Beginner's Guide to Knitting [Paperback]

Journal for Weavers Spinners & Dyers: This is certainly a good book for total beginners and those who have very little experience of knitting and making up finished work. alison takes you chapter by chapter through all the processes, starting with equipment needed, basic stitches, including casting on and off, with detailed close-up photographs of each process. useful information is found on the way through. Simple projects follow, such as scarves, hats, cushions and children's jumpers etc. With these projects one learns to follow simple instructions, including making tassels, pompoms, edgings, shaping for neck and sleeves, buttonholes and adding motifs for decoration. Again there are plenty of clear photographs of hands and knitting needles showing the processes. When you have mastered these you can try your hand at lace, cable and mock stitches. Certainly beginners, including young teenagers, could follow these clear instructions and try the many projects without getting bored. Centre for Alternative Technology: Hand knitting is coming back into fashion. With a selection of easy patterns and stitches, using step-by-step photographs and the simplest of techniques novice knitters will discover the delights of working up quick knit ideas. It shows how different yarns can be used, plus lots of techniques to create unique designs for hats, sweaters, scarves and cushions. Joann: Want to learn to knit without paying dues stitching chunky scarves on jumbo needles? Then this sophisticated primer has your name on it. After giving you a crash course on yarns, abbreviations and basic techniques, it takes you right into your first project: a simple yet stunning garter-stitch scarf with fringe that works up on size U.S. 6 needles. The patterns that follow introduce detailed instructions on changing colours, shaping, adding motifs and more, so you can tacke increasingly advanced projects such as ptachwork cushions, throw blankets and hats. It may be hard to believe that you'll be confidently working a gorgeous lace-edged sweater by the end, but with more than 400 how-to photos, this comprehensive resource will get you there before you know it. The Lace Guild: The step-by-step instructions and photographs are very clear and I am sure a complete beginner would be able to master the craft of knitting with the aid of this book. There are tips and hints on everything you need to know to complete each project successfully...Even as a fairly competent knitter I found the instructions on the different types of seams very helpful. As the skill of knitting is no longer handed down from mother to daughter, this book fills the gap, and at GBP9.99 is good value for money. Workshop on the Web: I found this book really useful. I liked the clear, step-by-step instructions it uses to demonstrate stitches. It covers basic stitches, how to sort a dropped stitch (especially useful!) and lovely patterns including gorgeous scarves to cute jumpers and patterned throws. It also tells you what equipment to use and why you'll need it. It also has a full page on which yarns work best and measurements for needles. I liked the pattern for the plain lilac scarf best. It looked really professional and all it used was garter stitch. It included how to add tassels, motifs and buttons as well as fancy cable stitches. Yarn Forward: "At first the needles will feel strange in your hands and the yarn will never be where you need it, but keep calm and don't panic." If you find it easier to work from photos than diagrams, this could be the book for you. Comparatively slim but admirably concise, this won't be the only book you need - but its full-colour step-by-step pictures will see you safely through the basics and provide a welcome refresher at any time.

Novice knitters will discover the delights of working up quick-knit ideas with Alison's clear, practical approach. Starting with materials, she shows how different yarns can be used - from wool and cotton to mohair and ribbon. Experimenting is fun too. String, raffia and fabric can be used to create wonderful textured textiles. Stitches, techniques and patterns follow with clear photographs showing how to start. Casting on, increasing, decreasing, shaping, joining in colours and more, are all illustrated in easy sequences, with a range of beautiful, practical ideas - from scarves, hats and cushions, to cardigans, sweaters and throws. This book is for anyone who is interested in textiles and the joy of working with different textures, colours and natural materials. It is for anyone who wants to give something handmade as a gift, and it is for anyone who wants to experience the pleasure of knitting something special by hand.