Reading books is a great way of perfecting your craft. Reading expands your scope of knowledge and also gives you new ideas of going about your craft. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or expert in knitting, you need to have knitting books on your shelf. Reading about your craft inspires you and challenges you to try out new designs and be the best at what you do.
There are many books about knitting and it might get confusing when choosing the best to buy. You definitely want a book that is easy to understand and also has enough information including patterns, techniques and a brief history of some patterns. You also have to consider some factors before you decide on which book you will end up purchasing. This guide will tell you how to choose the best knitting books that will meet and exceed your knitting expectations.
Top 10 Knitting Books In 2021
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How to choose the best knitting books
Choosing the best book can be confusing sometimes especially when you don’t know what to look for in a knitting book. A great knitting book is one that is easy to read and understand. When you are at the bookstore, all knitting books look attractive to the eye. Most are the times you decide to just chance and buy a certain book and hope it will be of help to you. We took time to guide you on how you can select the best books without having to gamble, read on;
Read book reviews on magazines and news papers
Book reviews are a great way of knowing which book meets your needs and interests. Most knitting magazines have a book review section which comes in handy when you want to decide on a good book. They give a sneak peek into the book and they save you the energy and hustle of going to the bookstore to check out books yourself. Book reviews also indicate the prices of a book and this helps you to prepare yourself financially before the time to purchase the book comes. The best part about book reviews is that they are mostly written by professionals in the field and therefore, they know just which books are worth reading. Book reviews are a great way of knowing how other readers found the book helpful. This gives you a hint of what to look out for in a good book.
Join a knitting book club
As a professional or aspiring professional knitter, it is important to have a network of fellow knitters with whom you can form a knitting book club to be exchanging books. This practice helps you to borrow and read a book. Know the contents and then decide whether you need one for your own reference. With the current increase in the use of social media, you can join a knitting club online. This will help you to get free eBooks and also suggestions of must have knitting books as well as make new knitting friends. Knitting clubs also help you to know where other knitters get their inspirations and new ideas from. Networking is a great way of growing your knitting from just a hobby into a thriving business and get extra income.
Buy books from professional authors in knitting.
When buying books, it is essential to consider the authors expertise and knowledge in the field. The author can only write much about what they are well versed with. Professional knitters will write from their own experience and offer advises that are applicable in the knitting world rather than just telling you theories in knitting. Professional knitters will also give insights on current trends in the industry. Professional knitters will also most likely inspire you with their stories and beautiful journeys into becoming the professionals that they are.
Choose books with well-organized information
You may find a book that looks good and helpful at the bookstore but the author isn’t popular yet or the book is a recent release. For you to know whether such a book will be worth buying, it is important to take your time and have a closer look at the contents and organization of information. How information is organized says a lot about the book. Always make sure that information is flowing systematically, the book is easy to read and comprehend and it also has some quality illustrations and photos that guide you in every step of knitting. You also want a book with a clear index to help you find topics faster.
Go for the fun book
When you are torn between two books, always go for the one that looks fun to read. You don’t want to end up with a book that you’ll never be motivated to read. Choose a book whose author is able to convey a sense of enthusiasm and energy for knitting and the excitement will be infectious even to you. A fun book is one that has great quality photo illustrations, challenges at the end of every exercise for you to try and also one whose font you don’t struggle to read. Some sense of humor is also a great quality to keep you glued to the book.
The overall design of the book including the cover, typeface, and size should be welcoming to you.
Choose books with plenty of creative ideas
At whichever stage you are at in your knitting, you need a book that will challenge you to try out new designs and patterns. A good knitting book should have strong how-to sections with clear and easy to follow instructions. The book should also be sectioned into chapters which are easy to find. A book that has step by step illustrations balanced with detailed text is a great buy. It helps perfect your knitting skills without looking for other sources to supplement the information you already have. You need a book that will wake up your creative senses.
Consider the cost of the book.
The best books do not have to be the most expensive. It is essential to consider your budget before deciding which book to buy. To make sure you stick to your budget while still getting a good book, you should look out for offers. Consider getting second-hand books as these are cheaper and have the same great content as new ones. E-Books are also quite affordable compared to hard copy books, always consider buying them.
1.Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook
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This book is written by the founder of the first stitch ‘n bitch knitting group in new york, Debbie Stoller. The book covers all the aspects of knitting and is fun to read and easy to understand. The author uses captivating humor to keep her audience glued and to make sure they understand and don’t forget what they learn. This book is great for beginners since it has information about everything you need to know. It gives you the finest details about knitting needles, yarns, patterns and the history of knitting. The book has step by step illustrations on how to achieve different patterns and how to correct common errors in knitting.
Features
- Easy to understand
- Great for beginners
- Clear step by step illustrations
- Detailed techniques and patterns
Specifications
- Paperback:256 pages
- Publisher: workman publishing company
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.8 x 8 inches
2.Crochet One-Skein Wonders®: 101 Projects from Crocheters around the World
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The authors of this book, Edie Eckman and Judith Durant, are well-seasoned knitters with great achievements to their names. Durant is the pioneer of the one skein wonders franchise. This great book has clear and accessible directions. It has amazing color photographs and easy to follow directions that you can follow and come up with great knitted crafts. This book has a great variety of projects to choose from including jewelry, home décor, and dolls. The book is great for all levels of expertise from beginners, intermediates and professionals because it as different levels of project for you to follow and learn.
Features
- Easy patterns with colorful pictures
- Great variety of projects
- Easy to follow directions
- Covers all skill levels
- Clear patterns and easy to read font.
Specifications
Print length: 288 pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (April 22, 2013)
3.Vogue® Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book
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This book reflects the latest developments in knitting for the modern knitter. It has over one thousand six hundred photo illustrations, different knitting techniques, and step by step illustrations. This is the most comprehensive skill building book about knitting. This book teaches you about the basics and takes you right through expert knitting, you can have this book as the only knitting book on your shelve and still become a great knitter.
Features
- It is easy to navigate since it has a well defined index
- The book has 1600+ photo illustrations
- It has a guide on how to correct common knitting errors
- Contains hundreds of step by step illustrations
- This book contains secrets of professional designs that enable you to knit even the toughest patterns
Specifications
- Series: Vogue Knitting
- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: Sixth & Spring Books; Revised edition (February 6, 2018)
- Language: English
- Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 1.3 x 11.1 inches
4. Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida
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This amazing book is written by the greatest of all time Japanese knitter and teacher who comes up with her own intricate patterns. The book is great for the experienced knitter who is seeking new stitches that yield meticulous results. It has a wide range of stitches and set of detailed step by step diagrams that show you how to execute these stitches. It has knitting projects that will guide you on different patterns. The Japanese stich bible is a valued reference for experienced knitters that offer amazing knitting adventures.
Features
- Excellent for experts that are seeking challenging designs
- Contains a wide range of designs and illustrations
- Relatively cheap
- Has step by step illustrations that are easy to follow
Specifications
- Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (October 10, 2017)
- Language: English
- Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.6 x 11.5 inches
5.Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods; Find the perfect start and finish for every knitting project
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This is the perfect book for anyone wishing to learn how to create eye-catching edges in any project. It is easy to follow with photos of every step of the technique and photos of the final projects using those techniques. It is portable thus convenient for carrying around in your knitting bag. The book is designed well and has a great index making it easy to find what you are looking for without perusing all the pages.
Features
- Has clear pictures and tips on various techniques
- Easy to carry around because of its size
- Has very clear photos and instructions on how to achieve the designs
- Suitable for knitters of all experience levels
Specification
- Spiral-bound: 216 pages
- Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; Spi edition (June 19, 2012)
- Language: English
- Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 0.9 x 7 inches
6.Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Size
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New York Times refers to the author of this book, Elizabeth Zimmermann, as the knitter who revolutionized the art of knitting. This book is known as the classic knitting bible that removes the frustration and puts the fun back into knitting. It contains timeless designs that are easy to follow. The author challenges knitters with some complex patterns that are excellent for experts and intermediates. Incase you want to learn how to make sweaters; this is the best book for you.
Features
- Timeless designs
- Step by step instructions that are easy to follow
- Has plenty of creative designs
- Fun to read and easy to understand
Specifications
- Paperback: 128 pages
- Publisher: Fireside Books; No Edition Stated edition (July 1, 1971)
- Language: English
- Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.3 x 10.8 inches
Frequently asked questions on the best knitting books
1. Q. how do I choose the best knitting book as a beginner?
A. When you are just starting out, you need a book that will guide you from the basics of choosing the right tools, yarn and patterns. Always consider books that are specifically meant for beginners. Ensure that you go for the book that has clear illustrations and is easy to read and understand. You could also consider buying eBooks or books that are easy to carry around so that you can get the most out of them by reading even when you are on the go.
2. Q. can I learn to knit from home?
A. yes of course! Some of the well known professional knitters have never been to art school or never went to school to learn about it. You need to be passionate about knitting and have the right guide and equipment to start out. You need books and magazines to guide you; you also need a few skeins of yarn and knitting needles and the right attitude.
Start practicing as you read, this will help you to grow your skill. You can also use YouTube as a great resource center and other online resources. We wish you all the best in growing your new hobby.
3. Q. Which is the easiest pattern to knit?
A. Most beginners often struggle with which patterns they should choose while starting out. It is advisable to read books and try the first basic stitches to enable you know which one you prefer and is easy to work with.
4. Q. what is the difference between knitting and crocheting?
A. the main difference between knitting and crocheting is that knitting uses two needles while crocheting uses a single hook. Knitting involves a series of live stitches that float while crocheting involves a series of varying knots. It is easier to learn crocheting first then proceed to learn knitting. Knitting produces finer results and is more popular.
5. Q. how do I fix holes in my knitting?
A. Most new knitters often struggle with maintaining a constant width and this causes holes in the final design. The easiest way to fix this holes is by unknotting beyond the hole and start again from that point. You can also learn how to rip out your stitches as you progress as this is easier and faster to do.
Summary of the best knitting books for 2019
After doing your research, it might not be easy to know just which book you will buy first. You might also not be sure which book meets all the qualities of being a great book. We made it easier for you and came up with a list of six best knitting books for 2019 that have been tried and tested by knitting experts worldwide.
| Book name | Features |
| Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook | Explains different needles and yarns Nitty-gritty of techniques and patterns Step by step illustrations Fun to read Easy to understand |
| Crochet One-Skein Wonders®: 101 Projects from Crocheters around the World | Easy patterns with colorful pictures Easy to follow directions Good variety of projects |
| Vogue® Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book | Easy to navigate 1600+ photos and illustrations Guide on correcting errors Hundreds of step by step illustrations Has professional design secrets |
| Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida | Excellent for experts seeking challenging designs Wide range of designs Relatively cheap Has step by step illustrations |
| Cast On, Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods; Find the perfect start and finish for every knitting project | Has clear pictures and tips on various techniques Easy to carry around Clear photos and instructions Suitable for knitters of all experience levels |
| Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes | Best for intermediate and professional knitters Great for learning how to knit sweaters |
FINAL WORD
You will agree with me that reading knitting books not only increases your knowledge but it is also entertaining and enhances your imagination. We all love to read a good book that is captivating and educative at the same time. As a knitter in today’s world, you need to keep up with the trends and this can only be achieved by seeking more knowledge and information. There are a lot of books on sale about knitting and you need to know how to identify a good book when you see it. You need to consider various factors before buying a knitting book as it is not just any other fiction.
When buying a knitting book, it is essential to consider the authors qualifications and experience in knitting. An author with years of experience in the craft will guide you better on how to go about growing your skills. You should also consider reading book reviews before buying a certain book. This will help you to buy a book that you really need and will help you with the information you are looking for.
Reading books about something you are passionate about soothes your soul. Knitting books are no exception to the knitters. You need to find a book that is captivating enough to keep you addicted. Make sure the book is creatively written and delivers information in a clear and understandable way.
The cost of a book is also something you should consider before buying. You should always have a budget to make sure you don’t overspend on books. A good book doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. Great tips to ensure you save money while still gaining knowledge is to check your local library for books you want to read. As a knitter, keep reading as you knit to make sure your skills don’t get rusty.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knitting
- https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Machine_Knitting/Patterns
- https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Pretty-Knitting-Patterns
- https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Adventist_Youth_Honors_Answer_Book/Arts_and_Crafts/Knitting
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20663751-knitting-yarns
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
