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Knitting books are so inspirational.
They make you want to grab some yarn and knitting needles and get knitting.
Sometimes just sifting through the beautiful photography of the fabulous knitted designs is enough.
In this post I share the results of my Knitting Books and Magazines research for 2020.
Knitting Books Inspire and Delight!
There are heaps of knitting books, covering knitting patterns, knitting help, knitting stitches, knitting techniques and tutorials. Most with stunning photography.
Every knitter needs a knitting reference library. Having the best knitting books on your book shelf or in your e-reader library, is essential.
The best knitting books can provide guidance on a project you are tackling. Great for inspiration on what to knit next.
I’ve read suggestions from top bloggers and sifted through 5 star reviews.
Here is a list of the best knitting books I’ve found based on many hours of research.
Table of Contents
- The Best Knitting Books for 2020
- What are The Best Knitting Magazines?
- What are The Best Sock Knitting Books?
- What are The Best Japan Knitting Books?
- What are The Best Lace Knitting Books?
- What is The Best Knitting Book?
- What are The Best Knitting Books for Beginners?
- What are The Best Baby Knitting Books?
- What is The Best Brioche Knitting Book?
- What are The Best Finger Knitting Books?
The Best Knitting Books For 2020
These books will be cherished and have pride of place on your bookshelves. A fabulous addition to a knitter’s resource library.
Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Wonderful hints, tips, and great humor from the author. Elizabeth Zimmermann is well known in the knitting community. Her knowledge and skill led her to write many helpful instructional books. She revolutionized the modern practice of knitting.
Lots of useful and adaptable patterns. Includes the famous surprise ‘baby jacket’. Learn the fundamentals of knitting & designing.
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 has plenty of handy skills and tips for learning how to knit.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonKnitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes by Elizabeth Zimmermann
An introduction to designing sweaters. Learn how to create sweaters to fit any body, with any yarn. The book is full of practical tips and tricks for improving your knitting. With ways to create your own patterns.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonVogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised by Editors Of Vogue Knitting
Completely updated, 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 correcting mistakes. Written in a clear and easy to follow manner. Suitable for beginners to advanced knitters.
The basics of knitting are all 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 by Elizabeth Zimmermann
This knitting book provides a rough framework for a variety of knitting projects. It teaches you about design choices and techniques. It is a very readable and fun book due to the author’s fabulous writing ability. Suitable for advanced knitters wanting to further their designs and creativity.
Click to Learn More / Buy from 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.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonVogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book by Vogue Knitting Magazine Editors
2002 Second Edition. 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.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonKnitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush
A brief history of knitting in Estonia. Describes traditional shawl design and techniques that the knitter will need to know.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonAran Knitting by Alice Starmore
Discusses the history and traditions of Aran Knitting with wonderful patterns. Alice Starmore’s designs are favorited by many knitters. The designs are detailed and intricate. The cable designs are interesting and varied. You will also learn about a brief history of Aran.
Click to Learn More / Buy from 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 color work 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 all-over 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 different types of wool. The book discusses on her lifelong love of wool. The Book covers her experience with spinning, knitting and observing wool.
This book helps knitters understand how wool behaves and covers the use of different yarns in knitting. A super interesting read.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonA Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara Walker
This knitting book has crystal-clear instructions and explanations. Easy for anyone to follow. Many of the designs are quite simple and any beginner could do them without too much difficulty.
There are enough designs in this book to please the beginner knitter. Also for the most experienced knitter looking for a challenge.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonA Stitch in Time Volume 1 by Susan Crawford & Jane Waller
For those of you who love vintage knitting patterns. Included in this book are knitting and crochet patterns for women, from the periods 1920 to 1949. The authors passion for vintage knitting shines through. The designs are gorgeous.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonThe Knowledgeable Knitter by Margaret Radcliffe
This knitting book answers many 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.
Includes basic knitting patterns for different projects- sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens and socks.
Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot Unravels the Mysteries of Swatching, Stashing, Ribbing & Rolling to Free Your Inner Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Very humorous writing, with excellent knitting tips. Covers all the mysteries of swatching, stashing, ribbing and rolling plus more.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonThe Knitting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask by Margaret Radcliffe
This guide contains an overview of some of the more common problems a knitter faces. Excellent for beginner knitters but more advanced knitters will also find it helpful.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonThe Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes
This informative book of yarn, makes a lot things clearer. It definitely helps in making wiser yarn choices!. The author explores the qualities of different plys of yarn. Each section of the book include patterns. The patterns showcase the best qualities of each type of yarn.
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
What Is The Best Knitting Book?
A knitting book needs to be
- super helpful
- simple to understand
- illustrated either with drawings/photographs
- easy to read
Based on these criteria we’ve sorted through hundreds of knitting books. Here is the best knitting book we found:
Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot Unravels the Mysteries of Swatching, Stashing, Ribbing & Rolling to Free Your Inner Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Very humorous with great tips. Covers all the mysteries of swatching, stashing, ribbing and rolling.
Click to Learn More / Buy from 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 a fabulous assortment of patterns. Containing both quick and longer projects to work on.
Included are knitting tips and tricks. With articles about the latest products and trends.
Some knitting magazines are available to read on your tablet with IOS and Android Apps.
Knitting Magazines in print and the best knitting magazines online are below.
Best Knitting Magazines (Print)
Vogue Knitting
The Vogue Knitting magazine has been providing people with knitting inspiration for decades. With 5 issues per year, there is plenty of knitting inspiration to keep you happy all year. Vogue Knitting Magazine offer printed and digital versions. Digital versions are via their IOS and Android Apps.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonSimple Stylish Knitting
Both in print and digital editions are available. An inexpensive option for knitting inspiration. Every issue comes with high-quality, 50% wool yarn.
Included are simple instructions to knit a new square for a gorgeous throw. This magazine has step-by-step tutorials for stitch patterns and decorative techniques.
The Knitter
For experienced knitters or those looking for a challenge. There are 13 issues published over the course of a year.
Each issue has more than 12 patterns to try. Masterclasses cover techniques to build on knitters confidence and ability.
Simply Knitting
A knitting magazine 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 both print and digital forms.
Knit Simple
Plenty of knitting projects to tackle with inspiring patterns. Tips and tricks, plus more.
Interweave Knits
Full of fabulous patterns, interviews with yarn enthusiasts and tricks and tips to improve your knitting.
Vogue Knitting
Full of modern and contemporary patterns
Creative Knitting
Women’s patterns are written for many sizes.
Stranded Magazine
Editor’s Note – Andi Satterlund From Untangled Knots, along with Erin Birnel and Monica Kirby are no longer producing the magazine.
Stranded is a digital knitting magazine. A Seattle-based group of passionate knitters with experience both creating and consuming knitting patterns. Stranded is a triannual PDF magazine that tries to achieve a happy balance of readers’ wishes and designers’ needs.
Best Knitting Magazines (Online)
Knitty an online knitting magazine has been going since 2002. It has heaps of fun patterns. Talented designers with video tutorials, contests and cool stuff to explore.
The Twist Collective
Editor’s Note: After 10 years of online publication and supporting independent designers, The Twist Collective’s last issue was September 2018.
Tangled Magazine
Another online Knitting magazine started back in 2010. It has since 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 world became too crowded, the Knit Circus team changed focus. Now focusing on hand dyed yarns.
What Are The Best Knitting Books For Beginners?
Are you looking to start your first knitting project?
Trying to find the best knitting books for beginners can be overwhelming.
You want to find the best book to learn knitting.
There are a serious amount of knitting books for beginners on the market.
We’ve spent hours researching so you don’t have to.
We’ve got a list of the best knitting book for beginners of the best below.
Knitting Gritty - Knitting for The Absolute Beginner
This book will walk a new knitter through all the basics of learning the stitches. How to read a pattern and even how to fix mistakes. It includes detailed, color pictures and helpful tips.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonKnitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes by Elizabeth Zimmermann
This book is like having a wise and encouraging knitting teacher sitting by your side. Includes tips, techniques and encouraging words.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonKnitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot Unravels the Mysteries of Swatching, Stashing, Ribbing & Rolling to Free Your Inner Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
General guidelines for creating a variety of knit garments and accessories. The author instructs by mixing humor with her vast knowledge of knitting short-cuts.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonThis book covers:
- the materials you need for knitting
- how to hold the needles
- how to begin knitting
- binding off and other techniques
- includes example patterns.
What Are The Best Sock Knitting Books?
It seems that sock knitting can become addictive. There are an enormous amount of sock knitting pattern books.
There seems no end to the number of creative designs and stitches.
When looking for the best sock knitting books you need to consider your knitting ability.
If you’ve never knitted socks, we’ve got you covered.
If you are looking for inspiration for gorgeous designed knitted socks, we’ve got your back.
Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd
A handbook to help navigate what seems like difficult knitting. Filled with photographs and helpful illustrations. Ensures that both beginner knitters and more advance knitters can create gorgeous socks. Plenty of tips and designs for sock knitting.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonThe Knitter's Book of Socks: The Yarn Lover's Ultimate Guide to Creating Socks That Fit Well, Feel Great, and Last a Lifetime by Clara Parkes
The Knitter’s Book of Socks is a guide to all the elements of what makes a great sock.
Learn about the importance of strength, elasticity and wicking away moisture.
There are plenty of patterns included with fabulous designs and color work.
Some patterns are suitable for beginners with simple knit and purl combinations.
It includes intricate and challenging designs with cables and delicate lace.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonSock Knitting Master Class: Innovative Techniques + Patterns from Top Designers by Ann Budd
Covering the skills of sock knitting construction top down and toe up construction. There are 17 wonderful sock patterns included with helpful instructional illustrations.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonToasty Toes: Socks for All Seasons by Knit Picks
12 fabulous toe-up patterns, one for each month
Click To Learn More / Buy From KnitPicks
Sock Architecture by Laura Neal
This is an amazing resource! Great for both beginner knitters and those with more experience. Includes 17 designed patterns, most of them that cover 5 sizes.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonFolk Socks: The History & Techniques of Handknitted Footwear, Updated Edition by Nancy Bush
Good for the experienced sock knitter. A History of Socks, How to Knit a Sock, and Great Sock Patterns
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon“Knitters use knitting to value-add to the world.”
― Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
What Are The Best Baby Knitting Books?
If adorable baby knits are what you are looking for, you can’t go past these top rated baby knitting books. Full of the cutest, softest, snug designs that are perfect for babies.
The Ultimate Book of Baby Knits: Debbie Bliss's Favourite 50 Patterns for Babies and Toddlers
This baby knits collection includes:
- gorgeous baby blankets
- teddy bears, bootees
- a hooded wrap, snug duffel coat and felted slippers.
It includes 50 contemporary designed projects. Featuring soft and snuggly wool, perfect for baby skin.
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. Designs for Bootees and blankets, beanie hat, sweater and knitted baby shoes.
Click to Learn More / Buy from Amazon
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 that Japan Knitting books work on a chart system. This is good to know for experienced knitters familiar with chart system knitting.
Japan knitting books open up a whole world creativity with their fabulous designs.
Japanese patterns are different to the written patterns of European and Western countries. Japan Knitting Book include 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.
What is the best Brioche Knitting Book?
The Brioche stitch it 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 not an easy one. It’s a challenge to learn, and especially tricky as far as correcting errors.
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 early disasters.
For a fabulous tutorial on brioche knitting see Weekly Stitch’s easy to follow video.
Knitting Brioche: The Essential Guide to the Brioche Stitch by Nancy Marchant
Author Nancy Marchant provides a huge array of variations on the brioche stitch. Includes beautiful object patterns to try, from simple to more challenging. The many pictures of the techniques and swatches are excellent.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonKnitting Brioche Stitch Socks: 14 Easy Patterns for Tube Socks by Barbara Sander
Great for easy to make socks that have wonderful warmth and comfort.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonKnitting Fresh Brioche Creating Two Colour
A fabulous foundation for brioche knitting. Allows you to understand how to make brioche fabric. Enabling you to create your own brioche patterns.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonReversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns
This book has a section on brioche knitting in 2 colors. Included are many other techniques for reversible knitting. Patterns for hats, scarves, socks, dresses and sweaters.
Knit One Below: One Stitch, Many Fabrics 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.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonSwedish Knits: Classic and Modern Designs in the Scandinavian Tradition by Paula Hammerskog
If you are looking for more guidance on how to knit and crochet, this book could be helpful. It doesn’t cover many Brioche Knitting patterns. The title has been misleading for most of the people who have reviewed this book. Traditional Swedish knitting is not covered. Give this one a miss.
What are the Best Lace Knitting Books?
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.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonA Gathering of Lace by Meg Swanson
Most of the projects are best suited to knitters with some experience with lace.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonWrapped in Lace: Knitted Heirloom Designs from Around the World by Margaret Stove
This is a challenging book, full of patterns to show off your skill as a lace knitter. A couple of patterns suitable for beginners of lace knitting.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonHere are some other Lace Knitting books to consider
Knitting Without Needles. What are the best Finger Knitting books?
Knitting Without Needles: A Stylish Introduction to Finger and Arm Knitting by Anne Weil
Great projects to create items for the home, gifts, scarves, blankets and the cutest big bunny. Clearly written and easy to follow instructions. Something to be aware of is that some of these projects take up a lot of yarn.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonFinger Knitting Fun: 28 Cute, Clever and Creative Projects for Kids by Vickie Howell
So much fun for kids 🙂 There are plenty of projects to interest kids. Very simple to follow directions and lots of good illustrations. From jewelry and wearable accessories to wall art, gifts, and room decorations.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonWhat is the best Rowan Knitting Book?
Rowan: 40 Years: 40 Iconic Hand-Knit Designs
Featuring the work of popular knitwear designers as Kaffe Fassett, Martin Storey, Louisa Harding, and Sarah Hatton. It focuses on gorgeous sweaters, cardigans, wraps, and more.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonLooking for a great Sweater Knitting Book?
Home and Away: Knits for Everyday Adventures by Hannah Fettig
Beautiful and doable modern knitting patterns, lots of inspiration with beautiful photography.
Click to Learn More / Buy from 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.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonLoom Knitting
Big Book of Loom Knitting: Learn to Loom Knit
Easy to follow instructions, great pictures. Each project lists the items and supplies you will need. Tells you what to do each step of the way to master Loom Knitting.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonKnitted Dinosaurs: 15 Prehistoric Pals To Knit From Scratch by Tina Barrett
Patterns to knit cute cuddly knitted dinosaurs from scratch in Tina Barrett’s Knitted Dinosaurs book.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonFriday Night Knitting Club
A fun, light-hearted read. No knitting needles or yarn required. Friday Night Knitting Club is light read and a bit of fun. As a knitter, this story will resonate.
Click to Learn More / Buy from AmazonSo there you go, plenty of great knitting books to start or add to your knitting resource library.
We know you will find something to put on your bookshelf or add to your e-reader 🙂
Enjoy all the fabulous new knitting projects and new found knowledge.
Something we forgot? Leave a question or comment at the end.
Now It’s Your Turn…
I’d like to hear what you have to say. What did you think about today’s guide?
Or maybe you have a question.
Either way let me know by leaving a comment below right now or send me a message on twitter.
You can also contact me here
Image credits: © Amazon.com
