The Best Knitting Books for Beginners(2021 Review)

Have you ever considered taking up knitting as a hobby? While you might have other activities that you engage in during your free time, you would also do well to consider taking up this fun activity.

As a complete beginner in knitting, there are different ways that you can learn this skill, such as by using a knitting book. Let’s consider why using a knitting book is the perfect way to learn knitting, as well as the Best Knitting Books for Beginners you should buy.

Contents

Top 10 Best Knitting Books for Beginners Reviews

The following are the top ten knitting books for beginners that can effectively teach you how to knit:

1. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book

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Vogue® Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book:...

Lots of great projects packed into one little book
Hardcover Book
English (Publication Language)
352 Pages - 02/06/2018 (Publication Date) - Sixth&Spring Books (Publisher)

The new Vogue Knitting book is a revised and updated edition. It is bigger and much better than the previous book. The editors of the book are ‘Vogue Knitting Magazine.’ Hence, you can expect to find the latest knitting methods and developments in this book.

Pros

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.

Cons

The book contains several typos, such as in the headers and subtopics.

2. 60 Quick Knits for Absolute Beginners

60 Quick Knits for Beginners: Easy Projects for...

Sixth & spring 60 quick knits for beginners book
Sixth & spring 60 quick knits for beginners book- easy projects for new knitters in 220 super wash from cascade yarns
An essential volume for anyone picking up needles for the first time
Insightful sidebars make learning new skills a snappy
English (Publication Language)

The 60 Quick Knits for Beginners is a must-have book for those who have never held knitting needles before. It offers beginners the basics of knitting patterns and creative techniques.

Pros

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.

Cons

The book does not explain knitting stitches and styles in detail, which can be quite confusing for complete beginners.

3. First Time Knitting Paperback

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First Time Knitting (First Time, 2)

Creative Publishing International First Time Knitting The Absolute Beginner's Guide Book
Creative Publishing International First Time Knitting- With this absolute beginner's guide book, learning to knit is within reach.
Like having your very own instructor, this book guides you carefully from your first nervous cast-on to confident knitting.
With descriptions and guides for everything from knitting needles and yarns to stitches and techniques, you'll be knitting like a pro.
The nine projects at the end of each chapter help you fully develop your new skills and show off what you've learned.

The 128-page knitting paperback is ideal for absolute beginners learning to knit. Using this knitting book is like having your very own knitting instructor; the First Time Knitting Paperback teaches you carefully from your very first cast-on to advance knitting.

Pros

The knitting book is written with guides and descriptions for everything, from stitches to basic techniques to knitting needles. Indeed, you will be knitting like a pro in no time if you use this book to learn.
At the end of each chapter are nine projects: throw blankets, table runners, and scarves, among many others. These projects help beginners develop their knitting skills very quickly.
The book clearly explains what equipment are used for most projects and teaches how to use these.

Cons

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

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We Are Knitters: Knitspiration to Take Anywhere...

Hardcover Book
Bravo, Alberto (Author)
English (Publication Language)
176 Pages - 11/05/2019 (Publication Date) - Harry N. Abrams (Publisher)

Alberto Bravo and Pepita Martin are the authors of this knitting book. It mainly features knitting patterns that are easy for absolute beginners to make. These patterns are for knitting projects such as hats, tank tops, sweaters, and blankets.

Pros

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 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.

Cons

Very basic type of patter, no variety.

5. The Mitten Handbook: Knitting Recipes to Make Your Own Paperback

The Mitten Handbook: Knitting Recipes to Make Your...

Huff, Mary Scott (Author)
English (Publication Language)
144 Pages - 10/10/2017 (Publication Date) - Harry N. Abrams (Publisher)

The Mitten Handbook by Mary Scott Huff focuses on teaching beginners how to create their own creative mittens. This handbook is not just an instruction book; it also provides information on a list of mitten ingredients, such as cuffs, edgings, thumbs, tops, and different constructions.

Pros

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 mitten elements 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.

Cons

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

My First Knitting Book: Learn To Knit: Kids

Used Book in Good Condition
McNicol, Alison (Author)
English (Publication Language)
48 Pages - 10/15/2012 (Publication Date) - Kyle Craig Publishing (Publisher)

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 enhence their confidence. It is an ideal book for beginner knitter learning how to cast on, knit different types of stitches and how to cast off.

Pros

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.

Cons

Some people have complained that the instructions are a little vague.

7. Essentials of Circular Machine Knitting Paperback

Essentials of Circular Machine Knitting

Best, Lucy E. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
94 Pages - 02/02/2018 (Publication Date) - Best Gearhart Knitting Machines (Publisher)

The 94-page book by Lucy E. Best teaches four essential sock knitting skills: how to adjust the stitch size, how to start a web on the knitting machine, how to reverse (heels), and how to create a selvage.

Pros

The knitting tips provided in the book are beneficial for both beginners and intermediate learners.
The book has instructions 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.

8. Knitting (Idiot’s Guides) Paperback

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Knitting (Idiot's Guides)

Used Book in Good Condition
Goodacre, Megan (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages - 09/03/2013 (Publication Date) - Alpha (Publisher)

Knitting Idiot’s Guides Paperback is specifically designed for complete beginners in knitting. It consists of a series of knitting lessons, which gradually advance from basic to more advance skills.

Pros

All the lessons included in the book use step-by-step instructions, 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 tink knit stitches, it does not include purl stitches.

9. The Complete Beginners Guide to Knitting

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The Complete Beginners Guide to Knitting:...

Hardcover Book
Brown, Sian (Author)
English (Publication Language)
160 Pages - 03/01/2020 (Publication Date) - Sona Books (Publisher)

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

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750 Knitting Stitches: The Ultimate Knit Stitch...

St. Martin's Books-750 Knitting Stitches
Hardcover Book
Pavilion Books (Author)
English (Publication Language)
288 Pages - 08/25/2015 (Publication Date) - St. Martin's Griffin (Publisher)

The 750 Knitting Stitches book by Pavilion Books 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.

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 knitting stitches 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 books available in the market:

Knitting books for beginners – These books focus on teaching the basic knitting skills, patterns, and stitches for those who have little to no knowledge of knitting.

Knitting books for advanced knitters – These knitting 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 knitting check this book review.

What Will I Learn After Reading the Knitting Books?

Knitting books provide useful information and skills in knitting. First, knitting books for beginners teach basic knitting skills, different knitting terms, use of different knitting tools and common mistakes for first-time knitting. The step-by-step instructions, explanations 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 books will also help you learn how to do different 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 technique, 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 courses offered by experts. However, considering all those different ways to learn to knit, using a knitting book is considered the most effective way. Why is that so?

First, knitting books 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 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 books 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 an 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 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 and other similar-sized 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.

For those who have had some knitting experience, learning knitting will take less time. However, whether you are a beginner 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 Best Knitting Books for Beginners above and start your knitting journey today!

MORE TIPS TO MAKE YOU A BETTER KNITTER:

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