York and Online Guild
Billed as a book for absolute beginners and up, Debbie provides a comprehensive guide to the magic that can be conjured up using two needles and a ball of wool. Im not convinced that you could actually learn to knit simply by using this book, however it would make an essential knitting companion once you got started. Covering everything from the basics of holding your yarn and needles to the complexity of Fair Isle and stranded colourwork, including lace and cable knits, plus knitting in the round this book has it all.
I loved the clear photographs, especially those on page 22 showing three different ways of holding your knitting needles. Its this attention to detail that makes this book stand out. Throughout the book Debbie offers several alternative ways of creating stitches, depending on your preference for holding your yarn and needles - something you dont get when your gran teaches you to knit!
Dotted throughout the book are helpful panels labelled clinic for problem solving, as well as top tip sections: a really useful aide-memoir even for experienced knitters. There are plenty of projects for knitters of all abilities, and I especially liked the be inspired pages dotted throughout the book, offering ideas for further knitting projects as well as introducing pattern designers whose work you may wish to explore.
To ensure success and avoid disappointment Debbie gives essential guidance as to the ability level required as part of her commentary. In addition to technique-based projects, five guest designers appear throughout the book offering their favourite knitted design. This book would be a perfect gift for anybody embarking on their knitting journey.
Machine Knitting Monthly
For those wishing to learn to hand knit, this reference guide covers all the essential stitches. Basic skills are illustrated in detail with step-by-step guides, photos and diagrams to show exactly what to do and how to do it.
Slip Knot
For anyone just starting to take an interest in knitting, this book is ideal. It contains clear photographs of the various stitches and techniques, including how to hold the needles and cast on, knit and purl traditional or continental style, increase, decrease and cast off. There are also useful chapters on how to read knitting patterns and understand charts. It is divided into six chapters on finishing. Each chapter has a few pictures at the beginning for inspiration, a 'quick start project' and a project by a guest designer. The projects are useful items including a bag, cowl, socks, some knitted baskets and a lacy shawl for a baby. An unusual feature of Debbie's book is a series of 'clinics' comprised of a 'question and answer' feature, similar to the topics she covered in Simply Knitting magazine.
It is a comprehensive book with lots of clear descriptions and is good value at £12.99. My only caveat is that I think the photos for inspiration are too complex for a beginner; I would have thought something to encourage them to progress to the next stage would be more inspiring. But, otherwise, a very useful book for anyone new to knitting.
theknittingexploitsofjosiekitten.blogspot.com
As soon as I received a copy of Knitting - Learn it. Love it. from Search Press, the title rang a bell with me. Then I remembered that I had reviewed another book, Crochet - Learn it. Love it. last year. This book, written by the experienced designer and teacher, Debbie Tomkies, follows a similar structure.
The book is divided into six chapters: Getting Started, Essential Stitches and Techniques, Stitch Patterns for Texture, Knitting in the Round, Colourwork and Finishing Techniques. Within each chapter, Debbie has designed a pattern to practise the skills you've learnt and has also invited five guest designers to each design a pattern. So, there are 10 great patterns to work through. Unlike some 'learn to knit' books, where the patterns seem a bit, errrr how can I put it, well, a bit naff, I think that all the patterns here are things that people would love to knit and feel very pleased with what they have made. Even the simplest pattern, to knit a scarf, is one that looks stylish. Just like in the Crochet book, there's a double page spread 'Be Inspired', which shows other ideas of what can be made using that chapter's skills.
My favourite patterns from the book are a wonderfully squishy scarf which is trimmed with pompoms (what's not to love?) and some stylish colourwork mittens.
I think that it's a brilliant book and it would make the perfect present for someone who is wanting to learn how to knit or to move beyond the basic skills. Team it with some needles, balls of yarn and a project bag and you've got a Christmas (or birthday) gift sorted!
This is a great book that covers all essentials about materials and optional extras to start knitting or to enhance knowledge for the novice or beginner knitter. I particularly like the way ideas are given for using ones stash, as many knitters do not know how to mix and match yarns from different companies and by doing this will avoid waste.
Written instructions for casting on and off and using a variety of techniques are clear and easy to follow and the images aide one when embarking on new challenges.
The book contains great hints and tips for following charts, knitting cables and lace patterns. I like the fact that there are projects and practice designs to develop skills and raise the knitters confidence.
Working in the round is demystified and the diagrams and clinic notes and written instructions are easy to follow for the knitter new to this method of working.
The section on colour work is explained clearly and gives the knitter the chance to try some simple techniques and then progress onto more complicated ones.
An excellent book for all ages. ****
People's Friend
With quick-start projects and plenty of tips, this is the ideal book for those beginning their knitting journey. Step-by-step instructions will teach you all the essential stitching techniques, making it a great reference for both beginners and the more experienced knitter. Look out for input from the guest designers and bloggers who share their favourite patterns, too.
Lets Knit
Whether you are new to knitting or have a loved one in mind that you would like to tempt, this comprehensive guide is an absolute must-have. Packed full of tips and techniques, this engaging new release also features 'quick start' projects that promise to help you grow in confidence and enjoy almost instant gratification as you explore the world of wool. This terrific title would also be a great pick for more experienced knitters who are looking to refresh their skills.
