Getting Started Knitting

by Jennifer Worick

Like a fun, gossipy friend who knows how to knit, this guide gently initiates novice knitters by getting them comfortable with the rhythm of casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931499942
• ISBN13: 9781931499941
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Interweave Press
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Almost jealous..

I bought this as a gift to my sister-in-law for her birthday since she told me she just started knitting and only learning through videos on YouTube. I thought...hey, since I love knitting, why not spread the love of it, and also buy a beginner's book for her. Well, when I got this book, I almost didn't want to give it up to my sister-in-law for her present, as I loved it! I've been knitting for 2 years, albeit still an advanced beginner level, and I still find something new to learn in this book. But it's also really easy and simple enough, and teaches very basic elements of knitting, and quite comprehensive for a beginner's book. Of course, it doesn't cover everything, but it covers what a beginner is able to do, with extra knowledge of what knitting is all about. Did I mention it's easy to read too? I haven't tried out the knitting patterns provided, but some look really nice!! Anyway, I told myself I've got way too many books on knitting and I can give this one away...only after really browsing through another time perhaps...

Knitting for the Absolute Beginner

For those of us who do not have a mum or mum-in-law to show us how to knit this book is godsend for the absolute beginner. It assumes not prior knowledge and starts at the absolute basics about different types of yarn, needles etc and takes you through a series of knitting projects from the humble scarf to more challenging projects. It even has a handy section on rectifying mistakes. An excellent beginners introduction.

Better than some knittnig instruction books, but still...not the way to learn

I read this book as part of my ongoing quest to learn to knit a bit better. Luckily, I knew the basics before reading it, as I think it's just about impossible to teach the very early stages of knitting through a book. When I read and looked at the instructions for the first knit stitch, I felt confused and overwhelmed even though I already know how---I think it's something you just have to see in person---any diagram makes it look much harder than it is. Other knitting skills were mixed in how effectively taught they were. I really understood I-cords for the first time after reading about them here, and the descriptions of yarn types and materials was very clear and well done. However, the projects jump to hard way too fast! I wish there was a beginning knitting book that just stuck to total basics for a while---very simple hats, scarves, etc., and also didn't use knitting notation---there is time to learn that, but it really intimidates beginners. Some parts of the book were too cutesy for me, like the silly little quizzes that began most chapters. But overall, one of the better knitting instruction books I've read, with clear photos and a reassuring tone.

Excellent for the incredibly basic

I searched and SEARCHED for the 'best' beginner's knitting book. I wanted something with clear instructions that was also fairly comprehensive. This book does not meet that criteria. The instructions on 'how-to' are the best I've seen, very clearly written and drawn. Easily understandable. However, the book does not provide detail as to WHY a person would do such-and-such or the availability and relative virtues of other ways to accomplish the task (like for instance binding off, etc.). It only tells you how to do the uber-basics and then some showy things like pom-poms and whipstitch. There are more patterns than instruction in this book. Perhaps a good choice for someone interested in knitting by rote, but not a good choice for someone who wants to learn to knit actively. As for me, I'm ordering Knitting in Plain English and we'll see if that suits me any better.

Fabulous Book for Knitters!

This is a great book for almost any knitter to have on her (or his) knitting reference bookshelf. As an intermediate knitter myself there's a lot in here that I know how to do BUT in teaching others to knit and as a quick reference book for basics this book can't be beat. The patterns are wonderful, the directions and drawings are clean and clear and the feel of the book is really friendly. You won't regret this purchase!