Essentials
Starting Out
If you’re just learning, do these three things: get yourself a copy of Vogue Knitting, bookmark the knittinghelp.com website, and purchase knitting needles (preferably circular, they’re more versatile) and yarn from your local yarn shop or from one of the online shops listed in the sidebar. Once you’ve got your bearings, I’d recommend you get one of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s books, or Knitting in Plain English, by Maggie Righetti. Many of the recent onslaught of knitting books seem frivolous to me, and I like to stick with the basics as taught by the no-nonsense masters.
- Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
Yup. It’s true. This encyclopedic book is LOADED with very well presented and organized information. This is where you can get your basic knitting education. You will also return to this book again and again to learn new techniques, new stitches, and tips for designing your own knitwear. - Teach Yourself Visually Knitting (Teach Yourself Visually)
Pretty much what it says. An alternative to the above for those who may prefer its style. Like Vogue, it has lots of great info and pictures. - Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes - Elizabeth Zimmerman
Pretty self-explanatory. Zimmermann teaches us how to UNDERSTAND knitting, not blindly follow pattern directions. Her books advocate knitting in the round on circular needles to create seamless garments. Why knit any other way?? - Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop
I LOVE this book! It’s short, and takes the reader lesson by lesson through various projects. From the intro by Barbara Walker: “In her good-natured way, Elizabeth Zimmermann has charmed untold numbers of novices into becoming capable, creative knitters.” If you can afford it, I recommend the DVDof her 1981 PBS knitting series as well.
- Knitting in Plain English, Updated Edition - Maggie Righetti
Another popular learn-to-knit book by a woman with decades of experience. - Sweater Workshop - Jacqueline Fee
A favorite. The author leads readers through a funky looking sampler which introduces all the necessary skills for creating any kind of sweater. Do this sampler whether you intend to knit a sweater or not; the skills taught are wide-ranging and applicable to more than just sweater construction. Her directions are as clear and easy to follow as the printed word allows. For that which still confounds, you can join Jacqueline’s Yahoo Group and ask questions directly, or search for a video tutorial on the subject on knittinghelp.com. - The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave) - Ann Budd
Construction basics. Take one of Budd’s basic patterns (mittens, hats, socks, sweaters, etc.) and redefine it as your own.
More Great Stuff:
- Knitting in the Old Way: Designs and Techniques from Ethnic Sweaters - Priscilla Gibson-Roberts
“We owe it to ourselves to pursue knitting as fine craft, instead of working by rote,” the author writes in this detailed and informative book. Not for newbies or those still struggling with the nitty gritty of stitches, but invaluable for all others. Gibson-Roberts believes that we must become increasingly process-oriented, rather than project-oriented as we progress in our craft. Highly recommended for its historical content as well as the chapters on technique and method. - The Magic Loop (Fiber Trends) - Bev Galeskas
I hate dpns so much I might just start a Magic Loop religion. Great for sleeves and socks and hats (no more switching to dpns when decreasing for the crown!) - A Knitting Glossary (DVD) - Elizabeth Zimmermann
A DVD class by Elizabeth and her daughter Meg Swanson. Everything you want to know, demonstrated by two experienced and entertaining knitters. If you only get one DVD, it should probably be this one. - Unexpected Knitting - Debbie New
Debbie New is a real, true genius. And I don’t mean someone who just knits real pretty. Look at her work and read her bio if you think I’m exaggerating! - Knitting Essentials 1, Lucy Neatby a Knitter’s Companion (DVD)
A huge collection of basic techniques. Lucy has produced many informative DVDs which you can find on her website– Tradewind Knitwear Designs - Alice Starmore’s Book of Fair Isle Knitting
Out-of-print and expensive, but worth locating if you’re serious about Fair Isle or stranded color knitting. - A Treasury of Magical Knitting - Cat Bordhi
The mysterious moebius. She has a Second Treasury as well. - Knitting in Color - Nanette Blanchard
Nanette’s blog (Knitting in Color) is referenced in the sidebar as well. A nice place to start your color stranding education. - A Treasury of Knitting Patterns - Barbara G. Walker
Walkers entire Treasury (four books) adds up to an exhaustive reference library of decorative stitches. - A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns - Barbara G. Walker
Some like this volume best… - Knitting on the Edge: Ribs, Ruffles, Lace, Fringes, Floral, Points & Picots - Nicky Epstein
An essential collection of 350 decorative borders
Patterns:
Basic hat and sock patterns to use as jumping off points in the beginning of your knitting education. You can find an excellent class-in-a-hat example in Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop, and some wonderful basic designs in Ann Budd’s book, but if you don’t have either of those yet, use the hat pattern below. Or delve into the Knitting Pattern Central for something different.
Other Good Things:
- The Knitting Circle: A Novel - Ann Hood
- Knitting With Dog Hair: Better A Sweater From A Dog You Know and Love Than From A Sheep You’ll Never Meet - Kendall Crolius
For those of us who maybe love our dogs a little too much. I told my father I’m going to knit a hat out of Corey’s fur and he wondered if I should apply Frontline to it on a monthly basis! I will post a review as soon as possible…
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