7 Books for Learning How to Knit

There has been a resurgence of crafts and learning how to make things ever since the pandemic locked us in our houses for over a year in 2020. One of those crafts is my personal favorite - knitting. I have spent over a decade teaching people to knit and spreading the love of all things fiber arts and now, it seems everyone knits, or wants to! I have searched the interwebs and have found seven books that I believe will help you learn my favorite craft.

But let's get our crafts straight first. Every time I am knitting in public, I inevitably run across someone who says, "Oh, my grandma crochets." I usually respond with, "Mine did, too, and taught me how as well. But this is knitting." At that point I usually get a confused look and a quick end to the conversation. Your average non-fiber artists do not know the difference between knitting and crocheting. There are many examples in movies and television, as well as advertising, where one craft is mistakenly used for the other. And if you are just learning to knit, you might not understand the difference either. So, let's clear it up.

Knitting uses two straight needles.

Crocheting uses one hook.

And though I love all fiber arts, and can knit and crochet, I typically focus on knitting on this blog. And that is why we are here - to learn to knit. What are the best books to learn to knit? Any one that you can understand the directions, has pictures, and has patterns that you can follow to get your started. With those criteria in mind, here are seven books on learning how to knit. I hope you find one that will help you on your knitting journey.

1. Vogue® Knitting The Learn-to-Knit Book

The staple of any knitters pattern collection are Vogue patterns. Vogue is a trusted name in knitting how-to as well. Thus, this book promises to be solid guide to learning to knit.

2. Knitting for the Absolute Beginner

Absolute beginner? Then you might want to check out this one by Alison Dupernex. The patterns include sweaters, which might be intimidating for a newbie, but it also might be just the thing to push you out of the box of rectangular knitting. 

3. Knitting For Beginners: The A-Z Guide to Have You Knitting in 3 Days

This book makes a bold promise - to be able to knit in 3 days, but I believe it is totally possible! In fact, I have a video that I think can teach you to knit in 15 seconds! (See below). Therefore, this claim might just be what you need.

4. First Time Knitting: The Absolute Beginner's Guide

If it is your first-time knitting, take a look at this book. This books takes a learn-by-doing approach, teaching you as you work sample projects.

5. Knitting for Beginners: A Step by Step Guide for Knitting Beginners

6. How to Knit: A Beginner’s Guide to Learning How to Knit Step-by-Step

I love the photography in this book. Though all of the books will give you step-by-step guidance, being able to see what you need to do is essential. The photography may just help you.

7. Susan B. Anderson's Kids' Knitting Workshop: The Easiest and Most Effective Way to Learn to Knit!

If you are looking for a book to help kids learn to knit (or kids at heart), you can never go wrong with Susan B. Anderson. She is one of my all-time knitting heroes, and I will always recommend everything she writes. My autographed copy of her Itty-Bitty Toys book is one of my treasures. She also has a yarn company, Barret Wool Co., that sells beautiful American sourced wool. Check it out!

Learn to knit in 15 seconds?

Think it isn't possible? Take a watch and then tell me if this doesn't explain it well!

@girlfriendsknitting #girlfriendsknitting #learntoknit #knittersoftiktok #knittingtutorial #knittok ♬ original sound - Finnished Knits

Now, whichever book or course you choose to learn to knit, the main thing is DON'T GIVE UP! It takes practice. You will feel awkward at first, and like you need two more hands to get everything doing the right thing. That is a normal part of the learning process and does not mean you can't learn or aren't any good at knitting. It just means you are learning. Keep learning!

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