10 Best Knitting Books for Every Type of a Reader!

By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 22, 2023
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Did you know that some of the famous paintings in the world portray the Virgin Mary Knitting? It is a technique that human civilizations have found invaluable. The origin of knitting traces back to the Egyptians who have been practicing it since the 11th century. You can knit an assortment of things for yourself, family, and friends once you grasp the skill. There are learning resources on the internet that you can use to learn this skill. Also, you can buy the best knitting books from renowned authors and start your journey.

In this article, we review ten of the best books to learn knitting. We explore the key features of such books to help you pick one that will suit your needs. The fundamental components we focus on are; author, content, cover, pages, and the aim of the book. You must pay attention to the above elements to get the best.

Quick Summary

Top 10 Knitting Books Review 2024

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Features
  • Author: Alberto Bravo and Pepita Marin
  • Content: easy-to-make patterns
  • Cover: hardcover
  • Pages: 176
  • Best for: those who prefer slow fashion lifestyle

More features: beautiful photography

We Are Knitters: Knitspiration to Take Anywhere and Everywhere is a book that contains easy-to-make patterns. This is a perfect gift idea for knitting enthusiasts who want to focus on learning this craft. This book is resourceful and seasoned knitters will also find something to interest them.

This book is by two authors who are gradually becoming famous in the knitting world. Alberto Bravo and Pepita Marin are the authors, and their book is one of the best. They include amazing photos from different parts of the world to guide readers. The pictures are from different regions of the world, including New York, Paris, Marrakech, and Cartagena, among others.

The combination of text and pictures helps improve visual intelligence. This, in turn, makes it easier for users to know how the appearance of the final product. This hardcover knitting book features easy designs with a classic touch. It is best for those who prefer a slow fashion lifestyle. The hardcover assures the durability of the book even with frequent use. It also protects the book from damage when in storage or during travel. This book has a total of 176 pages full of knitting information and beautiful pictures to guide you through all the necessary steps.

    What makes it special?
  • Easy designs
  • Hardcover
  • Stunning photography
  • Giftable
  • Straight-forward instructions
    What cons did we find?
  • No editorial reviews available
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Features
  • Author: editors of Vogue Knitting magazine
  • Content: helpful sidebars; illustrations; photographs
  • Cover: hardcover
  • Pages: 352
  • Best for: those who love Vogue knitting magazine

More features: updated edition; revised; hand-drawn illustrations; professional design secrets

Vogue Knitting is an American magazine about this craft that is popular. It’s unrelated to Vogue Magazine, but its editors are just as good. The editors of the magazine are the authors, and they are among the finest in the knitting world.

This magazine has been around for a long time. The first issue from this brand dates back to 1932. Since then, Vogue Knitting has been releasing titles that take care of the different types of knitters. This book is their ultimate guide that contains basic information on knitting as well as professional design secrets.

If you are interested in the magazine, the official website has the various issues that they release into the market. They also include back issues so that you do not miss out on anything. Vogue magazine lovers are the best fit for buying and using this book.

The content includes sidebars, hand-drawn illustrations, and photographs. All these are critical in guiding your knitting journey. Follow the sidebar instructions and illustrations, and you will have your knitted pattern in no time.

This updated edition has 352 pages with a hardcover. You can buy this book for yourself, family, and friends. Use both this book and the Vogue magazines for a wholesome experience.

    What are its best features?
  • Updated edition
  • Helpful sidebars
  • Hardcover
  • Professional design secrets available
  • Hand-drawn illustrations
  • Easy to follow instructions
    What could be improved?
  • Not ideal for beginners
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Features
  • Author: Debbie Bliss
  • Content: materials, instruments, and techniques from basic to advanced
  • Cover: hardcover
  • Pages: 320
  • Best for: for beginners and experienced knitters

More features: written by a popular designer; illustrated

Debbie Bliss is the author of The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge: A Complete Guide to Essential Knitting Techniques. She is a legendary writer in the knitting realm with a decent number of titles to her name. Her expertise in this realm has seen her tour Canada, the USA, and other countries. Lectures and workshops are the main modes of teaching she uses.

Buying a knitting book from a renowned author guarantees you the best content. Debbie includes materials, instruments, and techniques in her book to make the learning experience worthwhile.

Knowing the materials that you need to knit a particular item is critical in every knitting journey. This book provides you with all the intricate information that you need.

This is one of the best knitting books for learning the dynamics that go into this craft. It provides a list of instruments that you need to knit different items. Once you have this and the correct material, following the techniques will be a breeze for you.

The hardcover knitting book is best for novice and veteran knitters. It is a hardcover book with 30 pages. It also contains illustrations that come in handy for the beginners in case they are unsure of the steps availed.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Renowned author
  • Best for beginners and experienced knitters
  • Easy to understand
  • High-quality book
  • Includes many techniques
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Missing information
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Features
  • Author: Alison Dupernex
  • Content: essential techniques; simple instructions; step by step photographs
  • Cover: hardcover
  • Pages: 144
  • Best for: beginners

More features: updated look; resourceful

Knitting for the Absolute Beginner is a book with simple knitting instructions that will take you through the essential techniques. It is popular among beginners due to the straight-forward guidelines that the author uses.

This edition is the newest and has a more updated look than the previous ones. This feature raises the aesthetics of the book, making it a functional unit that you can use as part of your house décor. The content includes essential techniques, easy instructions, and photographs. The photos in this book are a step by step guide to achieving a given style of knitting. The combination of straight-forward instructions and these photos make it easier for trainee knitters to improve their skill.

The total number of pages that this book has is 144. All the pages from the beginning to the end contain useful knitting information. Alison Dupernex is the author of this book, and her work speaks for her in different countries.

She is a textile designer with proficiency in both hand and machine knitting. This is not the only book from Alison; she has a collection of books that you can buy to develop your skill from basic to pro.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Best for beginners
  • Resourceful
  • Simple instructions
  • Step by step photography
  • Pro writer
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Not suitable for seasoned knitters
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Features
  • Author: Alison McNicol
  • Content: first easy projects for kids
  • Cover: paperback
  • Pages: 48
  • Best for: kids learning to knit

More features: written by an expert; easy to follow illustrations; fun projects

Knitting is likely to interest kids when they get to a certain age. If your kid shows interest in knitting, you may have the challenge of finding the right resources for them. My First Knitting Book: Learn To Knit is one of the best kids’ knitting book.

Alison McNicol, the author of this book, has immense experience in training children to sew and knit. She has a series of craft books for kids that are bestsellers. The language she uses, as well as the illustrations, are child friendly making knitting a walk in the park for your kids.

By now, you already know that this book is best for kids who want to learn knitting. The content includes easy projects that children of all ages can handle. Some of the projects that you will find in this book include easy-peasy scarves, mittens, toys, and so much more.

The illustrations they sue for the book are modern and clear. This helps the children grasp the various concepts therein with ease. The cover of the book is paperback. Consider adding a cover to the book, which is waterproof to prevent damage. It contains 48 pages making it appropriate for children.

    What makes it special?
  • Easy to follow illustrations
  • Variety of knitting stitches
  • Written by an expert
  • Fun projects
  • Best for kids
    What cons did we find?
  • Paperback cover
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6
Popular Film Designs

Harry Potter Knitting Magic

Features
  • Author: Tanis Gray
  • Content: over 25 authentic Harry Potter knits based on films
  • Cover: hardcover
  • Pages: 192
  • Best for Harry Potter fans

More features: fan must-have; includes original costume sketches, film stills and behind-the-scenes

Harry Potter: Knitting Magic is a book that will elevate your understanding of the various knitting techniques that you have seen in motion pictures. You can buy the hardcover or opt for the inexpensive kindle version.

If you are a Harry Potter fan and a knitting lover, then this is the book for you. The author, Tanis Gray, covers over twenty-five authentic knits from popular films. The patterns available can help you knit a vast array of items, including but not limited to clothing, home projects, and keepsakes similar to those in Harry Potter movies.

The original costume sketches in the book will also help you create some of the iconic attires as they are on-screen. Additionally, the author provides yarn suggestions based on the colors that they use in the films.

The projects range from simple ones like Hogwarts scarves to complex knitting patterns like Mrs. Weasley’s Christmas sweaters. For people who are still new to the knitting world, you can start with the easy projects then gradually grow to handle the multifaceted patterns.

Other than knitting information, this book has fun facts about the Harry Potter films. Original costume sketches, film stills, and behind-the-scene treasures are among the other provisions of this book.

    What stands out?
  • Best for Harry Potter fans
  • Original costume sketches
  • Includes patterns for clothing
  • Yarn suggestions
  • Available on Kindle
  • Affordable
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The patterns are best for Harry Porter fans only
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7
Best Patterns for Sweaters

Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters

Features
  • Author: Ann Budd
  • Content: basic designs in multiple sizes and gauges
  • Cover: hardcover
  • Pages: 264
  • Best for: fiber and yarn enthusiasts

More features: includes personal design touches and detailed charts

Sweaters are among popular items in the knitting world. They are functional units that come in handy, especially when the weather is acting up. Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters is one of the books in Ann Budd’s collection.

This book handles basic designs for top-down sweaters. The designs featured in the book are easy to understand and knit, as well. With the techniques in this book, you can knit a top-down sweater that requires minimal finishing—saving time and energy while knitting is essential, and the patterns in this book will give you the chance to experience this.

You will be able to learn knitting five basic sweater types. Circular yoke, raglan, modified-drop shoulder, saddle shoulder, and set-in sleeve are the five types available in this Knitter’s book. Once you are familiar with knitting the different kinds of sweaters, you will be in a better position to try out other complex patterns.

These five designs are available in multiple sizes and yarn gauges. This gives you the freedom to start small then progress to bigger projects once you are confident. This hardcover book is best for yarn and fiber enthusiasts. It has a total of 264 pages with personal design touches and comprehensive charts.

    What are its best features?
  • Simple to follow instructions
  • Basic sweater designs
  • Best for fiber and yarn enthusiasts
  • Includes comprehensive charts
  • Personal design touches
    What could be improved?
  • For sweaters only
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Features
  • Author: Marie Greene
  • Content: 30 quick patterns of shawls and wraps
  • Cover: paperback
  • Pages: 160
  • Best for: those who lave shawls and wraps

More features: easy to understand instructions; patterns for both winter and summer shawls

Shawls and wraps are a great addition to both formal and casual wear. You can make your pieces and some for sale with this book. Marie Greene brings thirty quick patterns to you with this title.

She is a renowned knitter with other titles in the market. This title is best for people who love shawls and wraps. The thirty patterns in this book are quick to learn making it a worthy investment. Follow through the instructions, and you will have a shawl or wrap of your choice in no time.

You can make wraps and shawls for both summer and winter since the patterns are available in the book. The patterns are easy to memorize; hence you do not have to refer to the book every time you want to make a shawl or wrap.

The cover is paperback, and you should take proper care of the book if you want to pass it down to future generations. The knitting guidelines in this book are ideal for people who are beginning to learn the craft. Seasoned knitters also have a ton to learn from the Knit Shawls & Wraps in 1 Week. The book has 160 pages.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Meticulous instructions
  • Well written
  • Many tips included
  • Impeccable illustrations
  • Extra knitting tip
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Small photos
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9
Beginner-Friendly

60 Quick Knits for Beginners

Features
  • Author: not specified
  • Content: easy projects for new knitters
  • Cover: paperback
  • Pages: 176
  • Best for: beginners

More features: a variety of projects; different techniques explained

Beginners will find an assortment of projects that they can work on from this book. The 60 Quick Knits for Beginners avails different techniques and easy projects that help knitters who are learning enjoy the process.

Information regarding the author of the book is unavailable. This is one downside, but it does not mean that the knitting styles in the book are not accurate. The cover of the book is paperback. Think about covering the book with a transparent material to protect the cover from normal wear and tear.

If you are looking for the best knitting book for teenagers, consider this title. Some of the instructions are specifically for beginners, while others could cater to knitters with experience in the craft. The styles the author presents in this book range from classic and simple to contemporary and sophisticated.

The patterns appear in the book in order of difficulty. The first pages of the book have modest patterns while the back ones carry the demanding variations. Tips on how to handle each task are available, helping you knit an item as fast as you can. Also, the tips are in place to help you achieve the knitting style and pattern with minimal effort.

    Why is it special?
  • Best for beginners
  • Step by step illustrations
  • An assortment of creative techniques
  • Affordable
    What are the flaws?
  • Author information unavailable
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10
For Outlander Fans

Outlander Knitting

Features
  • Author: Kate Atherley
  • Content: 20 knits inspired by the TV series
  • Cover: hardcover
  • Pages: 192
  • Best for: Outlander fans

More features: officially licensed book; for a different level of skills; easy to understand patterns; photography and scenes from the set

With this Outlander Knitting book, you will learn different level skills. The inspiration for this book is the famous TV series Outlander. This historical series features knitted costumes and props, making it one of the best to inspire a knitting book.

The book is hardcover, and this guarantees a long lifespan for this title. If you are after a book that you can pass down to the family tree, this is the one you should buy. Generally, this book is best for Outlander fans, but it serves other knitters as well. Those who want to try out elaborate construction and designs should consider this book as well.

The series features rustic knits that seasoned knitters will find interesting. There are a total of twenty knits in this book. All the designs available cater to both beginners and knitters with years of experience.

The patterns may seem complicated, but they are among the easiest to learn. All the projects include a written pattern that guides the knitters on how to achieve it. Also, photography and scenes from the set are part of the content in the book. This title is an officially licensed knitting book. The author Kate Atherley has years of experience in knitting.

    What are its best features?
  • Expert author
  • Rustic knits from Outlander
  • Officially licensed
  • Straight-forward instructions
  • Gorgeous photography
  • Stills from the film
    What could be improved?
  • No customer reviews yet

Things to Consider

Knitting is a craft that most people yearn to learn. For most people, apprenticeship works well for them. Learning in this instance is only possible if you have a veteran to guide you through. Currently, most people are falling back on knitting books and tutorials on the internet because they are convenient. There are many books of this nature in the market, and you must find one that is best for you, depending on the level of skills that you have. Our buying guide dives deep into knitting books and why they are useful. We also discuss the fundamental features that you must consider before you buy any knitting book. Read through and get to know these books better, and your shopping experience will be painless.

Why are knit books so useful?

You must know the benefits of anything before you place an order. Knit books are beneficial to every family with knitting-lovers. Here are some of the reasons why.

Books are easy to understand

Knit books cover a large number of patterns and techniques. The language that authors use in the different books available in the market is straight-forward. The content also includes photography and illustrations, which play a vital part in the learning process. All these come together to make knit books useful and resourceful hence worth buying. Beginners and seasoned knitters alike can improve their skills one day at a time with the help of a book.

They are all-inclusive

Knit books have information that may not be available anywhere else. Other than the typical content, most of these books have tips from the authors. They guide you on how to handle certain challenges that are bound to arise. Remember, authors that write this book have immense knowledge in this field. Other books come with equipment and material suggestions to help you achieve the patterns in the photos.

10 Best Knitting Books for Every Type of a Reader!

Books preserve and pass down knowledge

When you buy a knit book, it does not benefit just you. Books are not perishable and are a great way of preserving information and passing it down to future generations. Having a knit book is a treasure for every family. Over the years, the first knitting books that authors brought in the market have become collectibles worth a lot of money. Knit books are useful as they help teach a wide breadth of people and for many years.

Features to consider before you buy a knitting book

To buy the best, you must know the features to give top consideration. The features we discuss below are intricate in guiding you towards the best-knit book for you.

Author

Knitting is a skill that requires expertise. For one to write a book on the same, they should have years of experience in the industry. Additionally, they ought to be aware of both the classic and contemporary trends in the knitting world. Writers with other books on this topic in the market should be on the top of your list. Do not dismiss new authors. If they have positive reviews, include them on your list. Remember to go through the author’s biography to establish if their skill set is at the level you want or not. Some books like the 60 Quick Knits for Beginners might lack this information, but they are good.

Content

The content in the book is your teacher. It is important to know what a book contains before you buy it. Both visual and written content is essential in a knit book. Buy one that uses the most resources to disseminate information on knitting.

Written content, photography, and illustrations are the commonly used modes of discourse.

For books that draw inspiration from films, the stills from the motion pictures are a useful addition. Sidebars are also part of some books, and they provide additional information like tips to help you get through a project effortlessly. Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters is among books that cover multiple patterns and gauges that might interest you.

Cover

The cover of a book must be able to capture the attention of the target market. It should sell the ideas of the book at first glance. Other than this, the cover should have the ability to protect the inner pages that contain the precious information you want. Hardcover books should be your first choice, especially if you want the book to remain in your family for generations. Do not dismiss books with dull or paperback covers. Do not judge the book by the cover and consider the content it carries. When buying a knit book for your kids, pick one with a cover that will excite them. My First Knitting Book: Learn To Knit is a perfect example.

Number of pages

The length of a book determines the amount of content available. Books with more pages tend to have more content, but this is not always the case.

Read through reviews to know what the pages contain before you shy away from a specific title.

Books that cover complex patterns and techniques tend to have more pages than those with modest ones. The Knit Shawls & Wraps in 1 Week has a total of 160 pages. These pages carry thirty designs that are easy to make. Pictures and illustrations they use during publishing also add to the overall number of pages. If the title you want contains many pages, it is likely to have more images in the content.

Who will enjoy it the most?

Every knitting book is best for a particular group of knitters. Before you buy a knit book, ensure that it will serve your needs. Additionally, you should enjoy the patterns in the book as you work on various projects. You must answer this question accurately if you want to be accurate in your purchase. Reviews on the internet include this feature to help you find a book in your niche faster. The techniques and patterns in the books should help you decide on which is best for you. It is necessary to evaluate your needs and the kind of projects you want to work on before you go shopping. The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge: A Complete Guide to Essential Knitting Techniques is a book that caters to both newbies and veterans.

Illustrations

Illustrations are vital in any book that teaches skills such as knitting. When reviewing the title, you want to buy a check to see if it has this feature. Some authors go the extra mile to include hand-drawn designs in their books.

The drawings make it possible for users to see expected results from the beginning through to the end of the project.

Books that lack illustrations may be hard to use for beginners. Vogue® Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book is among those with hand-drawn illustrations. Go for a book with appealing and functional graphics that will help you learn faster.

Inspiration

Knitting is a craft that draws inspiration from the needs of humankind. This aspect makes it easier for one to knit useful DIY items for use in the home or sell. Famous motion pictures that feature knitted designs are the top inspiration for some authors. In this article, we review two books whose designs are borrowed from famous films. Harry Potter and Outlander are the famous franchises that inspire the books we discuss. If you are a fan of either film as well as a knitter, consider buying the books. Harry Potter: Knitting Magic and Outlander Knitting are the titles we review inspired by famous films.

FAQ

How do you learn knitting from books?

Knitting books come with various types of content to make learning as easy as pie for anyone with interest in this craft. Written content provides the steps necessary to achieve a certain technique or pattern. People are different learners, so how one uses the books vary from one person to the next. Some people choose to go through the whole beginning to end before they embark on any project. Others choose to work project by project until the end. For others, they pick projects randomly and work on them individually. Pick an alternative that works best with you. You can also join a knitters group and work with other people on the projects.

Which knitting books are the best for kids?

Authors release knitting books for different age sets. If your kids are into knitting, you must find the appropriate resources for the same. The best knitting books for kids are those that they can understand with ease. Pictures and illustrations should also be simple and attractive to kids. When shopping for a book for them, consider the age group. Also, go through the reviews from other parents to know if the book is age-appropriate or not. Ask your kid(s) about their hobbies and kind of projects that will interest them and use this as the blueprint to finding the best. Read through reviews to establish if a particular title has what you are looking for or not.

Our verdict

The books we discuss herein are among the top picks for most knitters. Reviews from previous users show that they have what you might be after. Our editor’s choice is the We Are Knitters: Knitspiration to Take Anywhere and Everywhere. It is a book with beautiful photography and easy to follow instructions. The designs in the book are simple, making it a beginner-friendly title. It is best for those who are into a slow fashion lifestyle.

Vogue® Knitting the Ultimate Knitting Book is our premium pick for many reasons. It is a book from editors of one of the best knitting magazines in the world. The book has hand-drawn illustrations that make the patterns authentic and easy to follow. Also, they include some professional design secrets in the book. The best value pick in our list of the best knitting books is The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge: A Complete Guide to Essential Knitting Techniques.

9,9
Total Score
We Are Knitters Knitspiration to Take Anywhere and Everywhere - Editor’s Choice
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