Book Review: Knit 2 Socks in 1

The idea of second sock syndrome is kind of a cliche among knitters. The idea is that once you’ve knit one sock you lose interest in the pattern and never complete the second (or have to force yourself to complete the second).

I will admit I’ve gone years between knitting the first and second sock of a pair, so I can relate.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several methods for working two socks at a time, often on multiple needles or one long needle. While these options are great they can be a little mind boggling.

Safiyyah Talley has a better idea. Her approach to knitting two socks at a time involves making one long tube with strategically placed lifelines so you can turn one tube into two socks.

You start by casting on the cuff for the first sock, leaving a lifeline for the heel and toe, knitting on through the second sock, leaving another lifeline for its heel and finishing off with the toe of the second sock. Once the knitting is done you separate the socks, knit the heels on both, the toe on one and the cuff on the other and you’re done.

The method is much more intricately described, with a bunch of patterns to get you started, in her book Knit 2 Socks in 1.

The great thing about this method is that you can use any technique for knitting socks that you like — double-pointed needles, one or two circular needles, magic loop — and you can just knit on without many interruptions through the legs of both socks.

It seems like this would make the knitting go a lot faster because you’re not pausing to knit a bunch of short rows or a heel flap. The heels are shaped just like the toes, no gussets or short rows required, which makes this method great for those new to sock knitting as well.

The book offers general instructions for a plain pair of socks, as well as guidance on how many stitches to cast on for different sized socks in different gauges so you can chart your own path. Talley then offers seven different stitch patterns, each shown on three different socks to give you an idea of how stitch patterns can be used on different socks in different ways.

For example a lacy rib stitch is used as a cuff on shortie socks, on the leg of a standard pair of socks, and on a pair worked with two different colors of sock yarn held together.

The book is really about getting you comfortable with the techniques and helping spark your own ideas for making socks that you will love to knit and to wear. I definitely want to try it, and I think you will find it a fun and fast way to make socks for all feet.

About the book: 142 pages, hardcover, 21 patterns. Published March 2022, Storey. Suggested retail $16.95.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

Have you read?