Knitters love to make socks. Socks are practical and pretty, cozy and colorful. Sock projects are easily carried in a knitting bag, and the patterns are complex enough to be interesting but small enough to be quickly finished. Plus, socks are always fun to wear and great to give as gifts.

Now Knit Socks!, the little die-cut hardcover that sold more than 65,000 copies, is available in a paperback edition that includes two all-new sock patterns. But that’s not all. Sock knitters will find much more in this revision to feed their sock addictions, such as helpful new advice on choosing sock yarns what feels the best, what holds its shape, what really lasts.

And what is a knitter to do if a pattern looks interesting, but she wants to substitute a lighter yarn for the chunky, warm wool specified? A new chart provides alternative yarn weights and the corresponding number of stitches needed for each of the patterns and sizes. Knitters might also want to experiment with two circular needles. Or four double points. There’s advice here for adapting any pattern to any type of needle.

With all the variations and possibilities, Knit Socks! goes far beyond its 17 patterns. Creative knitters will find an endless array of exciting options for keeping feet comfortable, warm, and beautiful.

Betsy McCarthy