Loom Knitting Socks by Isela Phelps – Review

A No-Needle Approach to Sock Making for Loom Knitters

Sep 27, 2009

Loom Knitting Socks by Isela Phelps introduces loom knitters to the wonderful world of sock knitting. Use a few techniques to turn a tube of knitting into exciting socks.

Sock knitting is hot right now and the book, Loom Knitting Socks by Isela Phelps and published by Search Press, will help to ensure that loom knitters won't miss out on this exciting trend.

Sock Knitting

There are many reasons why knitters knit socks. Not only is it a great way to own totally unique socks that are quite unlike anything that can be bought in a store, but sock knitting offers the perfect opportunity to learn and develop new skills. Sock knitting can be more challenging than knitting scarves or hats, yet is not so time consuming (or costly) as knitting a sweater.

As Isela Phelps explains in Loom Knitting Socks, her latest loom knitting book, socks are a perfect project for working on a knitting loom. A wide variety of socks can be produced from plain and simple socks through to creating socks with texture and pattern. Knitting looms are similar to a large knitting nancy and are therefore ideal for producing tubes of knitting. Isela Phelps explains in Loom Knitting Socks, how simple shaping techniques can be used to turn this simple tube into a fitted sock with a turned heal. The clear description of the anatomy of a sock and basic sock making techniques removes some of the mystique from sock making and helps to make the creation of socks accessible to even complete beginners.

50 projects are included in Loom Knitting Socks. These range from baby booties through to sports socks as well as beaded or lace socks. The projects are also broken down into four levels, with level one being the easiest and level four being the most challenging. The socks projects are split into seven categories - Simple, Textured, Colourwork, Fancy, Lace, Footsies and Kids' Socks The wide variety of socks demonstrates the different stitches and techniques that can be completed on a knitting loom and gives the reader the opportunity to try new things. The projects can be adapted and information is given for each project about adapting the socks on other knitting looms.

Sock Yarns

In Loom Knitting Socks, Isela Phelps discusses the different types of yarn that are best for sock knitting. She has also detailed the yarn required for all projects using the standard yarn weight system as well as giving the brand name. This is extremely useful as it allows knitters to accurately substitute yarn.

Loom Knitting Instructions

The projects are described using charts as well as text. This is a useful feature for knitters who like to see the pattern plan visually before knitting. Loom Knitting Socks also includes plenty of information for beginner loom knitters. This includes the basics of casting on and casting off, plus explanations of more challenging techniques. One very useful section describes how knitters can design their own socks. Armed with this information, plus ideas from Loom Knitting Socks, no loom knitter will ever be short of sock knitting ideas.

Loom Knitting Socks by Isela Phelps is an excellent book for loom knitters and needle knitters alike. There is just enough information for a complete beginner to pick up the book and produce a pair of socks, while plenty of more challenging projects offer plenty of scope for the more experienced loom knitter.

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