Book review: Knitting Brioche-Stitch Socks
Posted by Underground Crafter on May 17, 2012 | Short Link
I’m reviewing Knitting Brioche-Stitch Socks: 14 Easy Patterns for Tube Socks
If you’ve been wanting to try out the brioche stitch, or wanting to make socks without dealing with heel shaping, (or both) then this is the book for you!
Summary: A short and sweet booklet (48 pages) focused on making tube socks in the round using 5 double pointed needles with the brioche stitch.
What I like about this book:
- If you are a brioche stitch newbie, you can learn about how to form the stitch through a four-page section which includes step-by-step photos and instructions. If you are familiar with brioche stitch, you can follow the pattern for the basic and half brioche stitch. (I used the photos and was brioche stitching in no time!)
- Barbara includes pictures about how to arrange your stitches on the double pointed needles, which would definitely be help if you haven’t had a lot of experience with DPNs.
- Even though all of the patterns are for tube socks, there is actually quite a bit of variety. I’ll admit that I was skeptical about how knit tube socks would look, but there is photography from a variety of angles, so I feel confident that socks knit with this technique would actually look great.
- The book is very portable, since it measures 9″ x 6″, and is perfect for knitting on the go.
- There’s a wonderful sock sizing chart in the back of the book which tells you how many stitches to cast on for different yarn weights and sizes, how many stitches to keep on each needle, and how to shape the socks.
What I don’t like about the book, or what’s missing:
- The very same sock sizing chart doesn’t mention gauge at all. (Tip: Barbara uses the same yarns in the book’s patterns, so you can just cross reference her gauge to get started.)
- The book is entirely focused on using DPNs. Of course, you could adapt the patterns to be knit in the round using other methods, but that wouldn’t be clear to a beginner.
- The paperback binding doesn’t allow the booklet to lay flat so you can knit and read at the same time. However, there are cover flaps, so at least you can hold your place when you put the book down.
Overall rating:
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I think it is ideal, as I mentioned, for someone who wants to learn the brioche stitch or a newbie to sock knitting. If you are very familiar with the brioche stitch or having been making socks for a while, this book is probably too simple for your needs.
I usually host a giveaway of my review copy, but I’m actually planning to keep this since it may inspire me to knit my first ever pair of socks painlessly.
I’ll have to get this book for myself. My father has been hinting that he would like some socks. Which I read as, “Opal, can you please make me some?” He never asks, he just drops hints. He did the same with the crocheted slippers I made for him.
I remember knitting a few pairs of socks but that was years ago. I must say, recently I’ve seen so many lovely knitted socks online that I’ve been wanting to knit some. I’m trying to hold off until the end of summer. I want to give myself enough time with my “new craft” crochet.
Which I’m loving by the way, so many sites, such as yours keep me inspired, and I’m having so much fun!
Perhaps I’ll sneak equal crochet and knitting time in, when I’m away on vacation this July.
Equal time is good, Opal – for me, it also cuts down on hand strain. I also recommend Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks, which I’ve reviewed here: http://undergroundcrafter.com/blog/2011/10/11/must-have-beginner-knitting-books-and-video/
I guess I’m just going to need to learn how to knit! Unless of course you’ve know of a crochet sock book you could recommend? I’m sure they’re out there, but socks and knitting seem to go together – like knitting and Fair Isle. It might be that the universe is trying to tell me something!
I Can’t Believe I’m Crocheting Socks is a great crochet sock book. There’s nine crochet sock patterns.
In that book, there are two sock patterns I want to try, but it’ll have to wait a few months since I’m not making socks until end July or August.
I have both of Kim Kotary’s crochet sock books, Robin, and I highly recommend them. I’ve heard good things about Karen Ratto-Whooley’s crochet sock book, but I’ve never read it myself.
Brioche socks…..I think I might be nervous of a tube falling down or being uncomfy (gosh, is that even a real word?) but I just followed your other link, and I definitely want that toe up, two at a time sock book….it’s mine….or it will be when I seek it out!
Your post, as always is very informative, I found that stuff about the muskox fascinating, you don’t realise what other people are up to, well until someone like you reviews it!
Thanks, Faith! I had never heard of the muskox or qiviut until I saw the table at Vogue Knitting Live, so I’m happy to share!
This one looks like a winner. Learning to knit brioche stitch has been on my to do list for a while. It is amazing how this technique makes different color combinations stand out so beautifully. I happen to love tube socks because they were my first in the round project.
Cool, that’s good to know, autumngeisha.