You may not know a thing about knitting, but you’re interested in the hobby. You don’t want to spend hours on YouTube or other websites just trying to figure out how to knit. So what can you do? Learn from books!
As a complete beginner in knitting, there are different ways that you can learn this skill, such as following knitting instruction books. This blog post highlights some of the best knitting books for beginners who are looking for a place to get started with this awesome hobby and learn all they need to have fun right away without feeling overwhelmed at first glance. We’ve also included some helpful tips that will keep your mind focused on success as you start learning this new craft! Let’s get started.
Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book has been updated with new techniques and designs from the past 15 years. It features an expanded library of cast-ons, increases, decreases, and bind-offs; in-depth sections on newly favorite techniques like lace knitting or colorwork. You’ll never have to worry about running out of ideas again!
With this book as your guide, you will always know what to do next when knitting becomes challenging. This book is perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics of knitting or the more advanced knitters who need help with their latest project.
This book will be your go-to resource as you explore this classic craft and create beautiful projects of your own design. With 65 additional pages of updated, revised, and fresh material throughout, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate with thorough indexing and footnote cross-referencing. From beginners needing to learn the very basics to seasoned knitters wanting a refresher on complex techniques–every knitter will cherish this guide for years to come!
What We Like
The new Ultimate Knitting Book contains an additional 70 pages of knitting tips, design fundamentals, and basic techniques. Therefore, it is an ideal book for both beginners and experienced knitters.
The book contains more than 1,600 photos and illustrations, which make the learning process much more comfortable.
It also features more than 80 insightful sidebars, which provide additional and more precise information on knitting tips.
What We Don’t Like
The book contains several typos, such as in the headers and subtopics.
2. 60 Quick Knits for Absolute Beginners: best book to learn knitting
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 02:31 pm GMT
Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit?
60 Quick Knits for Beginners offers a wide array of creative techniques and attractive patterns that are perfect for any novice knitter or anyone picking up needles for the first time. With this book, you’ll have everything you need to start knitting today!
The instructions are clear and illustrated so even beginner knitters will be able to complete these projects without any trouble at all. Plus there’s plenty of variety in the patterns so everyone will be able to find something they love!
This book has 60 different knitting projects for beginners! You’ll find something you like in this book, whether it’s a scarf, cowl, or another type of project. There are also helpful sidebars throughout the book to help you learn more about knitting techniques.
What We Like
The instructions in the Quick Knits book are written step-by-step, which makes it easier to understand.
The Knitting Book features insightful sidebars throughout the book.
The projects included in the book are not only simple, but they are also fun experiments that all new knitters could ever want to try.
The style projects taught in the book range from simple to classic. The diversity of the styles makes the book ideal for both beginners and advance knitters.
What We Don’t Like
The book does not explain knitting stitches and styles in detail, which can be quite confusing for complete beginners.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow with lots of pictures for reference. With this book as your guide, learning to knit has never been easier or more enjoyable!
What We Like
The knitting book is written with guides and descriptions for everything, from stitches to basic techniques to knitting needles.
These projects help beginners develop their knitting skills very quickly.
The knitting instruction book clearly explains what equipment are used for most projects and teaches how to use these.
What We Don’t Like
The First Time Knitting Paperback does not teach how to perform a knit stitch or a cast-on.
4. Knitspiration to Take Anywhere and Everywhere Hardcover
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/19/2024 12:40 pm GMT
Alberto Bravo and Pepita Martin are the authors of this knitting book. This knitting basics book has something for every knitter no matter where they are or what they want to make. So grab your needles and start knitting today!
We Are Knitters offers knitters everywhere a new resource for knitting inspiration. This book features patterns for hats, sweaters, blankets, tank tops and more from all over the world. With beautiful photography and inspiring stories about how people across the globe are knitting their own lives together in this digital age of ours, this book has something for every knitter.
What We Like
The book includes beautiful pictures of patterns from different locations, such as New York, Cartagena, Paris, and Marrakech. Therefore, rest assured that every knitter will always find a favorite pattern that appeals to them.
The detailed descriptions and instructions included in the book are straightforward to understand.
Not only is the narrative easy to follow, but the pattern and styles taught in the book are also very classic.
What We Don’t Like
Very basic type of pattern, no variety.
5. The Mitten Handbook: Knitting Recipes to Make Your Own Paperback
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 11:55 am GMT
The Mitten Handbook by Mary Scott Huff focuses will teach you how to make the perfect pair of mittens for yourself or as a gift. You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns so that no two pairs are alike!
With this book, you can knit any style of mitten imaginable. From traditional Norwegian designs like the “Fisherman’s Mittens” to more modern looks like “The Knee-High Boot Sock,” there’s something for everyone in this book! And with clear instructions on how to use all sorts of materials (wool, wool blends, cotton yarns), there’s no limit on what you can create!
What We Like
The book is well-organized into three sections, such that learners gain skill and experience in a gradual yet effective way.
The first section of the book explains fundamentals of knitting mittens and gives learners a variety of choices that enable them to get custom results.
The last section of the handbook contains 20 complete mitten patterns, which give beginners enough practice and experience.
What We Don’t Like
The Kindle version of the Mitten Handbook appears tiny and pale on some devices, forcing users to squint and strain their eyes when using the book.
6. My First Knitting Book: Learn To Knit: Kids Paperback
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/19/2024 10:23 am GMT
Alison McNicol is the author of ‘My First Knitting Book’ and the book consists of some of the coolest projects that beginners can undertake and enhance their confidence. This kids knitting book will teach you everything you need to know about knitting, from casting on and off to the different stitches. Plus, it has tons of easy projects for beginners especially for kids so you can start making your own knitted creations right away. You’ll also find lots of tips and tricks that Alison has picked up over the years teaching children how to knit.
With this kids knitting book as your guide, it won’t be long before you’re mastering new skills with every turn of the page. And once you’ve mastered those skills – why not try out some more advanced techniques? There are plenty in here for everyone – no matter what age or skill level they’re at! So get started today and discover just how much fun knitting can be!
What We Like
The knitting book has easy-to-follow instructions, such that even children can easily understand and learn how to knit.
The illustrations included in the book are also bright enough, such that learners do not strain too much to see them while knitting.
It includes fun and simple projects that learners can easily undertake.
What We Don’t Like
Some people have complained that the instructions are a little vague.
7. Essentials of Circular Machine Knitting Paperback
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 12:01 pm GMT
The Essentials of Circular Machine Knitting Paperback is the perfect resource for knitters with little to no experience. It will teach you how to knit a pair of socks, scarves, and other items at home with your stationary cylinder circular knitting machine. You’ll learn four essential skills that are crucial in mastering this craft: starting a web on the machine, adjusting the stitch size, creating selvedge stitches, and reversing (heels). This book also includes helpful tips for intermediate knitters who want to improve their success rate.
The book is written by Lucy E. in an easy-to-understand tone with plenty of illustrations so it’s perfect for beginners who want to get started right away! Purchase Essentials of Circular Machine Knitting Paperback today by clicking this link!
Pros
The knitting tips provided in the book are beneficial for both beginners and intermediate learners.
The book has easy-to-follow directions that clarify ideas presented in the original machine manuals.
It teaches alternative ways to create similar projects. Therefore, learners are provided with different options for projects, such that they can always choose which method they find most comfortable.
The knitting book provides advice on which best sock-knitting machines to buy and how to use them.
Cons
Almost all the book projects are sock projects, which makes the book not ideal for absolute beginners intending to learn other types of projects.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/19/2024 05:16 am GMT
The Idiot’s Guides series of books are written for the absolute beginner. It is packed with full-color, step-by-step photo instructions that enable you to clearly see how each stitch, finger movement, and yarn movement is executed. Lessons are accompanied by practice projects so you can try out your newly learned skill right away.
As lessons become more advanced, so do the projects–so not only will you get instant gratification from knitting a project right away but also as you learn and have the motivation to keep going. In addition, these books contain everything else an expert knitter would know too–tips on yarns and needles; patterns for sweaters, hats, scarves; information about different types of stitches; plus all sorts of other helpful hints for beginners.
Pros
All the lessons included in the book use easy-to-follow steps, which make the learning process more comfortable and fun.
The instructions are also full-color and photo-rich, such that users can clearly see how the yarn movements are executed and how finger-movement is done.
The knitting book also includes more than 20 new projects and galleries of knitting stitch patterns. Knitters with beginner or intermediate-levels can, therefore, use this book effectively and get answer all the questions related to knitting they might have.
Cons
While the book includes information on how to link knit stitches, it does not include purl stitches.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 11:49 am GMT
The Complete Beginners Guide to Knitting book is 160 pages long. The knitting book written by Sian Brown and Rebecca Greig focuses on teaching the modern art of knitting and crafting. All the crafts taught in the book are handmade.
Pros
Perfect book for beginners develops all types of knitting skills, from homemade gifts to lavish fashion trends.
It teaches beginners how to choose their knitting needles and yarn.
The book also provides step-by-step instructions on knitting essentials, such as casting on, ribbing, purling, and casting off.
It includes several creative project patterns that give absolute beginners the practice and experience that they need.
Cons
It would be best if the Complete Beginners Guide to Knitting book had more creative and imaginative pattern selections.
10. 750 Knitting Stitches: The Ultimate Knit Stitch Bible Hardcover
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 02:58 pm GMT
The 750 Knitting Stitches book by Pavilion Books is a must-have book for your knitting library. It is ideal for those people who love getting creative and imaginative. It is an all-in-one book, teaching how to knit primers as well as how to make stitches included all the basic stitching techniques.
Pros
The 288-page knitting book provides beginners with all the information they need to get started with knitting. For instance, it serves as a guide on choosing yarn, needles, checking gauge, and finishing projects.
As its name suggests, the book features 750 different stitch design patterns for beginners to practice.
The instructions are not only well-explained, but full-color photos also accompany them.
Cons
The knitting book does not include charts, which are a helpful addition to knitting books.
Type of Different Knitting Books
There are two types of knitting magazines/books available in the market:
Knitting books for beginners – These knitting magazines focus on teaching basic knitting for beginner skills, patterns, and stitches for those who have little to no knowledge of knitting.
Knitting books for advanced knitters – These knitting teaching books teach advanced levels of knitting, more complicated stitches, and patterns for the knitting field’s pros.
If you like to learn pro stitching technique in knittingcheck this book review.
What Will I Learn After Reading the Knitting Books?
Books about knitting provide useful information and skills in knitting. First, knitting books for beginners teach basic knitting skills, different knitting terms, use of different knitting tools, how to choose ball of yarn, and common mistakes for first-time knitting. The step-by-step instructions, explanations, video tutorials, and full-color photos included in these books will teach you how to cast off, make simple stitches, and manage your balls of yarn.
Reading knitting pattern books will also help you learn a variety of knitting projects, from the simple ones to the more complex ones. You will learn how to make simple yet stunning patterns on projects. More so, the knitting books for advanced knitters provide tips on modern and more intricate patterns in knitting.
Why Should You Buy Knitting Books?
When it comes to learn knitting techniques, you have different options to increase your learning skill level. You can watch free videos tutorial online, get a physical teacher, or even learn online knitting classes offered by experts. However, considering all those different ways to learn to knit, using a beginner knitting book is considered the most effective way. Why is that so?
First, books on knitting tend to be very visual. These books include pictures and photographs that engage learners and make the learning process more comfortable. Also, unlike online knitting lessons, knitting books are very convenient. For instance, while you can miss an online knitting lesson due to internet issues, you will always have your knitting books come what may.
Furthermore, printed knitting books feel more trustworthy than online lessons and resources do. You might still find online resources with good knitting instructions and basic knitting patterns, but these still can’t achieve the level of trust that books offer. It is no wonder, then, those knitting books are still highly valued in knitting community, even in our modern world.
Which Version is Better – PDF or Hard Cover Book?
With the advancing technology, most books are now being produced as e-books and PDF’s which can be accessed online. Even so, hardcover knitting books have still got a better advantage over PDFs. Consider three reasons why hardcover knitting books are better than PDFs:
PDFs tend to reduce reading comprehension – Research conducted at West Chester University showed that people who read PDFs on electronic devices had a lower reading comprehension than those who read printed hardcover books.
PDFs can be distracting for young knitters – Younger knitters tend to remember more details from hardcover knitting magazines for beginners than from interactive PDFs.
PDFs are tiring – Since PDFs require you to stare at a lit screen for quite some time, they can be tiring for the brain and eyes. Hence, hardcover books have an added advantage over PDFs.
Is Knitting Difficult to Learn?
Knitting is not as complicated as most new learners think. Well, you won’t become a knitting expert in knitting overnight. However, even if you have never held a knitting needle before, you can still become a knitter pro with enough effort and determination.
With enough practice, your mind and muscles will adjust to the new knitting motions. In time, then, both your hands will be working simultaneously, and you will find yourself knitting fabulous designs more quickly and neatly.
How Long Does it Take to Learn to Knit?
Learning the basic stitches is the easiest part of knitting; you can even learn these within a few hours. However, starting a shawl project, a sweater design and other similar-sized knitting styles/projects might take you a month to get started. It doesn’t mean that knitting is hard; it merely means that you need regular patience and practice to be a successful knitter and attain higher difficulty levels.
For those who have had some knitting experience, learning to knit will take less time. However, whether you are a beginner knitter or an experienced knitter, remember that you can still make progress even if you make just one knitting stitch per minute.
Conclusion
Knitting is not just a fun activity; it is an excellent exercise for the mind and body. And learning this exercise is not difficult either. All you have to do is get yourself one of the above ten must-have Knitting Books for Beginners above and start your knitting journey today!
Hi,
I’m Jane and I’m the editor of janesknittingkits.com! I am a long-time craft and clothing design fan who has been writing about these interests for years.
I have spent many hours studying knitting, weaving, sewing, embroidery, and quilting as well as learning about various brands and models of sewing gear and machines. In addition to this research, my work involves publishing information related to these topics in ways that will be informative for both amateur crafters like me and more experienced sewers!
