I’d heard so much about this book that when I finally laid hands on a copy I was momentarily confused. Surely this 44-page soft-bound booklet wasn’t the same one everyone was talking about? Where was the rest of it?
Once I opened it up and started reading, I realized the magnitude of my misconception.
If you’re interested in learning how to knit socks on two circular needles — a hot topic for many knitters today — this is the only book you’ll ever need to own.
Here Kitty Kitty
Cat Bordhi has been practicing and teaching the socks-on-circular-needles technique for years. Her conviction and enthusiasm are contagious.
She knows exactly how to explain it to newbies, anticipating confusing points and conveying comfort and confidence in her friendly, conversant writing style.
The Technique
I was initially put off by the book’s brief how-to section at the beginning. Surely this technique wasn’t that easy. No matter how many times I tried to envision it, I just couldn’t get a full mental grasp of the technique.
That’s when I realized that some things are best understood by doing, not just analyzing. Take out your needles and some test yarn, follow Bordhi’s instructions, and you’ll quickly see what I mean.
The Payoff
Why go to all this trouble? Simple: speed.
The book’s title isn’t just catchy alliteration. In using two circular needles instead of four or five DPNs, you’re eliminating more than half of the needle joins, each of which can momentarily stall your progress.
Bordhi compares the results to a ride on an express train, while the traditional DPN technique is the milk train that stops at every village and town along the way.
Pattern Support
If you have a tried-and-true sock pattern that you’ve always used, fear not: Bordi explains how to convert “traditional” sock patterns for use with two circular needles. Or if you prefer to start from scratch, you can begin with her Simple Sock Pattern. But don’t stop there.
There are four easy patterns, six intermediate ones, and one advanced. She touches on every knitting aesthetic, from textures to lace and simple colors.
Bonus Extras
Although knitting books often include lists of additional resources at the end, few are as useful, insightful, or fun to read as Bordhi’s. Not only does she list yarn sources and reference materials, but she takes the time to explain exactly why she’s including them and what you’ll gain from pursuing them yourself.
I’m grateful that Bordhi took the time, energy, and risk of publishing this book herself. It joins Spin Off’s Socks! on my list of essential sock-knitting resources.
