Knitting books make you want to get knitting! Sifting through the beautiful photography of the fabulous knitted designs is great! Here are the best knitting books.
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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
I reviewed and updated this post on August 14, 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
- Portuguese Style
Knitting Books Inspire and Delight!
There are knitting books covering knitting help, knitting stitches, knitting techniques, tutorials, and stunning photography. The best knitting books guide you on a knitting project you’re tackling. Great for inspiration on what to knit next.
Having the best knitting books on your knitting library 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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Like to learn something new? I reviewed the Andrea Wong Portuguese knitting masterclass.
What Are The Best Knitting Books For Beginners?
Knitting Gritty – Knitting for The Absolute Beginner
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This book is a wise and encouraging knitting teacher. Includes tips, techniques, and encouraging words.
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.
A knitting book is simple to understand, illustrated either with drawings/photographs, and easy to read. Here is a list for you.
Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag Of Tricks by Patty Lyons
Learn handy tips to improve your knitting from knitting expert Patty Lyons. Available October 2022. Get your signed copy on pre order here.
Knitting Workshop
by Elizabeth Zimmermann
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Excellent hints, tips, and great humor from the author. She’s well known in the knitting community. Her knowledge and skill led to 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, 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
- Fair isles
Adaptable, fun knit patterns to try when learning to knit.
Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook
by Debbie Stoller
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Something for everyone, whether you’re a
- Beginner knitter
- Intermediate
- Advanced
There are 40 fun projects, and handy skills and tips for learning how to knit.
Found 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
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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.
The Ultimate Knitting Book
by Vogue Knitting
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The new version has 65 extra pages, photos and tutorials.
This knitting book includes
- How-tos
- Knitting methods
- Circular and flat knitting
- Cast on
- Bind off techniques
- Lace
- Cable
- Brioche
- Tools to use
- How to correct mistakes
Written in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Suitable for beginners to advanced knitters. The basics of knitting
- English and Continental knitting style
- Increases
- Decreases
- Joining yarns
- Knitting gauge
- Knitting charts
- Symbols
- Knitting in the round
- Finishing techniques
Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac
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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.
The Principles of Knitting
by June Hemmons Hiatt
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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.
Looking for tools to keep your yarn stash tidy? Try a yarn skein winder.
Aran Knittin
by Alice Starmore
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Discusses the history and traditions of Aran Knitting with wonderful patterns. Knitters love Alice Starmore’s intricate designs. Detailed patterns for men and women. The cable designs are interesting. You learn the history of Aran.
You Can Knit That
by Amy Herzog
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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.
200 Fair Isle Designs
by Mary Jane Mucklestone
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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.
Includes
- An actual-size photograph of the design
- Black and white chart
- Color chart
- Clor variation chart
- Suggested repeat chart for each of the 200 motifs
The Knitter’s Book of Wool
by Clara Parkes
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Clara Parkes, an authority in the knitting industry, writes about nine wools. The book discusses her lifelong love of yarn.
It covers her experience with spinning, knitting, and observing wool.
Understand how wool behaves and yarns in knitting. Packed full of information. An interesting read.
A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns
by Barbara Walker
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This knitting book has clear explanations.
Easy for anyone to follow. The designs are simple, and a beginner could do them with little difficulty.
There are enough designs in this book to please the beginner knitter and an experienced knitter looking for a challenge.
The Knowledgeable Knitter
by Margaret Radcliffe
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This knitting book answers questions about the art of knitting.
Topics covered
- Patterns
- Yarns
- Needles
- Planning projects
- Changing a pattern
- Shaping and fitting
- Borders and embellishment
The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns
by Ann Budd
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Includes basic knitting patterns.
- Sweaters
- Hats
- Scarf (see my guide to the best yarn for knitting scarves)
- Gloves
- Mittens
- Socks
The Knitting Answer Book
by Margaret Radcliffe
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It contains common problems a knitter faces. Excellent for beginner knitters and advanced knitters.
This book guides you to be a better knitter.
The Knitter’s Book of Yarn
by Clara Parkes
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This informative book of yarn makes things clearer. Make wiser yarn choices!
The author explores the qualities of plys of yarn. Each section of the book includes patterns.
The patterns showcase the best qualities of each yarn. One book for yarn lovers.
55 Christmas Balls to Knit
by Carlos Zachrison & Arne Nerjordet
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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.
AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary
by Andrea Rangel
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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.
Seamless Knit Sweaters in 2 Weeks
by Marie Greene
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Marie Greene’s twenty gorgeous seamless knit patterns make knitting a sweater simple.
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.
Knitted Dinosaurs
by Tina Barrett
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Patterns to knit cute dinosaurs.
Friday Night Knitting Club
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A fun, light-hearted read. No knitting needles or yarn required.
As a knitter, this well-written, heartwarming story resonates.
What Are The Best Sock Knitting Books?
There is an enormous amount of sock knitting pattern books with creative designs and stitches.
Never knitted socks? I’ve got you covered.
Getting Started Knitting Socks
by Ann Budd
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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.
The Knitter’s Book of Socks
by Clara Parkes
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The Knitter’s Book of Socks talks about what makes a great sock.
Learn about strength, elasticity, and wicking away moisture.
There are patterns with fabulous designs and colorwork.
Some patterns are suitable for beginners with simple knit and purl combinations.
It includes intricate designs with cables and delicate lace.
Knit 2 Socks in 1
by Safiyyah Talley
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Learn the magic of turning one long sock into a pair.
There is a range of designs. A unique method of knitting two socks at a time.
Sock Knitting Master Class
by Ann Budd
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Covering the skills of sock knitting construction top-down and toe-up construction.
Seventeen wonderful sock patterns with instructional illustrations.
Sock Architecture
by Laura Neal
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This is an amazing resource! Great for beginner knitters and those with more experience.
Includes 17 design patterns, most of them cover five sizes.
Custom Socks
by Kate Atherley
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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.
Folk Socks
by Nancy Bush
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Good for the experienced sock knitter.
- History of socks
- How to knit a sock
- Great sock patterns
“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 cute, soft, snug designs for an infant loved one.
The Ultimate Book of Baby Knits
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This baby knits collection includes:
- Gorgeous baby blankets/afghans
- Teddy bears
- Bootees
- A hooded wrap
- Snug duffel coat
- Felted slippers
- 50 contemporary designed projects
Baby Knits for Beginners
by Debbie Bliss
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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
- Blankets
- Beanie hat
- Sweater
- Knitted baby shoes
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 opens 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 fabulous Japan Knitting books in their online store.
Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible
by Hitomi Shida
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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.
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.
Brioche Knitting Books on the market cover gorgeous patterns.
The brioche stitch is a challenge to learn and correct errors.
Expand your knitting repertoire!
The Brioche stitch isn’t for the faint of heart or beginner unless one wants to take off running and accepts disasters.
For a fabulous tutorial on brioche knitting, see this video.
Knitting Brioche
by Nancy Marchant
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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 pictures of the techniques and swatches are excellent.
Knitting Brioche Stitch Socks
by Barbara Sander
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Great for easy-to-make socks with wonderful warmth and comfort.
Choose the right socks for you and look at the inspiration in this book. A mainstay in your knitting skills.
Knitting Fresh Brioche Creating Two Color
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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.
Knit One Below
by Elyse Duvekot
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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.
What Are The Best Lace Knitting Books?
Here are great lace knitting books to consider.
Knitted Lace of Estonia
by Nancy Bush
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The book begins with a brief history of knitting in Estonia. It describes traditional shawl design and techniques.
A Gathering of Lace
by Meg Swanson
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Most projects are suited to knitters with experience with lace. The shawls in this book are stunning.
What Are The Best Finger Knitting Books?
Finger knitting is great fun. Let these books show you how!
Knitting Without Needles
by Anne Weil
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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.
Finger Knitting Fun
by Vickie Howell
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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.
Portuguese Knitting Books
If you want to try your hand at the Portuguese knitting technique, then this book is an excellent choice.
Portuguese Knitting: A guide to traditional Portuguese Methods, with 20 inspirational projects, by Rosa Pomar
Containing history and interesting info, it also includes 20 projects to try your hand at this technique of knitting.
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Portuguese Style of Knitting – History, Traditions, and Techniques by Andrea Wong
It talks about the history of Portuguese knitting. Andrea also shares her learning this skill as a child in Brazil.
You will learn all the basics: cast on, knit and purl stitches, and bind off.
After mastering a smooth tension, there is guidance to knit lace, cables, double knitting, and two-color knitting.
What 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
- Sweaters
- Cardigans
- Wraps
Looking For A Great Sweater Knitting Book?
Home and Away by Hannah Fettig
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Beautiful and doable modern knitting patterns, lots of inspiration with beautiful photography.
Knitting Book to Sharpen Your Skills
Building Blocks Knitting Book
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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.
Loom Knitting
Big Book of Loom Knitting
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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.
Still Looking For Recommendations?
Try the following options.
- The Urban Knit Book – Leeni Hoimela’s Knitting Patterns (It contains stylish sweaters and modern Nordic knitwear designs for quality handmade garments)
- Vouge Books On Knitting
- Any Elizabeth Zimmerman Book
- Barnes And Noble Knitting Books
Plenty of great knitting books to start or add to your knitting resource library on your bookshelf or e-reader.
Enjoy the new projects and knowledge for your journey.
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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
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, 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.