Books are my favorite knitting resource.
Books are how I learned to knit, how I learned Magic Loop, and how I began to design and knit my own patterns.
To pass on the best resources I’ve found, I compiled this list for you of the very best knitting resources I’ve enjoyed throughout the years.
Each book is enjoyable to read, beautiful to look at, and guaranteed to teach you something new.
Counting down from my absolute favorite…
#1 The Knitter’s Book of Yarn, by Clara Parkes (top right).
This book will teach you to become what Clara Parkes, of Knitter’s Review, calls a yarn whisperer. After reading this book and trying one of the 40 gorgeous pattens, you’ll have a deep understanding of what yarn to choose for which project, and why.
What’s more, you’ll gain an appreciation for the varied industries that work together to provide us all with beautiful yarn. My favorite projects are the Norwegian Snail Mittens and this so so soft Classic Washcloth.
#2 Stitch ‘n Bitch Nation, by Debbie Stoller
Stitch ‘n Bitch Nation compiles 52 really original and wearable intermediate knitting projects from designers across America. My favorite projects are the Later Gator Mitts and Jesse’s Flames.
#3 Custom Knits, by Wendy Bernard
Wendy Bernard opened my eyes when it came to sweaters.
Now, no matter what your shape, you can design or modify a sweater pattern that will fit every inch of you perfectly.
I especially found the basic sweater guides in the back helpful when striking out on my own.
#4 Handknit Holidays, by Melanie Falick
This is a timeless book, absolutely filled with beautiful, winter-holiday-inspired knits.
The photography is gorgeous, the patterns feature some of the most beautiful and interesting yarns available, and the range of techniques introduced is much broader than your average pattern book.
Learn to knit with wire, double-knit, do Entrelac, Fair-Isle, mosaic knitting, not to mention knit projects with cables and lace.
#5 A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, by Barbara Walker
Barbara Walker is the most creative mind of the century when it comes to inventing stitch patterns and designs.
Any of her four Knitting Pattern Treasuries are a worthwhile investment for when you are designing something on your own.
I’ve given you links to my list of the best knitting books on Amazon.com, but, if you can, please support your local yarn store when buying knitting books! Our patronage helps keep them in business.
If you enjoyed this product review, you might also like:
- “Are You Buying The Right Needles For Your Project?”
- “Three Reasons You’ve Got To Know How To Read A Knitting Pattern“
- “Knit Faster! Avoid The Ten Mistakes That Will Slow You Down“
Tell us about your favorite knitting books. Leave a comment and share below!
11 thoughts on “The 5 Best Knitting Books Of All Time”
One of my favorite, go-to knitting books is “Stitch Library: Over 200 Stitches for Knitters of All Abilities (Knitter’s Bible)” by Claire Crompton. It’s been a handy reference for adding decorative elements to my hats and other projects.
And I believe Sharon Turner’s book, “Teach Yourself Visually – Knitting” is where I first learned to knit striped hats. But those were done flat, which requires seaming (blech). I’m SO happy that I eventually learned how to knit in the round!! :~)
My Five best knitting books:
June Hemmons Hiatt: The Principles of Knitting 2nd ed
Montse Stanley: The Handknitter’s Handbook
Melissa Morgan-Oakes: Toe-up 2-at-a-time socks
Anna Zilboorg: Knitting for Anarchists (best ever buttonhole)
Leslie Ann Bestor: Cast on Bind off: 54 step-by-step methods (I use this constantly)
I love pattern books. Not the ones that tell you every step to complete a garment. I like “swatch” pattern books, which give just the number of rows/stitches required to form the whole pattern before repeating, and then I mix and match those to my heart’s delight. Sometimes the pattern is given “flat” and I have to convert it to “in-the-round”, and very often I will convert a pattern to begin at a different point in the repeat.
Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Knitting Without Tears, was my first knitting book. For me, her sryle is perfect. She invites you into her world and opens that world with all its’ enchantment.
I’m glad one of Debbie Stoller’s books made your “short list”; I always say she taught me to knit! I will second the recommendation of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s books — somehow I seem to hear her voice whenever I read her work.
Elizabeth Zimmermann! Creative and funny – and vastly reassuring. Two of my favorite quotes –
You are the boss of your knitting.
Properly practiced knitting soothes the troubled spirit. And it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit either.
If you knit on circular needles, you owe a big debt to EZ. Also, she promoted knitting garments that required few or no seams. In the 50s, this was *radical*. Knitting Around is probably her best book to start with, but you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Thank you so much for sharing. :)
thank you you helped me hn my knit beginibg your way is easy and funny
Thank you so much. I’m so glad that I’ve been able to help you with your knitting. :) Keep up the great work!
I just went on knitfreedom.com/blog-archive and the text is pink on red texture background and I cannot read anything! Am I the only one seeing this? ONce I am in a blog site, the background is white and it’s much better. Just thought you might want to know.
Thanks for all the info – it’s great!
Gaye
Hi Gaye,
I’ve had a few people comment that it looks funny, but most people see the white background. I really don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll email you and try to get some more information and fix it. Thanks for letting me know.