New Methods for Crochet Socks Paperback
By: Rohn Strong
Rating: 5 of 5
“New Methods for Crochet Socks” is a set of twelve crochet sock patterns by Rohn Strong. The socks look lovely and I would rate them to be intermediate and above. If you are a beginner at crochet, take your time, be sure you have a resource (friend or online) where you can ask questions if you get stuck, and you should be able to work your way through. I would not suggest these socks as first projects, though, so try a few less involved items first to become comfortable with crochet and then get ready to tackle these.
The book arrived and while I was thrilled with the material, I actually had to have Amazon replace the book because it arrived damaged in shipment. That has nothing to do with the subject matter of the book but it temper my enthusiasm for a minute or two.
Once I got over myself, I took a look at the actual patterns. As with other crochet socks, these are not nearly as thin as you can get from knitting. That’s fine with me because I am looking for something to keep my tootsies warm during the cold months and which I can finish more quickly than my knitted socks (which take me forever because I am not as good a knitter as I am a crocheter.)
I like the variety of patterns presented. There are enough changes to really make the socks look different rather than a basic pattern that changes because of the yarn that you use.
The patterns include: Basic Sock, Simple Stripes, Offset Cables, Diamond Lace, Falling Pineapple, Side to Side, Textured Toe-Up, 3-Color Shell, Tunisian Stripes, Diamond Fair Isle, Feather & Fan and Hidden Rib.
For my taste, I really love the delicate lace look of the Falling Pineapple (yellow socks) and the look of cozy comfort of the Hidden Rib (green socks.) I plan to make at least one pair of each style for myself and also to make a variety of them for family gifts at the holidays.
Basic Sock, Side to Side, and Textured Toe-Up use size 2 yarn (Fine). The rest of the patterns use a size 1 yarn (Super Fine.) While the author is able to use a size F/5/3.75mm hook to get her gauge, you may have to use a larger or smaller hook depending on your own crochet tension. I find that I have to use a smaller hook as my hands don’t grip as tightly as they once did. My daughter has to use a larger hook because she has a death grip on the yarn.
The instructions are written though there are a good number of diagrams (with stitch keys) included, too. I use written instructions but I could see that each pattern had at least one diagram. I could not tell if it was a full diagram for the sock or not. I did not see information regarding the heels, for instance. For those, you may need to look to the written instructions. The format is written for the US stitches and hooks but the author has included a wonderful section of conversion charts at the back of the book. These include yarn weights, stitches, lengths, knitting needles and hooks. In this area, there is also an excellent set of stitch instructions and a key for abbreviations.
I really appreciated all of this additional information as well as the actual patterns. I can use quite a bit of it in helping decipher some of my UK patterns that did not include a conversion. I also appreciated that the author included the weight of yarn and the manufacturer of the yarn that she used. There is also plenty of information that will allow me to customize my socks somewhat and that is a big plus, too.
“New Methods for Crochet Socks” is a set of twelve crochet sock patterns by Rohn Strong. The socks look lovely and I would rate them to be intermediate and above. If you are a beginner at crochet, take your time, be sure you have a resource (friend or online) where you can ask questions if you get stuck, and you should be able to work your way through. I would not suggest these socks as first projects, though, so try a few less involved items first to become comfortable with crochet and then get ready to tackle these.