Top 15 Best Knitting Books Reviews

The best knitting books make a great way to learn about this relaxing hobby.

They’re also a source of inspiration. I don’t know about you but reading knitting books usually make me grab some knitting needles and yarn and make something never seen before.

You can choose from different knitting books on the market and improve your skills. If you’re a beginner, finding a good knitting book that will help you learn useful tips can be difficult.

However, don’t worry! I will help you choose the right knitting book for your skill level and needs. Below, you will find detailed reviews on 15 best knitting books available on the market.

How to Choose the Best Knitting Books?

Finding the best knitting books isn’t that hard when you know where to look. Follow these rules on how to choose a knitting book that meets your needs and skill level.

• Make sure that the knitting book you purchase is suitable for your skill level. It’s easy to assume you will pick up the information and be able to jump levels but it’s not possible. Buy the knitting book best suited to whatever level you’re at.
• If you’re buying an e-reader version, make sure to check the users’ reviews on the compatibility. You can experience issues with charts utilized in understanding knitting patterns. Make sure that the e-reader version you buy is compatible with your device. Otherwise, problems may happen.
• Check the authenticity of the book and seller, especially if you’re shopping online. Replicas made have been discovered to contain missing pages.
• If you want a knitting book focused on charts and graphics, make sure to choose one that is in a format that makes observing more enjoyable.
• If a knitting book is expensive, it doesn’t always mean it’s better for you. Or better than cheaper books. I recommend you to stay within your budget.

What Are the Best Knitting Books?

It can be hard to choose the best knitting books from the wide selection of knitting books out there. This is why book reviews can be a lifesaver. Pick some of the following best-sellers:

• Best Overall: Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmerman
  “Innovative knitting techniques and construction methods, updated and expanded version, 134 pages.”
• Best Budget: 750 Knitting Stitches
  “Photographed guides, over half a million copies sold, 750 knitting stitches, the ultimate knitting guide. “
• Best for Beginners: The Knitters Book of Knowledge by Debbie Bliss
  “Insightful tips on reading charts, troubleshooting parts, clear guides and instructions, budget-friendly.”
• Best for Intermediate Knitters: Knitting Without Tears
  “The classic knitting bible, smart hacks and solutions, clear instructions, a wide selection of patterns.”
• Best for Experienced Knitters: Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
  “Over 80 intuitive sidebars, over 1,600 illustrations and photos, updated with new knitting techniques.”
• Best for Young Adults: The Principles of Knitting
  “Fully revised and updated edition, clear and informative content, new beautiful design, easy to follow.”
• Best for Baby Clothes: 60 Quick Knits by Sixth & Spring Books
  “Insightful sidebars, best knitting books for baby clothes and other projects, teaches the knitting basics. “
• Best for Lace Knitting: Knitted Lace of Estonia with DVD: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions
  “Bonus 1-hour DVD explores Estonian knitting tradition, popular patterns explained, budget-friendly .”
• Best for Sweaters: 100 Knits: Interweave’s Ultimate Pattern Collection
  “Massive collection of patterns, over 500 pages of creative projects, perfect for pattern development.”
• Best Vintage: Vintage Knitting: 18 Patterns from the 1940s (Old House)
  “18 patterns from the 40s, tips for repairing clothes, conversions are included, easy to read, affordable.”

Best Knitting Books Comparison Chart 2021

If you write “best knitting books” on Google, you will come across many knitting books covering knitting help, patterns, stitches, guides, and proven techniques. And they will all sound promising.

And most knitting books include stunning photography. However, it’s hard to choose the one that meets your needs and skill level. Here’s a list for you to choose from based on hours of research.

Top 15 Best Knitting Books Reviews 2021

Aside from being able to express your creative side, knitting has other health benefits. It can help you relax, sharpen your focus, and get your creative juices flowing.

The following list of best knitting books covers all skill levels, thereby saving you the time and stress of going through tons of books until you find what works for you.

60 Quick Knits by Sixth & Spring Books

(Best Knitting Books for Baby Clothes)

Beginners will appreciate the wide selection of helpful guides and projects in this book. It’s loaded with 60 quick knits and makes a great choice for the novice.

This book is a MUST for anyone picking up knitting needles for the very first time. It offers a broad array of appealing patterns and creative knitting techniques.

It’s the perfect book for anyone learning to knit. Illustrated with step-by-step guides, fun and accessible, 60 Quick Knits shares indispensable knitting wisdom.

The knitting projects include scarves, mittens, baby clothes, shawls, and cowls. The book is intended for beginners but advanced knitters can find it helpful too.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Insightful sidebars
• Best knitting books for babies
• Step-by-step guides

100 Knits: Interweave’s Ultimate Pattern Collection

(Best Knitting Book for Sweaters)

100 Knits is the ultimate pattern collection for both beginners and professionals. It provides a wide array of projects that will boost your creativity and improve your knitting skills.

This book packs shawls, cardigans, tees, tanks, hats, and other patterns that will enrich your knowledge and pave your way to professional knitting. It’s one of the best knitting books.

100 Knits offers infinite inspiration for your next projects with over 500 pages of creative patterns. With 100 Knits, you will be covered head to toe in modern accessory designs.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Massive collection of patterns
• Over 500 pages of creative projects
• Perfect for experienced knitters

Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida

In this book, you will find unique patterns and variations on every possible classic stitch. This is a book for advanced knitters. It teaches the basis for original knitted fashions.

It’s the ideal book for anyone who is looking for new ideas that promise spectacular results. It includes a wide array of stitches including twisted stitches, popcorn stitches, edgings, cables, etc.

If you’re looking for a set of step-by-step, detailed diagrams that will teach you how to make all the basic stitches, look no further than the Japanese knitting stitch bible by Hitomi Shida.

The book packs diagrams and instructions for smaller and large projects, lacy patterns, round yokes, and pattern arrangement. It’s the perfect birthday gift for any experienced knitter.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• English translation of Japanese book
• It provides over 260 different knitting patterns
• Has guides for small and large projects

Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann

(Best Overall)

The knitting workshop led by Elizabeth Zimmermann guides users from beginners to professional status through carefully made knitting lessons and techniques.

This book includes guides on learning to knit, knitting garter stitch, knitting with 2 colors, drop-shoulder sweaters, yoke-style sweaters, arans, lace, fair isles, and guernseys.

It also has Elizabeth’s percentage system for sweater design. This popular workshop, originally a PBS TV series, has been a bestseller for many years, since its release in 2013.

However, it’s been updated with color throughout. And enriched with technique pictures and drawings, editorial notes, and detailed sizing and directions for some projects.

The pattern part has Elizabeth’s popular baby surprise jacket, now with step-by-step instructions, heart hat, epaulet sweater, and many other Zimmermann’s designs.

The book is suitable for beginners, intermediate users, and professionals. No matter your skill level, you will always return to this book for new knitting tips and tricks.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Innovative knitting techniques
• Timeless construction methods
• Updated and expanded version

Slow Knitting by Hannah Thiessen

The Slow Knitting book will encourage you to step back, pare down and enjoy the craftsmanship of your work. It’s suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced knitters.

This book is centered around the principles of slow knitting including thinking environmentally, making thoughtfully, sourcing carefully, exploring openly, and experimenting fearlessly.

Despite your skill level, Hannah Thiessen will challenge you to view your practice in a new way. Each part contains explorations of fiber types, yarn suppliers, makers, and well-known yarn types.

It also contains patterns inspired by the mentioned fibers. Bristol Ivy, Norah Gaughan, and other knitting superstars contributed to the making of this book. If you’re looking for a book that will teach you about the history of knitting and inspire yourself, look no further than Slow Knitting.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• You will learn about the history of knitting
• Contributions from many popular knitting superstars
• A wide selection of knitting lessons and patterns

750 Knitting Stitches

(Best Budget)

If you’re looking for a great gift for the knitter in your life, look no further than 750 Knitting Stitches. It’s both a how-to-knit primer and stitch guide written by Erika Knight.

This book will teach you all about knitting, including how to pick yarn and knitting needles, how to check gauge, how to read patterns, how to create basic stitches, decrease, increase and combine pieces, finish tasks and take good care of your garments. It’s the ultimate knitting guide.

The rich library includes 750 knitting patterns and each is explained with instructions and a color image. This knitting book provides beautifully photographed instructions.

It’s based on The Harmony Guides which have been a valued and longstanding reference for crafters for over 30 years. With over half a million copies sold, this book remains a bestseller since its release. It’s a valuable book with innovative stitches and appealing photography.

With this knitting book, you can knit, cable, yarn, and purl over your way through 750 stitches to create as many pieces as you want. It’s a stitch guide every knitter needs!

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Reasonably-priced
• Colored photos of each design
• Based on The Harmony Guides
• Over half a million copies sold
• 750 knitting stitches

Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book

(Best for Experienced Knitters)

Vogue Knitting is the ultimate knitting book. Experts describe this book as the “essential addition” to the library of passionate knitters. It includes over 1,600 color images.

And new parts with designs and techniques. If you don’t trust reviews, trust Vogue. It’s the world’s most recognized knitting magazine. The book was first published in 1989.

It’s needless to say that it became a favorite resource for both newbies and experienced knitters around the world. The second edition was also a success. It was published in 2002.

As you can notice, Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book has a history of success on the market. It’s one of the best knitting books to this day. Experts adore this book.

It contains a rich library of decreases, increases, cast-on, bind-offs, in-depth parts on new knitting ways such as double knitting, entrelac, brioche, and mosaic knitting.

You will also find design and construction parts that go beyond just sweaters to provide a lot of options for mittens, hats, gloves, socks, and more than 25 shawl shapes.

This ultimate knitting guide also contains chapters covering cabling and lace and includes information on knitters’ equipment, finishing, fixing errors, and garment care to help you understand every stage of this calming and widely-popular craft. It’s a dream come true for every knitter.

With revised, and updated material throughout, 65 extra pages and over 1,600 photos and step-by-step illustrations, Vogue Knitting is easy to read, understand, and follow.

It’s suitable for beginners, seasoned hobbyists, and experienced knitters. If you’re looking for the perfect birthday gift for the knitter in your life, look no further than this book.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Over 80 intuitive sidebars
• Over 1,600 illustrations and photos
• Dozens of bind-offs, decreases, increases, and cast-on, each with illustrated detailed guides
• Professionals finishing, assembling and blocking methods
• Secrets for fixing mistakes across different methods
• Updated with new methods and techniques
• The ultimate knitting book

The Knitting Bible by Phildar

The Knitting Bible by Phildar will open up a new world of knitting opportunities. It features over 300 new stitch patterns which can be easily adjusted for different knitting projects.

This makes the book a valuable and indispensable resource for users of every level. In the knitting bible, you will discover both one-of-a-king and classic styles. This book covers it all.

With written charts and guides for additional clarity, the designs are ordered by stitch type. Beside each chart, you will see stitch keys. The stitches are nicely captured and knitted in the exact color throughout each part, so you can compare them at first sight. The index is extremely helpful.

It helps you locate information quickly. The introduction offers a refresher on knitting foundation, from casting on to taking up dropped patterns to knitting a gauge swatch with illustrations.

No matter if you’re a seasoned hobbyist, a beginner or professional, you will find The Knitting Bible very helpful and informative. It’s the perfect reference for your knitting endeavors.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Over 300 handy stitch patterns
• Stitch keys show beside each chart
• The index helps you find information fast
• Suitable for both beginners and professionals
• It includes both classic and original styles
• Patterns are ordered by stitch type

The Knitters Book of Knowledge by Debbie Bliss

(Best Knitting Books for Beginners)

Debbie Bliss is one of the most popular knitwear authors, designers, and teachers in the world. Her book is one of the best-selling knitting books on the market.

And for a reason. It’s the distillation of her years of experience into a single, indispensable reference. It’s loaded with all the necessary information about knitting.

The Knitters Book of Knowledge explains all you need to know about tension, basic patterns, needles, buttonholes, casting on, yarns, entrelac, and completing projects.

It’s the ultimate guide for experienced knitters and beginners alike. If you’re searching for a perfect gift for the passionate knitter in your life, consider this book.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• The ultimate knitting guide
• Insightful tips on reading charts
• It has a troubleshooting section
• Clear guides and instructions
• A wide selection of stitches

Stitch ‘n’ Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook

When knit happens, it’s good to have this stitch ‘n’ bitch handbook by your side. It’s a must-have knitting guide for chicks with sticks with or without previous experience.

However, it’s mainly focused on new and passionate knitters without previous knowledge. This book will teach you all you need to know about knitting tools, patterns, and techniques.

It includes easy to read and follow illustrated techniques. You will find seed stitch, rib stitch, stockinette stitch, decreasing and increasing, cables, tassels, fringes, crab stitch, and fair isle.

A special bag of tips is also included along with a punk rock backpack, coney island, Pippi knee-stockings, crickets technicolor techno-cozies, big bad baby blanket, queen of hearts bikini, etc.

As you can notice, this sassy-looking book provides a bit of everything. It addresses practical matters but also provides tips and information that’s difficult to find in other places.

This book will teach you how to find free knitting programs online, how to start your knitting group, etc. It also has a part fixing common mistakes named “Oops, I Knit It Again”.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• 40 fun and stylish patterns
• Information on how to start your knitting group
• Information on how to find free knitting programs
• There’s a section on how to repair common mistakes
• Available in paperback, hardcover, and audio CD
• Includes informative and amusing sidebars
• A must-have knitting guide

Vintage Knitting: 18 Patterns from the 1940s (Old House)

(Best Vintage Knitting Book)

If you’re looking for a vintage knitting book, look no further than Vintage Knitting. Written by Margeret Murray and Jane Koster, this vintage book contains 18 patterns from the 40s.

It was published in 1941 which was the same year clothes rationing entered the game. This vintage book was super popular back then. It provided a complete, easy to read guide to knitting.

However, as I already mentioned, it packs lovely patterns from the entire family. Aside from the knitting of new garments, it also sheds light on how to re-make and repair existing garments.

Starting with a quick intro to the styles and spirit of the era and beautiful knitting patterns, this book is a valuable source of information. It’s been a bestseller since its release in 1941.

The projects presented can be easily knitted by the modern knitter (the conversions are included). It has patterns for socks, pullovers, gloves, scarves, cardigans, and other garments.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Popular vintage book
• 18 patterns from the 40s
• Bestseller since its release
• Perfect for modern quilters
• Conversions are included
• Tips for repairing clothes

Knitting Without Tears

(Best for Intermediate Knitters)

This book was written by Elizabeth Zimmerman, the woman who “revolutionized the art of knitting”. It’s considered as the classic knitting bible.

The reason why is because it takes off the frustration and brings the fun back into knitting with clear and simple instructions and timeless patterns. If you love to knit, you need this book.

If you ever started a sweater without enough yarn from the same dye to complete it, Zimmerman comes to the rescue with smart hacks and solutions. She also provides step-by-step guides.

This book has patterns for color-pattern Norwegian ski sweaters, hooded garter-stitch jackets for babies, seamless patterned-yoke sweaters, slippers, mittens, socks, watch caps, etc.

If you’re on the search for a classic and influential knitting book that will get your creative juices flowing, buy this book. It will help you rediscover the joy of knitting.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• The classic knitting bible
• Clear and simple instructions
• Smart hacks and solutions

The Principles of Knitting

(Best Knitting Books for Young Adults)

The Principles of Knitting has new illustrations and instructions. It’s updated with the latest information on knitting to respond to the needs of modern knitters around the world.

This book is beloved by passionate knitters worldwide. It’s one of the most wanted out-of-print knitting books for years. It finally receives the revision that people have been waiting for.

It’s available in a fully revised and updated edition. If you’re looking for the ultimate knitting book, this is the one you need to consider. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced knitters.

In this book, you will find knitting techniques and valuable information on how to approach this practice. It’s loaded with easy to follow instructions, guides and useful tips on how to knit like a pro.

If you want a comprehensive resource that offers a variety of ways to approach every technique and skill and provides solutions that can help solve common knitting issues, this is the book for you.

The book has been completely rewritten and updated with information. While the core of knitting hasn’t changed much, the author’s understanding of the material has deepened over the years.

She just had to share her new perspective and new hacks and tips with the world. Additionally, the book has been reordered to make it easier to follow. It also has a brand new lovely design.

Reading this book is like having a knitting mentor over your head who watches your work and has a clear and informed answer to all of your questions. It’s a knitting book worth buying.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Fully revised and updated edition
• Suitable for beginners and professionals
• Easy to follow instructions and guides

Knitted Lace of Estonia with DVD: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions

(Best for Lace Knitting)

If you want to enrich your experience of lace knitting with a selection of heirloom-quality lace designs in Estonian style, buy this well-known book without any hesitation.

As you can notice from the title of the book, it contains a DVD with patterns, instructions, traditions, and techniques. It’s a new edition of Bush’s bestselling book of the same title.

This edition contains a bonus 1-hour DVD in which you will learn all about traditional lace-knitting ways including the traditional and popular peacock, twig, and lily of the valley patterns.

You will also come across variations of these popular patterns and different ways to create the subdued bobble or distinctive nupps. This book presents classing ways of making shawls and scarves and applying lace edges in a modern way. Intermediate and experienced knitters will enjoy this book.

On the new bonus DVD, Bush explores the Estonian knitting tradition and offers in-depth instructions for the techniques and patterns included, as well as making a traditional Estonian-style shawl, scarf, or stole from start to end. This is a must-have knitting book for every passionate knitter.

It’s perfect for lace lovers. If you’re a lace lover yourself, consider this knitting book. It will make a lovely addition to your collection. It has all you need to know to make a one-of-a-kind lace shawl. You will learn how to knit a center, knit a frame, how to join the two, and other knitting methods.

If you’re looking for a knitting book that covers knitting history, includes beautiful patterns and stitches, look no further than this book. It’s easy to read and follow and has lovely photos.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• Beautifully in-depth
• For knitters who love lace
• New edition of the bestseller “Knitted Lace of Estonia”
• In-depth instructions for the patterns and techniques
• Explores Estonian knitting history and tradition
• A valuable addition to your collection
• Suitable for beginners and experts
• Bonus 1-hour DVD

The Knowledgeable Knitter

If you want to be a knowledgeable knitter and understand the inner workings of this craft, purchase this popular book immediately. It will help you make every project a success.

How? Well, it delivers a definitive reference for anyone seeking better results whether the challenge is reading a pattern chart, fixing a mistake, adjusting armholes, modifying patterns, etc.

In this knitting book, compiled from the author’s long years of experience with knitting, you will discover a “why-to” guide instead of the usual, boring “how-to” knitting guides.

The author shares intriguing tips and tricks and explores every aspect of knitting in a thoughtful way. It’s the perfect guide for everyone from beginners to experienced knitters.

If you want to learn how to change, control, and personalize your artwork, this book is a perfect source of information for you. It contains diagrams and beautiful photographs.

People who already have this book describe it as a ‘delicious read’. It will help you master effective cast-on, borders, and bind-offs, customize for perfect fit and personal taste.

You will also learn new joining and finishing methods, how to pick the right yarn for your project, how to solve common knitting problems, and how to repair knitting mistakes.

If you want to learn the why behind the how-to of this practice, buy this book. It’s a 300-page reference book that will turn you into the most knowledgeable knitter you know.

Product Specifications:

Key Features:

• “Why-to” instead of “how-to” guides
• Teaches on the inner workings of knitting
• Intriguing tips and tricks and explores every aspect of knitting
• A broad selection of knitting information
• Great for beginners and professionals

Where to Donate Knitting Books?

Look for knitting groups that accept knitting supplies for charitable projects such as hats or blankets for shelters for the homeless or mittens for local schoolchildren.

Call the library in your city and inform yourself of their policy regarding the donation of vintage knitting books. Most libraries will accept vintage books only for the annual book sales.

You can also contact a local church and ask if they accept knitting magazines and books, yarn, or knitting tools for church fairs. Or trade your knitting books at used bookstores.

Lastly, contact your family, friends, or colleagues at work who knit. Who knows, maybe they will provide a home to your needlework tools, yarn, or vintage knitting books.

Where to Buy Knitting Books?

When shopping for knitting books, don’t pressure yourself by what others buy. Pick whatever works best for you. You can buy knitting books at both in-person or online stores.

Most of the best-selling knitting books can be found at Amazon. Click through my unbiased reviews and select the knitting book that meets both your knitting needs and sill level.

My Top Pick

Hopefully, this buying guide has helped you learn more about the best knitting books of all time. Invest your money into books that have proven helpful, not in popular titles.

I find Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop suitable for both beginners and experienced knitters. This valuable book includes carefully made knitting lessons and methods for everyone.

If you’re looking for knitting books for left-handed knitters, consider Beginning Knitting for Left-Handed Knitters. It includes over 100 minutes of visual instructions with up-close demonstrations.

If you have bought any of the knitting books mentioned in this article, I would like to hear your thoughts. Also, if you have any questions or suggestions, leave a comment below.