7 of the Best Knitting Books for Every Level of Knitter
7 knitting books you must have in your craft library!
In our video-centric age, the idea of using a knitting book may seem a little old-fashioned. But books still have their place, and honestly I often prefer to use books to learn new techniques and for new patterns.
One thing you might not know about me is that I learned to knit from a book. In fact, this book was a children’s Klutz book called “Knitting.” I still have it! I don’t use it, though I used to bring it with me when I tried teaching kiddos to knit at church several years ago.
I still own it mostly because it’s a testament to the way it changed my life!
Knitting books are a welcome addition to most any knitter’s library. And if you are a fairly new knitter, you’ll find a treasure trove within their pages.
Like any subject, some knitting books are more useful than others. What follows are some of the books that I have found most beneficial, as well as some other knitters around the world, both strangers and those I know well.
Fantastic Knitting Books
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1. The Stitch and Bitch series written by Debbie Stoller, a PhD in Women’s Psychology from Yale. Stoller is all about women having fun knitting! Her knitting books range from basic techniques to innovative design, so they are all great.
One to try: the original, Stitch & Bitch: the Knitters Handbook.
2. Another author to look for in knitting books is Elizabeth Zimmermann. Zimmermann was known and loved by the knitter’s community, and her knitting books are still an inspiration to many.
One to try: Knitting without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes
3. Any “back to basics” or knitting instruction books are good to have on hand. It’s amazing how often you’ll forget how to do a simple technique, especially if you haven’t used it for awhile.
One to try: The Knitting Book by Frederica Patmore & Vikki Haffenden
4. Any beginner’s design knitting book. Even if you’ve never designed anything better – actually, ESPECIALLY if you’ve never designed anything before! One thing that makes a knitter an ADVANCED knitter is to learn a bit of designing – besides, it’s really fun!
One to try: The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
5. Knitting books that will teach you how to do edges, borders, ‘add-ons’ or embellishments of any kind for your knitting. The easiest and plainest knitting (of any item) can often be dressed up – or made entirely unique – by simply adding a border or other embellishment.
One to try: Nicky Epstein, The Essential Edgings Collection: 500 of Her Favorite Original Borders
6. A stitch dictionary. With a good stitch dictionary, you’ll never be at a loss to create blankets, scarves, dishcloths and more.
One to try: The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary by Wendy Bernard
7. The book that taught me to knit: Klutz Knitting Book Kit by Anne Akers Johnson. I’m not necessarily recommending you keep this book in your library as a reference, but it really is a great way to teach others to knit. The “Book Kit” actually includes yarn, knitting needles, a crochet hook, a yarn needle, and buttons. This makes a great gift for anyone who wants to learn to knit.
Why not start stocking up your knitting books library now? What a great way to have your favorite instructions and patterns on hand! Do you have a favorite knitting book?