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.
Knitting Book Reviews For the Beginners:
The following are the top 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)
Knitting is a beloved hobby for many people, but it can be hard to find the right information.
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!
2. 60 Quick Knits for Absolute Beginners: best book to learn knitting
- 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)
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.
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.
This book will teach you everything you need to know about knitting from the basics of casting on and off, to more advanced knitting techniques like double knitting, arm knitting, flat knitting, cables, and lace. You’ll also find nine great projects to practice your skills with – all in one place! Projects include scarves, throw blankets, table runners, and more.
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!
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. 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.
5. The Mitten Handbook: Knitting Recipes to Make Your Own Paperback
- Huff, Mary Scott (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 10/10/2017 (Publication Date) - Abrams (Publisher)
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!
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 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!
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 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!
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)
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.
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
- SM-67180
- 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 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.
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 knitting check 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!
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
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