47 Best Knitting Books For Beginners To Advanced Knitters [2023]

By Jodie Morgan

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The best knitting books make you want to get knitting! Sifting through the beautiful photography of the fabulous knitted designs is great! Here are my recommendations and reviews.

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I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 22, 2023.

Table Of Contents

Knitting Books Inspire and Delight!

There are knitting books covering help, stitches, techniques, tutorials, and stunning photography. They guide you on a project you’re tackling. Great for inspiration on what to knit next. Having the best books on your bookshelf or in your e-reader library is essential.

Best Knitting Books For Knitters

What Is The Best Knitting Book For Beginners?

The best knitting book for beginners is –

1. Knitting Gritty – Knitting for The Beginner

Knitting Gritty – Knitting for The Beginner is an invaluable resource for those taking their first steps of their knitting journey. Designed with the absolute beginner in mind, this book expertly breaks down the essential techniques, tools, and terminology in an easy-to-understand and engaging way.

One of the reasons beginners will find this book particularly helpful is its comprehensive step-by-step instructions, accompanied by clear illustrations and photographs, which take the guesswork out of learning new stitches and patterns.

This book also offers invaluable advice on selecting the right materials and tools, troubleshooting common issues, and understanding the importance of gauge and tension. Something I certainly appreciate understanding, even now as a knitter of many years.

Knitting Gritty - Knitting for The Absolute Beginner Check Price On Amazon

2. Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag Of Tricks

Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag Of Tricks
Check Price On Amazon

Learn handy tips to improve your knitting stitch skills from expert Patty Lyons. Here’s the book trailer so you know what to expect.

YouTube video

3. Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.

Knitting Rules! Check Price On Amazon

Guidelines for creating garments and accessories. The author mixes humor with short-cuts.

4. Knitting Workshop (A Large Pattern Collection)

by Elizabeth Zimmermann

Knitting Workshop Check Price On Amazon

Excellent hints, tips, and great humor from the author. She’s well known in the 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 terms. Understand reading patterns. Learn the basics, including using two colors.

Also, discover Elizabeth’s Percentage System (EPS) for sweater design, yoke-style sweaters, drop-shoulder sweaters, garter stitch, lace, arans, guernseys, and fair isles. Adaptable, fun patterns to try when learning to knit.

5. Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook

by Debbie Stoller

Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook Check Price On Amazon

Something for everyone in this book, whether you’re a beginner knitter, intermediate, or advanced. There are 40 fun projects, and handy skills and tips for learning how to knit. The current price is affordable.

6. Knitting Without Tears

by Elizabeth Zimmermann

Knitting Without Tears Check Price On Amazon

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 stitches. Full of skill building with ways to create your patterns. Elizabeth Zimmerman’s books are loved by thousands of knitters.

7. The Ultimate Knitting Book

by Vogue Knitting

The Ultimate Knitting Book Check Price On Amazon

The new version has 65 extra pages, photos and tutorials. This knitting book includes how-tos, methods, circular and flat knitting, cast on/bind off techniques, lace, cable, brioche, tools to use, and how to correct mistakes.

Written in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Suitable for beginners to advanced knitters. The basics include English and Continental knitting style, increases, decreases, joining yarns, knitting gauge/charts/symbols, knitting in the round, and finishing techniques.

8. Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac

Knitter's Almanac Check Price On Amazon

This provides a rough framework for a variety of knitting projects. It teaches you about design choices and techniques. It’s readable and fun with great writing. Suitable for advanced knitters wanting to further their designs and creativity.

9. The Principles of Knitting

by June Hemmons Hiatt

The Principles of Knitting Check Price On Amazon

The Principles of Knitting includes everything you need to build skills and confidence. 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.

10. Aran Knitting

by Alice Starmore

Aran Knitting Check Price On Amazon

Discusses everything about the history and traditions of Aran Knitting with wonderful patterns. People love Alice Starmore’s intricate designs. Detailed patterns for men and women. The cable designs are interesting. You learn the historical elements of Aran.

11. You Can Knit That

by Amy Herzog

You Can Knit That Check Price On Amazon

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 sweaters in styles you’ve never tried before.

12. 200 Fair Isle Designs

by Mary Jane Mucklestone

200 Fair Isle Designs Check Price On Amazon

Fair Isle knitting looks complicated, but it needn’t be. Mary Jane Mucklestone steps you through how to use the stranded colorwork technique. This suits beginners to more advanced knitters.

Includes an actual-size photograph of the design, clack and white chart, a color chart, a color variation chart, and a repeat chart for each of the 200 motifs

13. The Knitter’s Book of Wool

by Clara Parkes

The Knitter’s Book of Wool Check Price On Amazon

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.

14. A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns

by Barbara Walker

A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns Check Price On Amazon

This 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 to please the beginner knitter and an experienced knitter looking for a challenge.

15. The Knowledgeable Knitter

by Margaret Radcliffe

The Knowledgeable Knitter Check Price On Amazon

This knitting book answers questions about the art of knitting. Topics covered: patterns, yarns, needles, planning projects, changing a pattern, shaping and fitting, and borders and embellishment.

16. The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns

by Ann Budd

The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns Check Price On Amazon

Includes basic knitting patterns like sweaters, hats, a scarf (see my guide to the best yarn for knitting scarves), gloves, mittens, and socks.

17. The Knitting Answer Book

by Margaret Radcliffe

The Knitting Answer Book Check Price On Amazon

It contains common problems a knitter faces. Excellent for beginners and advanced knitters. This guides you to be a better knitter.

18. The Knitter’s Book of Yarn

by Clara Parkes

The Knitter's Book of Yarn Check Price On Amazon

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.

19. 55 Christmas Balls to Knit

by Carlos Zachrison & Arne Nerjordet

55 Christmas Balls to Knit Check Price On Amazon

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.

20. AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary

by Andrea Rangel

AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary Check Price On Amazon

A stitch dictionary for 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, shawls and sweaters.

21. Seamless Sweaters in 2 Weeks

by Marie Greene

Seamless Knit Sweaters in 2 Weeks Check Price On Amazon

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.

22. Knitted Dinosaurs

by Tina Barrett

Knitted Dinosaurs Check Price On Amazon

Patterns for cute dinosaurs.

23. Friday Night Knitting Club

Friday Night Knitting Club Check Price On Amazon

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.

Check out more great pics from @vwpotechi on Instagram
Check out more great pics from @vwpotechi on Instagram.

24. Getting Started Knitting Socks

by Ann Budd

Getting Started Knitting Socks Check Price On Amazon

A handbook for navigating difficult knitting. Filled with photographs and illustrations. Beginners and advanced knitters create gorgeous socks. Plenty of tips and designs for sock knitting.

25. The Knitter’s Book of Socks

by Clara Parkes

The Knitter's Book of Socks Check Price On Amazon

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.

26. Knit 2 Socks in 1

by Safiyyah Talley

Knit 2 Socks in 1y Check Price On Amazon

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.

27. Sock Knitting Master Class

by Ann Budd

Sock Knitting Master Class Check Price On Amazon

Covering the skills of sock knitting construction top-down and toe-up construction. Seventeen wonderful sock patterns with instructional illustrations. Ann Budd’s book has excellent Amazon reviews. Read Amazon books either on an e-reader or paperback.

28. Sock Architecture

by Laura Neal

Sock Architecture Check Price On Amazon

This is an amazing resource! Great for beginner knitters and those with more experience. Includes 17 design patterns, most of them cover five sizes.

29. Custom Socks – Top Up Or Down Down

by Kate Atherley

Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet Check Price On Amazon

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 what you need to understand sock fit and make a pair of socks.

30. Folk Socks

by Nancy Bush

Folk Socks Check Price On Amazon

Good for the experienced sock knitter. This knitter book includes the history of socks and great sock patterns.

What Are The Best Baby Knitter Books?

Looking for adorable baby knits? Don’t miss these, they’re full of cute, soft, snug designs for an infant loved one.

31. The Ultimate Book of Baby Knits

The Ultimate Book of Baby Knits Check Price On Amazon

These include gorgeous baby blankets/afghans, teddy bears, bootees, a hooded wrap, a snug duffel coat, felted slippers, and 50 contemporary projects.

32. Baby Knits for Beginners

by Debbie Bliss

Baby Knits for Beginners Check Price On Amazon

Excellent for knitting for babies. This book teaches the basic knitting steps and techniques. Included are 15 super-cute knits to try like bootees, blankets, beanie hat, sweater, and baby shoes.

What Are The Best Japan Knits 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.

Check out more great pics from @hana777.n_k on Instagram
Check out more great pics from @hana777.n_k on Instagram.

Japan knitting books opens up a world of fabulous designs. Japanese patterns differ from the written patterns of European and Western countries. They include charted patterns rather than written row-by-row.

33. Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible

by Hitomi Shida

Japanese Stitch Knitting Stitch Bible Check Price On Amazon

Original designs and variations on a range of classic stitches result in intricate patterns. This is perfect 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!

34. Knitting Brioche

by Nancy Marchant

Knitting Brioche Check Price On Amazon

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.

35. Knitting Brioche Stitch Socks

by Barbara Sander

Knitting Brioche Stitch Socks Check Price On Amazon

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.

36. Knitting Fresh Brioche Creating Two Color

Knitting Fresh Brioche Creating Two Color Check Price On Amazon

A fabulous foundation for brioche knitting. Understand how to make brioche fabric to create brioche patterns. Sharing tips, projects, and adventures.

37. Knit One Below

by Elyse Duvekot

Knit One Below Check Price On Amazon

The author presents her K1B technique with clear illustrations. It 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 Books?

Here are great lace knitting books to consider.

38. Knitted Lace of Estonia

by Nancy Bush

Knitted Lace of Estonia Check Price On Amazon

This a history of knitting in Estonia and traditional shawl design.

39. A Gathering of Lace

by Meg Swanson

by Meg Swanson Check Price On Amazon

Most projects are suited to knitters with experience with lace. The shawls are stunning.

What Are The Best Finger Knits Books?

Finger knitting is great fun. Let these books show you how!

40. Knitting Without Needles

by Anne Weil

Knitting Without Needles Check Price On Amazon

Great projects to create objects for the home, gifts, scarves, blankets, and the cutest big bunny. Easy to follow instructions. It’s also a great introduction to the arm knitting technique. Trying out the creations should be such fun!

YouTube video

41. Finger Knitting Fun

by Vickie Howell

Finger Knitting Fun Check Price On Amazon

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.

Still Looking For More Recommendations?

Knitting Books Img

Try the following options.

If you want to try your hand at the Portuguese knitting technique, this one book is an excellent choice.

42. 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.

Portuguese Knitting: A historical & practical guide to traditional Portuguese Methods, with 20 inspirational projects, by Rosa Pomar Check Price On Amazon

43. Portuguese Style of Knitting – History, Traditions, and Techniques by Andrea Wong

Andrea-Wong-Portuguese-Style-of-Knitting-History-Traditions-and-Techniques-1

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’s guidance for lace, cables, double knitting, and two-color knitting.

44. Rowan: 40 Years: 40 Iconic Hand-Knit Designs

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, and wraps.

Check Price On Amazon

45. Home and Away by Hannah Fettig

Home and Away Check Price On Amazon

Beautiful and doable modern patterns, inspiration with beautiful photography.

46. Building Blocks Knitting Book

Building Blocks Knitting Book Check Price On Amazon

A great way to sharpen your knitting skills by knitting the squares in this book. Learn to knit cables, bobbles, knitting techniques, and how to use a chart.

47. Big Book of Loom Knitting

Big Book of Loom Knitting: Learn to Loom Knit Check Price On Amazon

Easy to follow instructions, great pictures. Each knitting project lists the items and supplies you need. Tells you what to do to master Loom Knitting.

Others To Try

  • The Urban Knit Book – Leeni Hoimela’s Knitting (It contains stylish sweaters and modern Nordic knitwear designs for quality handmade garments)
  • A knit stitch reference guide
  • Any Elizabeth Zimmerman Book
  • Barnes And Noble Knitting Books
  • A knitting magazine like Pom Pom Quarterly
  • Movie inspired book for knitting projects like Star Wars
  • Reader’s Digest Knitter’s Handbook by Montse Stanley

Conclusion

Plenty of great knitting books to start or add to your knitting resource library on your bookshelf or e-reader. Enjoy the new knowledge for your journey.

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About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Knit Like Granny

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

jodie@knitlikegranny.com | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate knitter and blogger with 40+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother and wonderful grandmother “Mama”, she fell in love with crafting from a young age. When she’s not knitting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online knitting community. Get to know Jodie and the team on our meet the team page.

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Comments

    • 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

      Reply
  1. 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!!

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply

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