Knitting

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Want to Knit Some Cool Socks? This Book Could be Yours

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Knitted Socks book

Martha is getting this one.

The book Knitted Socks by Anna Tillman has been on my shelf for a long time. Nearly 10 years, it turns out. So long, in fact, that I have gone through several bouts of being sure I reviewed it somewhere and not being able to find any trace of it (I’m still not sure if I ever did).

It’s a book that takes novelty sock knitting to the next level (I mean, come on, those penguin socks on the cover have flippers, a beak and a tail that stick out from the sock) and allow you to knit fun and funky foot fashions for the whole family. Projects range from kid to adult sizes and have all sorts of options for fun, from socks with pigs that line up when you put your feet together to socks with tons of cables, flip-flop socks, felted baby booties, classic Fair Isle designs and more. There are even socks with tiny pockets for a little bear! (Check them all out on Ravelry.)

There is also information on the parts of a sock, sock knitting tips and finishing techniques that will get your sock knitting off on the right foot (sorry). And in the back you’ll find mix and match patterns so you can design your own socks with different cast ons, ribs, cuffs and toes.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, which is now out of print, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, April 30. I’d love to know if you’ve knit any funky socks before. I have to say all mine have been pretty plain, but the stranded knit heart ones from my color knitting book are my favorites.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

 

Looking for more knitted socks designs and patterns to keep you warm this winter? Check out these knitted sock patterns Etsy. And these Knitting Pattern books on Amazon.

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

Comments

  1. I’ve wanted to finish learning about knitting socks! Thanks for the chance to win this book!

  2. Yes please! I learned to knit socks in school (mandatory in Estonia) and my granny who though me to knit was very strict on it. Many years have passed and would love to get back at it!

  4. Socks tend to be my meeting/tv knitting, so I usually knit fairly plain ones, with simple, easy to memorize, stitch patterns. Those penguins look fun tho! I think I need to expand my sock knitting.

  7. My favorite socks to knit are fraternals because I have trouble making two things the same. So I gave up and make two related but different! Always interested in finding new ideas about socks.

    From overcast VT,
    The Vermonster

  8. No I haven’t knitted Funky socks yet, but this book would be a great way to start.

  10. I have yet to jump into the sock arena. I’m afraid of putting in all the time and effort, and then wearing the bottoms out. Curious how all the sock knitters out there deal with this issue? (Aside of course from putting them in a drawer and never wearing them. )

  11. I have not ever knitted any socks but wouldn’t these be cool to start with? Those penguins are adorable!!

  12. I have knit many pairs of socks before but knitting some funky ones sounds like fun.

  14. Looks like real fun! Unique patterns not seen elsewhere. Too bad it’s out of print.

  15. This book looks so fun! Socks can take “forever” but this could make it worthwhile. 🙂

  17. Funky? Yes. Deliberately? Not really. First pair was two at a time on a single needle. Thought I was going to go insane, and it took me forever because I was soooo afraid of making a mistake. But I did it!
    thanks for making this generous offer!

  18. My go-to sock is usually a knit pattern. My son has been asking for more socks, these would be a fun change. Thanks for the chance.

  19. I have not knitted funky sock although I do have a kit fit “Shark week” My grandson would love some of those socks.

  21. My socks are usually pretty standard, but I would love to try the penguin socks! They are so cute!

  22. If you mean INTENTIONALLY funky, well then, no, I haven’t done that. More than that my pride will not allow me to say. Would love to do the pig socks. Thanks for the giveaway.

  23. All of the socks in this book are so cute and pretty. I am a sock beginner, so have not knit anything fancy. I would surely love to try, though.

  24. I have lots of niblings who would love some of these creative socks – and I do love to knit for my niblings! Thank you for the chance to win.

Have you read?

Book Review: Knitted Safari Friends – 20 Adorable Animals to Make

If you have a weakness for knitted animals wearing tiny clothes, Knitted Safari Friends by Sarah Keen is going to be very difficult to resist.

This colourful collection includes 20 safari and savannah animals to knit, including a lion, tiger, elephant, flamingo, hippo, crocodile, rhinoceros, zebra and giraffe.

And yes, many of them have their own little outfits.

The lion in purple overalls is probably enough to sell me on the whole book.

Cute Animals With Plenty of Personality

What I like about this collection is that the animals are clearly designed as characters rather than realistic wildlife models.

They are bright, friendly and a little quirky, which makes them particularly appealing as handmade gifts for children or animal-loving adults.

Looking at the sample pages, the hippo and flamingo patterns have a cheerful illustrated layout, with the finished animals shown in little safari scenes alongside the practical pattern information.

There is also plenty of variety in the shapes, which means you aren’t simply knitting the same basic body 20 times and changing the ears.

If knitted animals with interchangeable clothes are already your thing, have a look at our Knitted Wild Animal Friends book review. That collection includes elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, zebras and other animals with an entire wardrobe of tiny knitted clothing.

Is Knitted Safari Friends Beginner Friendly?

The publisher describes the patterns as easy to follow, and the book includes a techniques section, abbreviations and knitting conversions to help you through the projects.

I would still put this more in the confident beginner to intermediate category rather than recommending it as someone’s very first knitting project.

Toy knitting usually involves shaping, joining pieces, stuffing and finishing neatly, and that finishing stage can sometimes take almost as long as the knitting itself.

Ask anyone who has ever had a finished knitted animal sitting in pieces on the craft table for three weeks waiting for its legs to be sewn on.

For knitters who are still learning the basics of toy making, our Knitted Amigurumi Animal Friends review is another useful option, with smaller animals and simple clothing pieces.

A Great Gift Knitting Book

These would make lovely handmade gifts for children, particularly if you matched the animal to their favourite safari creature.

You could also knit several of them together as a nursery display or create your own little safari collection.

The clothes and accessories add another level of fun, too. Once you’ve knitted an elephant, there is something wonderfully satisfying about then deciding what that elephant ought to wear.

Apparently this is where my crafting priorities are now.

My Take

I think Knitted Safari Friends is one of those books that you buy intending to make one project and then immediately start planning an entire knitted zoo.

The bright colours, cute facial expressions and tiny outfits give the animals loads of personality, while the variety of creatures should keep the knitting interesting.

Sarah Keen has been designing knitted toys for years, and that experience shows in the way these animals have been turned into characters rather than simply miniature versions of real wildlife.

If you enjoy toy knitting, handmade gifts or anything involving animals in overalls, this one is definitely worth a look.

Knitted Safari Friends: 20 Adorable Animals to Make is written by Sarah Keen and published by GMC Publications. It was released on April 21, 2026, with a listed RRP of $26.99.