Knitting books are so inspirational. They make you want to grab some yarn and knitting needles and get knitting.
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My Quick Recommendations
- My Top Pick – Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
- Best For Beginners – Knitting Gritty - Knitting for The Absolute Beginner
- Best Knitting Pattern Book – A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara Walker
Knitting lets me enjoy a functional book. One to help me create something. Sometimes sifting through the beautiful photography of the fabulous knitted designs is enough.
Here are the best knitting books and magazines.
I reviewed and updated this post on January 8, 2022.
Table of Contents
- Best Knitting Book
- Sock Knitting Books
- Japan Knitting Books
- Lace Knitting Books
- Baby Knitting Books
- Brioche Knitting Book
- Finger Knitting Books
- Knitting Magazines
Knitting Books Inspire and Delight!
There are many knitting books covering knitting help, knitting stitches, knitting techniques, and tutorials. Most with stunning photography.
The best knitting books guide you on a knitting project you’re tackling. Great for inspiration on what to knit next.
Every knitter needs a knitting library. Having the best knitting books on your bookshelf or in your e-reader library is essential.
What Is The Best Knitting Book?
The best is Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.
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Would you like to learn something new? I reviewed the Andrea Wong Portuguese knitting masterclass.
What Are The Best Knitting Books For Beginners?
Here’s the best. Knitting Gritty – Knitting for The Absolute Beginner.
This book is like a wise and encouraging knitting teacher. Includes tips, techniques, and encouraging words. Basic patterns to try, like hat patterns.
Check Price On AmazonA knitting book is
- Simple to understand
- Illustrated either with drawings/photographs
- Easy to read
Here is a list for you.
The Best Knitting Books
These books have pride of place on your bookshelves. A fabulous addition to a knitter’s resource library. Find instructions on techniques, stitches, and methods for honing your craft.
Knitting Workshop
by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Excellent hints, tips, and great humor from the author. She’s well known in the knitting community. Her knowledge and skill led to many instructional books.
She revolutionized the modern practice of knitting.
This book deciphers what looks like a foreign language with the knitting terms. Understand reading patterns.
Learn the basics of knitting, including knitting with two colors.
Also, discover Elizabeth’s Percentage System (EPS) for sweater design, yoke-style sweaters, drop-shoulder sweaters, knitting garter stitch, lace, arans, guernseys, and fair isles.
Lots of useful, adaptable, fun knit patterns for you to try when learning to knit. You may also like the famous surprise ‘baby jacket’ pattern. Learn the fundamentals of knitting & designing.
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Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook
by Debbie Stoller
Something for everyone, whether you are a beginner knitter, intermediate or advanced. This book has something to suit all abilities.
There are 40 fun projects included, and it also covers plenty of handy skills and tips for learning how to knit.
Check Price On AmazonFound some fantastic books to add to your to-read pile? Now see my review of the best gift for knitters.
Knitting Without Tears
by Elizabeth Zimmermann
An introduction to designing sweaters. Learn how to create sweaters to fit anybody with any yarn. The book is full of practical tips and tricks for improving your knitting.
Full of skill building with ways to create your patterns.
Check Price On AmazonThe Ultimate Knitting Book
by Vogue Knitting
The new version has 65 extra pages and heaps of photos and tutorials. This knitting book includes how-tos, knitting methods, circular and flat knitting.
Includes cast on and bind off techniques, lace, cables, brioche, and more. Covers tools to use and correct mistakes. Written in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Suitable for beginners to advanced knitters.
The basics of knitting are here.
- Fibers and knitting tools, casting on, binding off.
- English and Continental knitting style.
- Increases, decreases, and joining yarns.
- Knitting gauge, knitting charts, and symbols.
- Knitting in the round, fixing mistakes, and finishing techniques.
“Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit either.”
― Elizabeth Zimmermann
Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac
This knitting book provides a rough framework for a variety of knitting projects. It teaches you about design choices and techniques. It’s a readable and fun book with great writing.
Suitable for advanced knitters wanting to further their designs and creativity.
Check Price On AmazonThe Principles of Knitting
by June Hemmons Hiatt
This knitting book includes how-tos, knitting methods, circular and flat knitting. Includes decorative techniques plus so much more. Written in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Suitable for beginners to advanced knitters.
Check Price On AmazonLooking for tools to keep your yarn stash tidy? Try a yarn skein winder.
Aran Knitting
by Alice Starmore
Discusses the history and traditions of Aran Knitting with wonderful patterns. Many knitters love Alice Starmore’s designs. The designs are intricate.
Detailed patterns for men and women. The cable designs are interesting and varied. You also learn about a brief history of Aran.
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You Can Knit That
by Amy Herzog
A simple reference book and pattern collection covering sweater-making. Suitable for those knitting a sweater for the first time or those looking to expand your skills to knit sweaters in styles you’ve never tried before.
Sweater patterns you’ll love to knit.
Check Price On Amazon200 Fair Isle Designs
by Mary Jane Mucklestone
Fair Isle knitting looks complicated, but it needn’t be. Mary Jane Mucklestone’s book steps you through how to knit using the stranded colorwork technique. This book suits beginners to more advanced knitters.
- an actual-size photograph of the design
- black and white chart
- color chart, a color variation chart
- suggested repeat chart for each of the 200 motifs.
The Knitter’s Book of Wool
by Clara Parkes
Clara Parkes, an authority in the knitting industry, writes about nine wools. The book discusses her lifelong love of yarn. The book covers her experience with spinning, knitting, and observing wool.
Understand how wool behaves and different yarns in knitting. Packed full of information. An interesting read.
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A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns
by Barbara Walker
This knitting book has clear explanations. Easy for anyone to follow. Many of the designs are simple, and any beginner could do them without too much difficulty.
There are enough designs in this book to please the beginner knitter and the most experienced knitter looking for a challenge.
Check Price On AmazonThe Knowledgeable Knitter
by Margaret Radcliffe
This knitting book answers questions about the art of knitting. Topics covered:
- Patterns, Yarns, and needles
- Planning projects, modifying a pattern
- Shaping and fitting, borders and embellishment, plus more.
The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns
by Ann Budd
Includes basic knitting patterns for different projects.
Sweaters, hats, a scarf (see my guide to the best yarn for knitting scarves), gloves, mittens, and socks.
Check Price On AmazonThe Knitting Answer Book
by Margaret Radcliffe
It contains some common problems a knitter faces. Excellent for beginner knitters and advanced knitters. This book guides you to be a better knitter.
Buy on AmazonThe Knitter’s Book of Yarn
by Clara Parkes
This informative book of yarn makes things much clearer. Make wiser yarn choices! The author explores the qualities of different plys of yarn. Each section of the book includes patterns.
The patterns showcase the best qualities of each type of yarn. One book for yarn lovers.
Check Price On Amazon55 Christmas Balls to Knit
by Carlos Zachrison & Arne Nerjordet
Full of quick and easy knitting patterns for the festive season. Arne and Carlos translate traditional Scandinavian knitwear designs into individual patterns perfect for holiday décor.
Hand knitted items to suit beginners and experts. You’ll find step-by-step instructions, how-to tips, and full-color photos of great knitting ideas.
Check Price On AmazonAlterKnit Stitch Dictionary
by Andrea Rangel
Stranded colorwork with a modern twist. Explore the 200 motifs derived from graphic design elements and colorwork charts.
Learn to use stranded colorwork in design with five accompanying projects, including mitts, cowls, and sweaters.
Check Price On AmazonHarry Potter: Knitting Magic
by Tanis Gray
The first official Harry Potter knitting book. Create over 25 authentic Harry Potter knits based on iconic films. Tanis Gray is a wonderful designer, and if you have Harry Potter fans in your life, this knitting book is for you.
Check Price On AmazonSeamless Knit Sweaters in 2 Weeks
by Marie Greene
Marie Greene’s twenty gorgeous seamless knit patterns make knitting a sweater simple.
If you’ve ever struggled to complete a pullover or been too intimidated to start a cardigan, these seamless, top-down designs change the way you think about sweaters. Some sweaters are sure to be your favorites.
Check Price On AmazonKnitted Dinosaurs
by Tina Barrett
Patterns to knit cute knitted dinosaurs from scratch in this great book.
Check Price On AmazonFriday Night Knitting Club
A fun, light-hearted read. No knitting needles or yarn required. As a knitter, this well-written, heartwarming story resonates.
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What Are The Best Sock Knitting Books?
There are an enormous amount of sock knitting pattern books. There’s no end to the number of creative designs and stitches.
If you’ve never knitted socks, I’ve got you covered.
Getting Started Knitting Socks
by Ann Budd
A handbook for navigating difficult knitting. Filled with photographs and illustrations. Beginner knitters and more advanced knitters create gorgeous socks. Plenty of tips and designs for sock knitting.
Check Price On AmazonThe Knitter’s Book of Socks
by Clara Parkes
The Knitter’s Book of Socks talks about what makes a great sock. Learn about the importance of strength, elasticity, and wicking away moisture.
There are plenty of patterns with fabulous designs and colorwork. Some patterns are suitable for beginners with simple knit and purl combinations. It includes intricate and challenging designs with cables and delicate lace.
Check Price On AmazonSock Knitting Master Class
by Ann Budd
Covering the skills of sock knitting construction top-down and toe-up construction. Seventeen wonderful sock patterns with instructional illustrations.
Check Price On AmazonSock Architecture
by Laura Neal
This is an amazing resource! Great for beginner knitters and those with more experience. Includes 17 design patterns, most of them cover five sizes.
Check Price On AmazonCustom Socks
by Kate Atherley
Whether you knit them toe-up or top-down, getting the right fit on hand-knit socks is a major challenge! In this book, Kate Atherley teaches knitters the skills they need to understand sock fit and knit a pair of socks.
Check Price On AmazonFolk Socks
by Nancy Bush
Good for the experienced sock knitter. A History of Socks, How to Knit a Sock, and Great Sock Patterns.
Check Price On Amazon“Knitters use knitting to value-add to the world.” – Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
What Are The Best Baby Knitting Books?
Looking for adorable baby knits? Don’t miss these top-rated baby knitting books. Full of the cutest, softest, snug designs perfect for an infant loved one.
The Ultimate Book of Baby Knits
This baby knits collection includes:
- gorgeous baby blankets/afghans
- teddy bears, bootees
- a hooded wrap, snug duffel coat, and felted slippers.
- 50 contemporary designed projects
Baby Knits for Beginners
by Debbie Bliss
Excellent beginner knitters guide for knitting for babies. This baby knits book teaches the basic knitting steps and techniques. Included are 15 super-cute knitwear designs.
Bootees and blankets, beanie hat, sweater, and knitted baby shoes.
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What Are The Best Japan Knitting Books?
For those of us who do not read Japanese, why would you buy a Japanese Knitting Book? Japan Knitting Books have beautiful photography of the finished knitted items.
Knitting is big in Japan! The good news is they work on a chart system. This is good to know for experienced knitters familiar with chart system knitting.
Japan knitting books open up a world of creativity with fabulous designs.
Japanese patterns differ from the written patterns of European and Western countries. Japan Knitting Book includes charted patterns rather than written row-by-row.
There is an excellent tutorial by Twig and Horn on how to read Japanese Knitting Patterns. They have some fabulous Japan Knitting books in their online store.
Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible
by Hitomi Shida
Original designs and variations on a range of classic stitches result in intricate patterns. This is the perfect book for the experienced knitter who’s looking for new stitches.
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What Is The Best Brioche Knitting Book?
The Brioche stitch is a knitting technique, creating a reversible ribbed design. Perfect for sweaters, hats, and mittens. Some of the Brioche Knitting Books on the market cover gorgeous patterns.
The brioche stitch is a challenge to learn and tricky as far as correcting errors. Expand your knitting repertoire and learn something new!
The Brioche stitch isn’t for the faint of heart or beginner unless one is a beginner who wants to take off running and accepts disasters.
For a fabulous tutorial on brioche knitting, see Weekly Stitch’s video.
Knitting Brioche
by Nancy Marchant
Author Nancy Marchant provides an array of variations on the brioche stitch. Includes beautiful object patterns to get started, from simple to more challenging. The many pictures of the techniques and swatches are excellent.
Check Price On AmazonKnitting Brioche Stitch Socks
by Barbara Sander
Great for easy-to-make socks with wonderful warmth and comfort. Choose the right socks for you and take a look at inspiration ideas in this book. A mainstay in your knitting skills.
Check Price On AmazonKnitting Fresh Brioche Creating Two Color
A fabulous foundation for brioche knitting. Understand how to make brioche fabric. Enabling you to create your brioche patterns. Sharing knitting tips, projects, and adventures in knitting.
Check Price On AmazonKnit One Below
by Elyse Duvekot
The author presents her knit one below (K1B) technique with clear illustrations. The book includes gorgeous photos and detailed instructions. For beginner-beginners, it’s worth giving k1b a try.
The technique is interesting, and the results are charming. It doesn’t take much time to learn the technique and is easy to do.
Check Price On AmazonWhat Are The Best Lace Knitting Books?
Here are some great lace knitting books to consider.
Knitted Lace of Estonia
by Nancy Bush
The book begins with a brief history of knitting in Estonia. It describes traditional shawl design and techniques.
Check Price On AmazonA Gathering of Lace
by Meg Swanson
Most of the projects are best suited to knitters with some experience with lace. The shawls featured in this book are stunning.
Check Price On AmazonWhat Are The Best Finger Knitting Books?
Finger knitting is great fun. Let these books show you how!
Knitting Without Needles
by Anne Weil
Great projects to create objects for the home, gifts, scarves, blankets, and the cutest big bunny. Easy to follow instructions.
Note: Some designs use lots of yarn.
Check Price On AmazonFinger Knitting Fun
by Vickie Howell
So much fun for kids 🙂 There are plenty of projects to interest them. Simple directions and lots of illustrations. From jewelry and wearable accessories to wall art, gifts, and room decorations.
Check Price On AmazonWhat Is The Best Rowan Knitting Book?
Rowan: 40 Years: 40 Iconic Hand-Knit Designs
Featuring popular knitwear designers as Kaffe Fassett, Martin Storey, Louisa Harding, and Sarah Hatton. It focuses on gorgeous sweaters, cardigans, wraps, and more.
Check Price On AmazonLooking For A Great Sweater Knitting Book?
Home and Away by Hannah Fettig
Beautiful and doable modern knitting patterns, lots of inspiration with beautiful photography.
Check Price On AmazonKnitting Book to Sharpen Your Skills
Building Blocks Knitting Book
A great way to sharpen your knitting skills by knitting the squares in this book. Learn to knit cables, bobbles, and how to knit from a chart.
Check Price On AmazonLoom Knitting
Big Book of Loom Knitting: Learn to Loom Knit
Easy to follow instructions, great pictures. Each knitting project lists the items and supplies you need. Tells you what to do each step of the way to master Loom Knitting.
Check Price On AmazonWhat Are The Best Knitting Magazines?
Do you love to sit down, grab a cuppa and sift through glossy magazines Knitting Magazines? Many Knitting Magazines have fabulous patterns. Containing quick and longer projects to work on.
Included are knitting tips and tricks with articles about the latest products and trends. Read some knitting magazines with apps.
Knitting Magazines in print and the best knitting magazines online are below.
Best Knitting Magazines (Print)
The Vogue Knitting magazine has provided people with knitting inspiration for decades. With five issues per year, there’s plenty of knitting inspiration.
They offer printed and digital versions. Digital versions are via their IOS and Android Apps.
For experienced knitters or those looking for a challenge. There are 13 issues published over a year. Each issue has over 12 patterns to try. Masterclasses cover techniques to build on knitters’ confidence and ability.
For all levels of knitting ability. Includes gorgeous patterns for garments. Knitting patterns for the home and an exclusive toy pattern in each issue. Available in print and digital.
Full of fabulous patterns, interviews with yarn enthusiasts, and tricks and tips to improve your knitting.
Best Knitting Magazines (Online)
Knitty, an online knitting magazine, has been going since 2002. It has fun patterns. Talented designers with video tutorials and contests to explore.
The Twist Collective – After ten years of online publication and supporting independent designers, The Twist Collective’s last issue was September 2018.
Tangled Magazine – It started back in 2010. But it stopped publishing online.
Petite Purls – Online Knitting Magazine gave readers fabulous content over the years. They closed their virtual doors at the end of 2014.
Knit Circus – Online Knitting Magazine editions ran until 2012. When the online pattern knitting world became too crowded, the Knit Circus team changed focus. Now focusing on hand dyed-yarns.
Plenty of great knitting books to start or add to your knitting resource library.
I know you found something for your bookshelf or your e-reader 🙂 Enjoy the new knitting projects and knowledge for your knitting journey.
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I love the Vogue Knitting book, it has been my knitting bible for years and I love the newest edition. They’ve made it even easier to follow the steps. Highly recommended.
Thank you so much, Grace. I added it to my list. Cheers Jodie 🙂
Has anyone experienced using the Japanese Stitch Bible? I worry that I won’t be able to understand it.
Hi Peta, the Japanese Stitch Bible is a wealth of information with some stunning stitch patterns. The patterns are all charted, so take your time understanding each symbol. The charts are easy to follow and the pictures are helpful. Cheers Jodie
What book would you recommend for a beginner knitter? I don’t want something too difficult.
Hi Cindy. It’s normal to want simple instructions. Knitting Gritty – Knitting for The Absolute Beginner walks the new knitter through the basics of learning stitches. Even how to fix mistakes. This book includes color pictures and helpful tips. 🙂 Jodie
I personally learned to knit with Stitch N Bitch. The instructions are very easy to learn from in Debbie’s book and her patterns are fun and diverse.
That’s wonderful to hear. Cheers Jodie
Is there a really great book for learning stranded knitting, floats and the best way to do them? I have a pattern and yarn, but all of the books seem to expect you to make one of their patterns. I splurged on a boyland knitworks colorwork sweater, so I’m anxious for some resources. Thank you!!
Hi Holly. That’s exciting! I’ll ask my readers for resources and get back to you. Cheers Jodie
Hi Holly, back with some suggestions from some very kind experts.
Mastering Color Knitting: Simple Instructions for Stranded, Intarsia, and Double Knitting by Melissa Leapman https://amzn.to/3hGESfk
The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe, published by D&C https://amzn.to/2UZueXf
Knitting With Two Colors by Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen https://amzn.to/2UXHADA
The reader who recommended Knitting with Two Colors by Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen highly recommends it and said this-
It’s nice book because, not only does it start at the beginning but then goes on with more details as one gets more experienced which usually happens as this kind of pattering is so addictive.
I encourage that person to knit a hat first using color-stranded patts to get used to tensioning the yarns without major puckering, the most likely problem many newbies encounter. Working in the round is an easier way to approach stranded patts, I think, because you’re only dealing with getting the tensioning good with just the knit rows first. Fortunately the Boyland Knits patts are set up for circular knitting so that cuts out the double whammy of getting it going smoothly with both knits and purls.
Great advice to be sure 🙂 Good luck with your colorwork pursuits Holly! I am super excited for you.
Thank you so very much for your help!! I am excited to check out all of these resources!! I’m not touching that pattern or yarn until I educate myself!!
A pleasure. Do some swatching as you learn the techniques. Have fun! Cheers Jodie
some really nice suggestions there 🙂 and my all time favorite (principles of knitting) is also among them. that book taught me so much!
Hi Norman. Thank you. Knitting books written by experts make learning easy. I appreciate your sharing your favorite. Cheers Jodie