Folk Socks

When I bought this book, I had never made a pair of socks. Now I've done dozens. The instructions in the front part of the book were just what I needed. Granted, I learn best from written instructions, but for those who are like me, I can't recommend a better book to start with. I found some of the charting a little hard to follow, but I chalk that up to inexperience. I have made several of the patterns included and have been pleased with all of them. I also like having options for other than one standard size. Knit till it is 2 1/2 inches from the length you want, then start the toe. That is my kind of instruction. This was particularly important because some of the people I knit for have very long feet. Knowing how long the toe was going to extend was wonderfu.I recommend this book for everyone from beginner to expert.

This book is really three books in one: A History of Socks, How to Knit a Sock, and Great Sock Patterns. I could knit (sort of) before this book, and I had made socks before but, truly, this book changed my life. I do Living History as a volunteer, and I use information from the history section all the time when I am talking to visitors to the event or museum. The How-To section was very clear and helped me to enhance my technical skills with respect to stockings, and knitting in general. The best part are the patterns. I focused on lace patterns, but all the patterns are beautiful, some more challenging than others. All skill levels are represented. One of the patterns I made because I thought it was very close to the kinds of stockings that would have been worn in the 1600's, and I sure was looking for something to keep my feet warm when I was doing Living History! And, indeed, I came to find out later, that pattern was almost exactly the pattern of stockings that came out of a bog burial, on the woman's feet, from early 1600's in northern England. So I started making these stockings for other Living History people. Then I started making changes to the designs and creating my own stockings. When I lost my job, I even kept food on the table for myself and my child for awhile (I don't recommend that path, however). So I have gone on to research other period stockings, and design them if there is no extant pattern. Of course, I have worn my "historical" stockings as much in modern times as I do in past times because they are comfortable and they keep my feet warm! The book is really a treasure.

After 25 years of knitting sweaters, this is the book that finally convinced me to try socks. The "basic sock pattern" is very clear and easy to follow, and provides several alternative ways to make heels and toes. The section on the history of socks describes the evolution of socks in different parts of the world. All of the other sock patterns in the book are based on socks found in museums and represent different cultures. This is a fabulous book for the knitter who is interested in traditional crafts from other cultures. I'm very happy I found this little book. Turning my first heel was the most exciting thing I've learned in knitting for years!

The title is misleading in a way; while the book really does have genuine folk designs (and lovely ones too, I might add) the real value of this book is the beginning pages. These pages catalog different sock heel and toe styles and tell you essentially how to design any kind of sock for yourself. If you want to knit socks, or if you love knitting socks, you really should have this book. For me, this is my most essential and most used reference book on sock and stocking knitting. Gottahaveit!

In the past few years there has been a world wide knitting explosion, with particular interest in socks -- as those of us trying to get ahold of some of the popular and out-of-stock yarns well know. Folk Socks: The History and Techniques of Handknitted Footwear, by Nancy Bush is without a doubt the book I would grab and clutch to my chest if I had to choose one sock book for the following reasons: (1) Bush does a more than adequate job of researching the history of knitting with emphasis on the evolution of footwear, (2) the photographs are all in gorgeous color, and (3) her instructions for knitting socks are excellent. She includes a basic sock with the option of trying several variations of heels and toes, and includes modern adaptions of traditional Old Worldy socks for the more adventurous. Plain color, multicolors, stripes, fingering weight, sport weight, etc. -- you are given a choice.The only criticism I have of the book is that a few of the patterns don't designate whether they are for a man or woman. If you are new to sock knitting, stick with the patterns that tell you the wearers' gender, and then try the "mystery" socks. Bush's "Folk Socks", and her second book "Estonian Socks" are instant classics and destined to become premier collectors items.