Sock Architecture

This book offers valuable gems that help with sock making. I am a pretty new sock knitter - I've only made three pairs, and only toe up, using the magic loop method, so I'm pretty much a baby at this whole thing. I also learn things in an eclectic way, so I kind of have "special needs" in terms of getting the information I need to move forward. Still, I had (have) high hopes this book can get me making better-fitting socks. Doesn't hurt that the book is written with real charm, humor, and personality as well as obvious expertise.The book does have some proofing errors, though, such as "...that are worked top-down using with four needles." Those are trivial. But it also has other errors that make using it hard. Despite hours poring over the book, I am left with certain frustrations. I'm finding it more of a "read to enjoy and get new ideas from" book (similar to a great blog) or a "read to follow her program exactly" kind of book in sections, but not as helpful as a reference and tool book for an eclectic learner, if that makes sense.One problem I am encountering is with organization. It is structured similar to a blog, with no section really complete unto itself, and many interesting random thoughts interspersed throughout. That makes it a pleasure to read, but not so practical. As I read it, I want to go back to previous stuff I read, but I'm finding it hard to find the appropriate section and end up skimming through EVERYTHING, which is quite time-consuming. Sometimes finding where essential new information would be is counterintuitive; you can't just leap to the sections that you think apply to you. For example, infobits needed for toe-up socks are sometimes included in the top-down socks section only, such as what "X" means and important diagrams, so basically between the inconsistent layout and categories, it's not clear while reading each section what you'll need to know for general purposes versus what you'll need to know for the specific task discussed. This means you have to wade through parts that you don't want to read, and makes the book not as easy to use as a reference, and best used while you have the time to really sit down for a few hours and focus on the whole book.So it's not easily skimmable, because access to information seems to be structured more organically, the way it is online, where that wouldn't be a problem because you could just click on a link if you don't know what "C" is. In print, a writer would normally define C or show a lead to its definition each time it's introduced in a section that might be approached non-sequentially, but that's often not done where it's needed.I don't know if I'm making sense here. I'll try to give an example. Currently, I am knitting my own socks without a pattern and want to just fit them well to my feet. I don't at this point want to knit one of the patterns in the book, though they're lovely and I hope one day I will. Right now, I just want to find out how to find my sizes and calculate stitches needed for different sections of the socks, and the book seems to hold the promise that I can. I was disappointed there is no standalone section on how to "design your own" socks as implied on the cover, but if you read thoroughly, you'll get some great tips. The wonderful tidbit about the percentage smaller than the foot that the sock has to be is so valuable - no other sock book or knitting book I read included this percentage! And on page 12, there is a lovely form for My Foot Measurements which could help me. But there are problems with using this form.Now, I'm not a complete ignoramus with math, and I rather like algebra. However, I can't glean from the formulas, or any pages referenced here, how to figure out all the measurements I need. Specifically, the instructions say "For toe-up socks, measure A1 and calculate A3." That means we need to isolate the A3 variable in some kind of equation. But the only formula with A1, A2, A3, and A that I can find is A2=A-(A1+A3). A1 would be measured, so it's known and can be plugged into the formula. A2 is the stated unknown in the formula. A is actually known - it's got a definition included, so I can plug in the number for that. But A3, the book states explicitly, is to be calculated (even though it's got a definition) so it's also unknown. What I'm left with is a formula with two unknowns and no way to reduce one of those variables to a real number, and I'm told I should calculate, not measure the extra unknown. How? "How" may be obvious to some, or appear somewhere else in the book - no doubt it's there in a section I didn't read or I'm just missing it - but it certainly makes me feel not-too-bright to keep hunting for it futilely. Where is this information for someone who wants to do their own design?Basically, I think something like this should be presented more intuitively and explicitly, even if it means repetition. (Repetition is one dilemma online writers encounter frequently when translating their work to print. Online, repetition is practically verboten: we are taught to just use hyperlinks. In print, though, repetition is often necessary because print does not have the inherently recursive structure of hyperlinking.)Overall, the book is great, truly valuable in a sea of generalized knitting books, but I think it could use another draft and proofing. I truly don't regret buying it, though. Hope my fairly critical review doesn't offend other readers.

The book layout is hard to follow because it’s written in columns. The paper is cheap! For this much money I expected a bit more gloss. And finally, yes, it’s technical. I’m not afraid of calculating! But it’s poorly organized and makes a lot of assumptions. Sent it back. Not worth this much $$.

When I ordered this book, I did not really know what to expect. I had read rave upon rave on social media and as I was just finishing up a year dedicated to knitting socks, I thought I really ought to see what all the hype was about.I am the first to admit that I am not a 'numbers knitter' and I love to follow patterns that are straight-forward, but I do like to have command of structure in my knitting -- to know and understand how things are put together. After 20+ socks last year, I felt like I had a pretty good handle on this in socks.Where Sock Architecture excels is that it not only takes everything you already know about sock knitting and breaks it down into easy to access measurements, formulas, and patterns, it goes a step beyond. This book takes sock knitting to a new level -- approaching heels and toes and structure in completely innovate ways. Beginning with in-depth discussion & dissection of measurements, how different heels fit, and the basics of both toe-up and top-down socks -- these first 50pages are well worth their weight in reaching a true understanding of comprehensive sock basics. This may actually overwhelm a new sock knitter if taken in one sitting, but as a reference it would be invaluable. More seasoned sock knitters with an eye for detail and an interest in really knowing sock construction -- and all the possibilities therein -- will love this wealth of info.I am currently working the Bootstrap Sock and I can honestly say that there appears to be a lot of text with each pattern which can be daunting for some (I know some knitters like to get-in and get-out of patterns), but the patterns are very direct and clear. Even with the unique construction of the Bootstrap Sock, I had no trouble navigating and quickly memorizing the necessary instructions so I could just enjoy the knitting. There are 10unique sock designs, but 17 actual patterns as 7 of them include both toe-up and top-down patterns. This, I think, is an excellent teaching tool for really getting at the heart of sock construction. It should also be noted that each of these patterns comes with calculations for 5 different sizes as well as the formulas (and information on taking accurate measurements in the introduction) necessary for customizing each individual pattern. This makes this book very practical for knitting socks for all shapes & sizes of feet.Overall, while this is not a book everyone will want to read cover to cover, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a solid & comprehensive sock knitting resource book. A lot of patterns have bits and pieces of what this book contains, but never before have I found all this information in one place presented in a fashion that allows the full range of knitters to use it as a very practical resource. Whether you just want to try out the very innovative designs, you are interested in really dissecting sock construction, or you are seeking an all-inclusive customizing guide, Sock Architecture will be a welcome & frequently used addition to your knitting library.

I didn't find this book to be very helpful.

The book is wonderful. The only complaint I have is how it was packaged for shipping. This soft back big was tossed into poly mailer, so it got beat up in shipping.

I have been knitting socks since 2007 on and off. I'm often frustrated by sizing them. I have a small foot, narrow heel, and most patterns are written for larger sizes, few books really deal with custom sizing socks to fit the "not so average" foot. This book does it! Author really delves into details as how to custom fit socks. (Most patterns start with 56 cast on at a minimum, and pattern "repeats" don't configure into a smaller number. yes, I know about smaller needles, finer yarn, etc.) But, I love this book, it gives you ideas how to really custom fit. Best sock construction book I've ever seen.

I love this book! I have read and re-read it and currently use it as a reference source. If you want to learn how to knit the perfect sock that fits like a glove, this is the book to tell you how to do it.

Lots of good photos, in colour. This book is a bit technical, and includes some maths. There are spaces to write in a few of your own calculations if you want to alter sizings or design your own custom made socks. Or you can just pick a pattern and follow it. I have already found a discrepancy between a pattern and the sock in the photo. However, I do have enough experience of knitting socks to be able to alter it to the one in the photo. However, I think that would be confusing for any complete beginner.I do think that this is a good book for intermediate knitters or above who want to be able to understand more about knitting socks, extend their experience of different methods or design their own, or just to alter a pattern.Written by someone in America, Laura fortunately includes our European sizes in mm too for needles, so it is still usable by British knitters.

Patterns are perhaps a little same-ish but that is because this book focuses on structure rather than surface pattern or colour. Paper quality is not top rate. However, this is an excellent book to learn different contruction methods for heels, toes, cuffs, etc

I am an experienced knitter but totally new to sock knitting. This book photographs and describes in pattern detail every variation of the different heel and toe styles (which was just what I was looking for). She even includes a chart showing which of the 17 sock patterns included use which type of heel and toe variation. Brilliant! A "must have book" describing everything you're ever likely to need to know. Toe up, cuff down, it's all in there.

Absolutely love this book so much I brought the E book first , then just had to have the hard copy . If you have ever wanted to knit socks or you already do this is a must have book for your shelf I promise you , you will go back to it time and again.Lara has put a lot of thought in to this book the written patterns are Easy to understand there are so many variations to the sock and lara talks you through all of them it's is like she sat on the sofa knitting it with you the format is great , and if you do have the odd query get hold of her and she replies straight back at unlike some designers how refreshing is it to meet someone who will go that xtra so that you can progress with confidence . Lara gives you the information in a concise clear way for you to make a pair of socks that has the perfect fit for yours or a recipents feet. long toes ,high arches, round heels all categories covered . I can only say it is just the perfect book .

Some new ideas on heels and toes to mix and match. More of a thought provoking guide than a book of patterns, I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner, there's too many calculations involved, a book to dip in and out of for me.