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
- 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.
2. 60 Quick Knits for Absolute Beginners
- 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.
3. First Time Knitting Paperback
- 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.
4. Knitspiration to Take Anywhere and Everywhere Hardcover
- 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.
5. The Mitten Handbook: Knitting Recipes to Make Your Own Paperback
- 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.
6. My First Knitting Book: Learn To Knit: Kids Paperback
- 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.
7. Essentials of Circular Machine Knitting Paperback
- 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.
8. Knitting (Idiot’s Guides) Paperback
- 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.
9. 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.
10. 750 Knitting Stitches: The Ultimate Knit Stitch Bible Hardcover
- 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.
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:
- KNITTING A HAT ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES
- DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNITTING AND CROCHETING
- BEST CROCHET BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS
- HOW TO FIX KNITTING MISTAKES ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES
Sources: