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In this post we share the results of our Knitting Books and Magazines research for 2019.
Looking for something specific? See our table of contents below.
In a hurry? Check out our Key Takeaways and top recommendations at the bottom of this post.
Something we forgot? Leave a question or comment at the end.
Introduction
Knitting books are so inspirational.
They make you want to grab some yarn and knitting needles and get knitting.
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.
We've read suggestions from top bloggers and sifted through 5 star reviews.
Here is a list of the best knitting books we’ve found based on hours of researching online.
Updates - This post was last updated on the 23 September 2018
Table of Contents
The Best Knitting Books for 2018
Wonderful hints, tips, and great humour from the author. Lots of useful and adaptable patterns. Includes the famous surprise ‘baby jacket’. Learn the fundamentals of knitting & designing.Learn More
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.Learn More
Knitting 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.
Learn More
Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised by Editors Of Vogue Knitting
Completley 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.
Learn More
“Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either.”
― Elizabeth Zimmermann
More Best Knitting Books for 2019
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.Learn More
The 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.Learn More
Vogue 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.
Learn More
Knitted 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.
Learn More
Aran Knitting by Alice Starmore
Discusses the history and traditions of Aran Knitting with wonderful patterns. Alice Starmore's designs are favourited by many knitters.
Learn More
Beautiful Yarn To Inspire Your Next Project
Even More Best Knitting Books for 2018
200 Fair Isle Designs by Mary Jane Mucklestone 
- 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
The author writes about nine different types of wool. The book discusses on her lifelong love of wool. Covers her experience with spinning, knitting and observing wool.
This book helps knitters understand how wool behaves. Covers use of different yarns in knitting.
A 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.
A 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
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The 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.
The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
Includes basic knitting patterns for different projects- sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens and socks.
Very humourous writing, with excellent knitting tips. Covers all the mysteries of swatching, stashing, ribbing and rolling plus more.
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.
The 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.
Beautiful Yarn To Inspire Your Next Project
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 this criteria we’ve sorted through hundreds of knitting books. Here is the best knitting book we found:
Very humorous with great tips. Covers all the mysteries of swatching, stashing, ribbing and rolling.
What 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plenty of knitting projects to tackle with inspiring patterns. Tips and tricks, plus more.
Full of fabulous patterns, interviews with yarn enthusiasts and tricks and tips to improve your knitting.
Full of modern and contemporary patterns
Women's patterns are written for many sizes.
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.
Learn To Do What You Love Better
No matter water skill level, there is always something new to learn. Online knitting classes means you can go at your own pace, at a time that suits you.
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 online knitting magazine started in 2008. The knitwear patterns are by independent designers. This online knitting magazine offers a wide variety of projects. Great photography and easy to browse.
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?
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. Includes detailed, color pictures and helpful tips.
This book is like having a wise and encouraging knitting teacher sitting by your side. Includes tips, techniques and encouraging words.
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.
Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller
This 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 amount 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
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.
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 colour work.
Some patterns are suitable for beginners with simple knit and purl combinations.
Includes intricate and challenging designs with cables and delicate lace.
Looking to Knit Something New?
Knitting projects kits are a great way to take the stress out of knitting. Everything you need comes in a kit 🙂
More Sock Knitting Books
Sock 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.
Toasty Toes: Socks for All Seasons by Knit Picks
12 fabulous toe-up patterns, one for each month
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.
Good for the experienced sock knitter. A History of Socks, How to Knit a Sock, and Great Sock Patterns
“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 very popular best baby knitting books. Full of the cutest, softest, snug designs that are perfect for babies.
The Ultimate Book of Baby Knits by Debbie Bliss
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
An 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.
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.
Looking to Get Your Yarn Stash Organized?
Yarn stashes, much as all knitters love them can sometimes get a little disorganized 🙂 Do you dream of getting your Yarn stash sorted? These ideas will help.
What is the best Brioche Knitting Book?
The Brioche stitch it is a knitting technique. This stitch creates a beautiful ribbed looking design. It is the same on both sides. 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 I knit with cat fur’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.
Other Brioche Knitting Books to consider
Knitting Brioche Stitch Socks: 14 Easy Patterns for Tube Socks by Barbara Sander
Great for easy to make socks that have wonderful warmth and comfort.
Knitting Fresh Brioche Creating Two Colour
A fabulous foundation for brioche knitting. Allows you to completely understand how to make brioche fabric. Enabling you to create your own brioche patterns.
Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns
This book has a section on brioche knitting in 2 colours. Included are many other techniques for reversible knitting. Patterns for hats, scarves, socks, dresses and sweaters.
There are more to consider
Knit One Below: One Stitch, Many Fabrics by Elyse Duvekot
The author presents her knit one below (K1B) technique with clear illustrations. 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.
Swedish 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. Does not contain traditional Swedish knitting. Give this one a miss.
All The Goodies To Go With Knitting
No one can have too many knitting accessories. So many gorgeous items to bring joy to your knitting adventures.
What are the Best Lace Knitting Books?
Knitted Lace of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns and Traditions (Book & DVD)
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
Most of the projects are best suited to knitters with some experience with lace.
Wrapped 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.
Here 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.
Finger 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.
Essential Knitting Supplies
Looking for some great knitting supplies? The right Knitting needles, Beautiful Yarn, Yarn Swifts and Yarn Winders can make your knitting experience so much easier.
What is the best Rowan Knitting Book?
Autumn Accessories by Marie Wallin
14 accessories and garment designs by Marie Wallin for women using Rowan’s new yarn Big Wool Silk
Looking 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.
Knitting Book to Sharpen Your Skills
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: 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.
Dinosaur Knitting Book
Patterns to knit cute cuddly knitted dinosaurs from scratch in Tina Barrett's Knitted Dinosaurs book.
Friday Night Knitting Club - A Good Read
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
Key Takeaways and Top Recommendations
So 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.
ow It's Your Turn...Related Posts: Here Are Some Other Posts That May Interest You
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