Every time I share a knitting project I’m asked by you, my lovely readers, ‘how can I teach myself or knit’ or you say ‘I wish I could knit’. So I’m sharing 3 of my all time fave knitting books that have helped me (and Keira) and which live in my craft room. And these are the books that I will never get rid of. They are still handy to me now if I have a new technique or I don’t understand an acronym. SSK, SKPO, YF, KFB, M1? Do you speak my language?
Now first up is the very first knitting book I ever purchased and used. It’s a good one and I often recommend it to beginners who don’t know where to start. It’s called Baby knits for beginners by Debbie Bliss. It covers the basics with clear pictures and then has a range of patterns that are suitable for beginners right through to more experienced knitters who are looking for a classic pattern. In fact one of my favourite cardigans, the raglan cardigan with fully fashioned shaping , is in here and it’s such a great knit for a new baby or toddler.
The patterns are also great if you’re wanting to move on from scarfs and squares but simple enough to follow that you won’t be lost or stuck with half a knitting project that you can’t finish because it’s too hard.
Next up is a golden oldie that I picked up at Vinnies for $5. Love a good buy like this one. There are a few variations and different editions of this book but you can pick these up at op shops, 2nd hand bookstores, eBay, Gumtree and wherever you buy your 2nd hand books.
It covers everything, is super easy to read and suits all levels. There are pages and pages of different stitches and it’s a great reference book. And no matter what level of knitter or crafter that you are, everyone needs a good reference book. Definitely a winner this one.
And last up is a new book for our craft library that I’d wanted for a few years now. And I picked up this book as soon as Keira told me she really wanted to learn how to knit. It is full of photos and little rhymes to help little people learn to knit and it is written for children in easy to understand language.
We’ve been sitting down together doing the stitches and when Keira gets stuck she can look at the photo or revisit the rhyme and see where she might have gone wrong.
I also love the few pages on correcting your mistakes. So important for any knitter. This book really is clear and I think is great for adults too but is really great for little ones and includes cute projects for them to make.
And a last little tip, before I buy a knitting book I pop over to Ravelry, select patterns, put in the title of the book and you should be able to see what people have made and sometimes all of the projects in the book. It’s a great way to see if a book is worth purchasing.
Now, have I missed one? Do you have a favourite knitting book for beginners that you want to share?
I think I have knitted every pattern out of that Debbie Bliss book at one time or another lol.
Oh I think I got mine in 2002 or 03 and it’s still going strong!!!! well done
Thank you so much for these book recommendations. I am a beginner knitter & although I know I could look on you tube for someone showing me how to do some of the bits I don’t know I prefer to have a book there with pictures to refer back to. I will be on the lookout for these.
yes books are so good and I think if you just have 1 or 2 really good ones that help you then you’ve always got a way to check how you’re going! good luck, perfect time to knit here
Do you have a similar favourite for crochet? My Mum taught me to knit and I got the hang of that but crochet just looked like impossible finger magic to me as a kid! Now Mum’s not around to teach me so I need a really good book.
The one I always reach for is The Handknitters Handbook by Montse Stanley. My 1990 copy is very unglamorous with no photos, just drawings, but it is the first place I check. In fact, it has a post-it note flagging the page on increasing as I always, always forget how to do that! The kids book looks great, I shall try to get hold of that one for my little girl. I’ve got the RD one that just covers sewing and that too, is the first place I check. Never fails. Best wishes.
thanks Corrie – you’ve inspired me to start knitting! I’ve just ordered the debiie bliss book online.
I agree with your advice. Another resource I use quite frequently is the computer. I am a visual learner so I love the youtube videos that wonderful knitters have posted which is a great way to learn how to knit or how to do a particular stitch.
I have all the Harmony Guides for knitting & crocheting…..again, the older one particularly, aren’t glamourous, but are a great reference for all levels. I learnt most of my different techniques from either these Harmony Guides or You Tube. I hope this helps someone else
I love the Reader’s Digest Sewing & Knitting book, i have permanently acquired a copy from my mum and it has been an invaluable resource!
Off to search for that children’s knitting book. Miss 7 desperately wants to learn to knit this may be just the thing we need.
Thanks Corrie!
Hi Corrie, at what age did your daughter start ti knit? Mine is 6 and really wants to start. I dont want her to get frustated if she cant do it well.
she was 6 almost 7! you definitely need to set aside the time to sit there otherwise they have their ideas and are sticking their needles in all different spots! she does love it though. Knitting nancy is also great for little ones and we’ve had success with pom poms too except when I did the wrong thing and ended up with a pile of wool bits instead of a pom pom!