socks for my daughter-in-law; a woman who bikes a hundred kilometers for fun and has the thick calves to prove it. Now I wonder how I ever did without this book for all my life!!

The best sock book I've found. Indispensable for beginners as well as advanced knitters. This is one you will reference over and over.

Good book.

I LOVE this book, a wonderful resource for sock knitters, with the helpful charts to make socks that fit! I posted a review (video) on my blog: http://knittwhisperer.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-custom-socks-by-kate.html

I just took a Sock Knitting for Absolute Beginners workshop from Kate at Knit City Vancouver. Read about the experience on my blog at[...] "If Hogwort's had a Knitting Teacher".

Love this book. Kate makes socks so accessible! My husband has feet that are literally off the charts with their unusual shape. This book has given me the tools I need to make socks that actually fit his feet! Not to mention the formula to knit my kids simple (and quick) socks to go with crazy fun self-striping yarn.

I think this is my new favourite knitting book! I am one of those people who can’t bear watching online knitting video tutorials. Do you know what I mean? When you’re sitting jealously waiting for the video knitter to get to the bloody point but they are too busy knitgasaming out over finishing their row and all you want is to be knitting yourself? I can’t bear it. That is hell for me. If I die and don’t go to heaven, Beelzebub will have knitting video tutorials on loop and no needles and yarn for me in sight. Torture! Anyway now you understand my feelings on the subject you might be able to grasp just how much the discovery of this book means to me. It is well laid out, has so much detail and has easily accessible information on every aspect of knitting a sock. Hell, I am now even able to knit my King Kong footed other half a pair of lovely soft socks thanks to this gem. I am also finally able to live my dream of knitting a sock toe up! Yes, buy this and you will definitely be in sock heaven! Perfection

I've tried knitting socks but they always came out far too baggy. I was going to give up until I found this brilliant book. There's a lot of theory involved but once you've worked your way through it and taken your measurements (yes, I'm afraid you might need to do some maths but it is worth it!) you start off with a basic pair of socks (in either top down or toe up) using the tables of numbers provided along with your own figures. It sounds complicated but it really is very easy because Kate has taken a lot of time to get this absolutely spot on so all you have to do is follow the easy instructions. The socks themselves are then so easy to make. I have to admit that I am very surprised at just how easy they were to make. Once you've got the hang of the basic pattern there are loads of different styles of socks ranging from 'straightforward' to 'needs a bit of thought'. I can't wait to try more of these patterns....I am well and truly hooked.

I rarely (never!) write reviews but I feel that I have to make the effort to review this book. It is brilliant! I have just finished knitting my first sock using the instructions within this book and it does indeed fit perfectly. The book is clearly written, methodical and practical. Whether you are a beginner sock knitter or an experienced one who wants to know how to make their socks fit better, this book covers everything. I highly recommend this book.

I have knitted several pairs of socks before and none have come out right... (Lots of relatives with baggy house socks...) After reading this book I will never not check my tension ever again and I now know how to correctly measure feet against patterns!!

Devoured this book in one sitting. It makes the mathematics behind sock sizing clear and I was able to skip through quickly. I chose this book as it had both Judy's magic cast-on and Jenny's surprisingly stretch hand-off in the same tome. My main regret is that I purchased the kindle version. The author has kindly left spaces in the book to add your own measurements, a useful addition I was unable to access in the manner originally intended.

am a kniter now 70 started when 5 and love knitting socks. I have read this book learned a great deal am impressed ( it takes a lot to impress me) will be winter sock knitting later in year a good buy

I have lots of books on knitting socks but this one is the best! All the mathematics needed to calculate the number of stitches and rows for the perfectly fitting pair of socks is done for you. Spot on every time!!

I was excited to know I can knit socks that will fit me. Haven’t started yet as I’ve been knitting for family & myself. Now that winter is over I can knit some socks, at last!

Great reference book for sock knitting. Gives all the numbers to enable you to create socks that really fit using all weights of yarn. Nice patterns too. Very pleased with this book.

This book is excellent and a must for every new sock knitter. It is a superb reference book but also has socks to knit in it.. Helps you master techniques.

Lovely patterns and look forward to starting to knit some.

Best sock book that I have found, detailed instructions for both toe-up and toe-down socks. Great selection of patterns too.

Excellent, clear instructions and a range of sock designs to suit different levels of experience/ability.

Now they all fit first time, no more waiting to check against my hubbies smelly feet :-)

Lovely book have knitted socks that fit very pleased

Brilliant book and good service.

Fantastic book, full of technical details but all makes sense!

This book is fantastic. It's the only sock knitting "how to" book you will ever need. And it contains some great sock patterns. It is well illustrated and perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike. I would recommend this book to anyone who has the desire to knit socks that fit perfectly!

I have knit dozens of socks but Kate's Custom Socks book really gave me the confidence, and know-how, to customize socks to fit my (and my family's) feet. Her instructions are clear and easy-to-follow and I've finally knit socks that fit me properly. She demonstrates multiple styles of toe-boxes, heels, and includes illustrations for all those fiddling stitches you only use once in a while and where a picture speaks a thousand words. It's definitely my go-to book and I keep it on hand whenever I'm knitting socks.

The sock knitting book to rule all sock knitting books! Bought this for myself and then for my mom as she is forever struggling to get the right fit for socks!

I love this book. It is my go to book for making custom socks. All the questions I had before I picked up this book were all answered. I highly recommend !!

applied mathematics a bit daunting at first. Need to read the directions very carefully to create perfectly fitting socks.

Great book for socks knitters of all levels - includes both top down and toe up patterns and explains how to calculate to ensure socks fit. Very well done.

have yet to use it but looking forward to hand knit socks that fit

A very nice book really helpful to especially for a new sock knitter, nice to know how to get proper measurements, and better fitting socks. Really enjoying my book

Excellent book to have in your library.

Eu não quero no Kindle e não consigo cancelar. Fiz o a pedido do livro físico é duplicou. Não sei como cancelar o Kindle, me ajudem por favor.

Good reference

Great book.

Very well writing and easy to follow

Lots of info, well presented! If you want to make well fitting socks, this is most helpful.

excellent book have been browsing through often

Great book! Mystery of making custom socks revealed.

Takes the guess work out of sizing but is a bit overwhelming

Excellent book

Explained in detail

Awesome addition to my sock knitting book collection.

Wonderful book easy to follow. I have knit two pairs of perfectly fitted socks already. Makes me feel like a knitting pro!