Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: A Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns

by Cat Bordi

This is the first sock knitting book devoted to teaching the simple mysteries of two-circular-needle-sock-knitting, a vastly more efficient and easier method which is rapidly gaining converts. Eleven original designs, clearly worded instructions, photographs, charts, a section on translating traditional patterns to the two-circular method, and abundant tips and tricks have been put together with great care and a generous sprinkling of humor. The author answers all of those subtle, almost unframeable questions a new sock knitter has, as well as delighting seasoned sock knitters with innovative sock architecture and techniques.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, How To

44 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

About the author

Alternative spelling previously used by Cat Bordhi.

Reviews

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who have never before knitted a sock, this is a good way to begin. If you can knit and purl, you can do this. For those sock knitters unfamiliar with the two circular needles technique of knitting a tube, this is the one book you'll need.

I love the author's humor; no other sock pattern I've seen includes the instruction: "Make yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch...." or this "Please repeat it back to yourself so you don't forget." or this "When you calm down...buy a ticket to Switzerland." or this "The beautiful meadow begins...."

The instructions are clear and simple, she errs on the side of too much information rather than too little, which is fine with me.

This would be a good one for my keeper shelf if I hadn't checked it out from the library.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used this book's Simple Sock pattern to teach myself how to knit socks. The book wasn't very good at providing detailed instructions. I had to spend lots of time getting outside help and watching knitting videos online. I think the book is geared to a more experienced knitter since it is mostly patterns. I would not recommend it for beginners who don't have additional help/guidance on learning to knit socks.

[BookMouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book some years ago and promptly put in on my bookshelves without doing much more than a one time flip through. I was working on a pair of socks (on US#0 DPNs)that were to be a Chirstmas present. They were taking forever, so I thought I'd pull this book out and perhaps using the 2-circ method would be a faster knit. I'm so glad I did! I'm totally hooked on knitting socks with two circular needles! It is indeed faster for me, and now that I have one pair completed with this method, I think it's going to be my method of choice for knitting socks in the future.

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book contains a total of 4 pages of actual instruction on the technique. The rest of the book is patterns.

That is:
1. one page of written instruction
2. Two pages containing a grand total of 6 black and white pictures.
3. one page on translating regular patterns into something that uses the technique

My purpose in purchasing a book to learn a technique is not to gather more patterns.

Yet another knitting book that is widely overrated.

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used the technique and liked it, but then I discovered the Magic Loop technique that uses only one circular needle. There might be reasons to use two circulars, but if so I don't know what they are. It's a lot less expensive to buy one long circular needle for each project, and using two gets a little awkward at times.

This book does have some cute patterns and a few tips. But at $16.95, it's way overpriced for a 44-page booklet.

[Nancy Vincent]

I've finally figured this out. I have to say that only through experience and the help of Sensational Knitted Socks made this book make sense. I just don't visualize with her style of writing -- she's wordy and touchy-feely. I don't need that. I need clear instructions. Period.

[Shanidar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book briefly explains the technique of knitting in the round with two circular needles. And it does it well.
To fill the other pages, there are mainly sock patterns, that you may care more or less, but every one has different techniques to learn from, with lots of explanations and funny on the side comments.
I liked this book for the tips that she puts here and there to improve durability of socks, calculate heels, avoid holes... but mostly I appreciate the sense of humor in a kind of boring book.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my knitting goals for 2019 is to knit a pair of socks. This book appears to be a do-able way to introduce myself to knitting socks. My rating may change once I actually use the first pattern.

[Eva Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a wonderful book for any first time knitter, amazing work!

[Kristine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was just mostly curious what this technique involved, and how you worked with 2 circs for making socks. I do enjoy circular needles in general, but this technique doesn't look a LOT simpler than just using dpns. Since I own dpns already and no small circular tips, I'll probably continue on with the way I'm doing already, but it's nice to understand how this works.

There are some nice patterns in here, and the lace pattern on the leg of the Columbine Peak is very similar to the lace I did on my pink socks. There are instructions for a variety of things, including a basic sock. I think this could be a good gift for a first time sock knitter. I think personally, the instructions in Socks, Socks, Socks were easier for me to follow, but this is probably best for most newbies. There are tips for using circular or even 2 circular needles, neither technique I've tried yet. The Basic Chevron pattern is nice, ala Jaywalkers.

I didn't learn a whole lot, but I do think this is a nice book.

[Brooks Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go-to sock book. After getting this, I've never gone back to DPNs for socks. I love the author's conversational style, and the first pattern is written out in much detail to get you started on using two circular needles for socks. My copy of this book has a permanent home in my most-used knitting bag, because I'm always working on a pair of socks at any given time. I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to knit socks, even if you've never tried it before.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is directed to the more experienced sock knitter. There were not enough illustrations for me, a novice, to simply understand how to knit socks on circular needles. I would also not even classify this book as a book; it's more of a pamphlet workbook: only 44 pages long and the appendix was 4 of those pages!

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pressed upon me as THE book to use to learn to knit socks. Indeed, I was able to learn from this book, but I certainly had to make many trips to the computer to search for help with the instructions on-line, with video demonstrations to go with it. Perhaps I needed a different book FIRST, but I am glad I learned to knit socks this way. Can't imagine making them any other way!

[Heywu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to read if you want to knit socks from the top down with circular needles. The simple socks in 3 sizes is a great place to start. Once you get the hang of knitting socks, then there are several books that have great patterns and the images are in color.

[Ann Johnson Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I'm supposed to love this method for socks, but I don't. Prefer my dpns. I am glad to have the book, and if you love this method, it's well written.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book and it's how I learned to knit socks. i would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn to knit socks or how to knit on 2 circulars. Excellent...

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Sock book

[Laurie Traverse · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a person that gets that first sock done and then loses interest this book will help you to end up with that ever elusive 'pair' of socks!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative sock knitting! Differently abled socks.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good patterns here. The author's tone - "I was the first person ever to think of this EVER!" - can be annoying, but the patterns are worthwhile.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only way I knit socks!

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting technique to remember if I ever knit socks.

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book taught me that this method is not for me.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

borrowed from Mary for circular sock pattern

[Anita]

Fabulous!