Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™
Become a Knitting Superstar™

Ch. 19 Top Ten Books to Improve your Knitting Knowledge

My Classes » Knitting Superstar » Part V: BONUS Chapters » Ch. 19 Top Ten Books to Improve your Knitting Knowledge

Ch. 19 Top Ten Books to Improve your Knitting Knowledge

Books are my favorite knitting resource. Books are how I learned to knit, how I learned Magic Loop, and how I learned to design and knit my own patterns. However, I learned through my years of teaching classes that many knitters don’t like to learn from books – looking at diagrams and reading about knitting just doesn’t translate for them.

I’ve tried to shape this entire knitting course with this in mind: combining written explanations with videos and illustrated handouts, in the hope that some combination of these methods would communicate the technique to you in the way that makes the most sense.

But, for those of you who like knitting books and like learning from them, I’ve compiled this list of the very best knitting resources I’ve found 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

Knitters Book of Yarn Clara Parkes book cover

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 patterns, 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.

Norwegian Snail Mittens and this so so soft Classic Washcloth


#2 – Stitch ‘N Bitch: A Knitter’s Handbook, by Debbie Stoller


#3 – Stitch ‘N Bitch Nation, by Debbie Stoller

Stitch’N Bitch Nation compiles 52 really original and wearable intermediate knitting projects from designers across America.

Later Gator Mitts and Jesse’s Flames.


#4 – Son of Stitch’N Bitch, by Debbie Stoller

Son of Stitch n Bitch cover

Son of Stitch ‘N Bitch is a remarkable book in that it only contains projects that men will actually wear. Many of the projects are designed by men, and they are all man-tested and approved. Which is a really good thing, when it comes to knitting.

Half-Pipe Hat


#5 – 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.


#6 – 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.


#7 – Knitting on the Edge and Knitting Over the Edge, by Nicki Epstein

Nicki’s books are a great resource when you want to fancy-up a basic pattern. You can find special ribbing, edging, and pattern stitches to finish off your projects the way you like.


#8 – Harmony Guides: Knit & Purl, by Erika Knight (editor)

Interweave Press has put together a gorgeous stitch-pattern book that you can use to add pattern and texture to anything you are knitting.

You’ll get really good at reading a pattern and recognizing what your stitches look like if you experiment with the stitch-patterns in this book.


#9 – Harmony Guides: Lace & Eyelets, by Erika Knight (editor)

A beautifully-photographed masterpiece with 250 lace patterns to incorporate into your projects. You will learn so much and exercise your creativity when you add these lace patterns to your designs.


#10 – A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, by Barbara Walker

Treasury of Knitting Patterns

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.


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