Top 10 Best Knitting Books To Buy 2021

You might have been out shopping when you came across a sweater and thought “Wow, that looks cool! It would be fun making that.” Aside from the fact that it is fun, it is also pocket-friendly to knit your sweater instead of buying a ready-made one.

However, when you notice all the intricate patterns, you may think it looks too tricky and be unsure if you would be able to pull it off. That does not have to be the case. The books I will share with you will simplify the process for you.

On the other hand, you might not be a beginner in knitting but be struggling to find a book that does not dwell on repetition and regurgitation of old patterns and styles.

I have taken the time to list out the best knitting books, regardless of whatever stage of knitting you find yourself in.

As a beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert, the following list of books covers the four levels, thereby saving you the stress of sorting through several books until you find what works for you.

Asides the joy of giving expression to your creative side, there are also health benefits associated with knitting. There are therapeutic effects of knitting, such as its ability to calm the mind and help you focus. And for those who are focused on mindfulness, knitting is one such example of achieving this.

Follow along as I share with you the best 10 books on knitting.

Below are the ten best books on knitting ranging from those best suited to those with no prior understanding or experience and for those who have prior experience but are still looking to further develop their skills.

What is The Best Knitting Books?

• Best for Beginners: Stitch ‘n’ Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook
  Simple, straight to the point, and the instructions are laid out in easy to understand format. The sense of humor and witty language make it an enjoyable read. Definitely worth it!
• Best Practical: The Knitters Book Of Knowledge
  Majorly focuses on techniques and the different stitching patterns while being an easy read for beginners.
• Best All-Rounder: The Knitting Bible
  With over 300 stitching patterns, it focuses on design, pattern, and basics. The book cuts across all levels of stitching. From advanced to beginners.
• Best Advanced: Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
  Current and up to date with the latest styles and patterns. You would definitely know what is most recent in the knitting world. Should you be bored with the repetitive patterns you are familiar with, it is a new challenge.
• Best Walkthrough: 750 Knitting Stitches: The Ultimate Knit Stitch Bible
  A genesis of what you need to get started and how to choose yarn and needles down to the revelation of the reading patterns.
• Best Informative: Slow Knitting
  A philosophy that goes past the styles and designs and more on the art of knitting. Back to the roots.
• Best for Pattern Development: 100 Knits: Interweave’s Ultimate Pattern Collection
  Page after page of patterns and the intricacies of their birth. A catalyst for creativity which will spur you into venturing into your own personal designs. Great for developing confidence.
• Best for Design: Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop
  A step-by-step walkthrough for beginners to experts on knitting. Carefully laid out instructions in a format that can be understood by almost anyone.
• Best for Understanding: 60 Quick Knits
  Fun challenge for new knitters who are looking for a not so mountain Everest to conquer. Paceable tasks with not overly complex works.
• Best for Diversity: Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible
  A breath of fresh air. A completely different introduction to knitting with styles and patterns from a different country.

Knitting Books Comparison Chart

Now that you know the health benefits as well as the broader picture of knitting, let’s get right into it. My top picks, as well as notable mentions, are listed as follows, starting from those best suited to beginners to the more advanced knitters.

Top 10 Best Knitting Books Reviews 2021

It can be difficult choosing the right book for you from an array of books out there. This is why reviews can, at times, be a lifesaver (in a figurative way of speaking).

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find that the list of top 8 books listed below will be of great importance in your passion for knitting ranging from styles, patterns to a renewal of your love for knitting.

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

(Best for Beginners)

The stigma or misconception that knitting is solely for the elderly is wholly debunked the moment you come across the title. I was, first of all, drawn by the title of the book. (What an odd name to call a book, I thought).

Stoller, in her book, explains explicitly the basics of knitting. I love how she finds ways of making It both funny and witty without the dragging and perambulations you might expect from a knitting book. Her captions and illustrations make it easy to follow and understand what she was trying to say.

When I came across the book, I had no prior understanding of knitting except the knowledge that it was something that requires immense patience. I thought at the time that it was boring.

However, my encounter with it changed my understanding of knitting.

The book not only dwells on the basics of how to knit but on the common mistakes you are likely to make while knitting. It was fun especially when you realize a mistake. There was something exhilarating about it. Knowing you made a common mistake as opposed to a “Where the hell did I go wrong?”

You will find it comes in Hardcover, Paperback or even in Audio Cd for days when you are on the move.

There are no drawbacks to this book, except for the fact that it might not be for those who have more advanced skills in knitting. The book is excellent for beginners and those who have an interest in knitting.

An added bonus is that it is pocket-friendly.

With projects such as Alien scarf, Big Bad Baby, and many more, how can it not be fun?

Check out this introductory video by the author herself.

Key Features

• Includes fun and informative sidebars
• 40 stylish patterns
• Includes how to start a Stitch ‘n Bitch group

Specifications

• Cover: Available in Hardcover, Paperback and Audio CD
• Number of Pages: 256
• Language: English

2. The Knitters Book Of Knowledge By Debbie Bliss

(Best Practical)

If you are someone who finds reading large books tedious, do not let the size of this book put you off. The beauty of this book is how it complements you while knitting.

Very seldom do you have a book that the words are written as though they were being said to you as a walkthrough.

The book is divided into eleven parts, and these parts work through the basics upwards. It covers topics such as; how to read a knitting pattern, how to read a charted pattern, how to add and subtract stitches, and many more.

It is all-encompassing. If you are already familiar with knitting and are focused on improving your skills, this is a definite must-have. The book is filled with practicality and not just knowledge.

Do not worry; if you are all about hands-on, then this is definitely a must-read. What’s more, it won’t put a heavy strain on your bank account.

Here’s a video that details the author’s reason for knitting. Hope it inspires you.

Key Features

• Includes a wide variety of stitches
• Tips on reading charts
• Includes a troubleshooting section

Specifications

• Cover: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 320
• Language: English

3. The Knitting Bible By Phildar

(Best All-Rounder)

Usually, there are a lot of books out there with misleading titles, but this is not one of them. The book is one I have found that I cannot do without. It has pushed me to aspire for new patterns and styles.

This book is easy to read and understand, and the instructions are easy to follow. The one thing I particularly liked about this book is how it challenged me. I like how it serves as daily motivation that I can be better and do better.

Beginners will not have a problem as it contains essential as well as advanced materials on knitting, styles, and patterns. It also serves as an excellent gift for someone you know who is into knitting.

Key Features

• Over 300 versatile stitch patterns
• Patterns are organized by stitch type
• Stitch keys appear beside each chart
• Includes an index that lets you find information quickly

Specifications

• Cover: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 256
• Language: English

4. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book

(Best Advanced)

This, for me, was one of the best decisions ever! You will learn everything there is to know to become an expert knitter.

I had the previous edition, and it has served as an excellent reference; however, this book, apart from being much more extensive, is also more detailed and contains more exciting and fun designs.

However, there are some typographical errors; aside from this, there was also the issue of the Moebius section not having the Moebius cast-on in it. If you are a beginner, you might not be familiar with such terms.

Ultimately, the book is a major catalyst to excelling and conquering more significant challenges as well as being up to date with the latest trends and styles.

It is surprisingly pocket-friendly.

You can check out what other knitters have said about it here.

Key Features

• 1,600+ photos and illustrations.
• Over 80 insightful sidebars.
• Dozens of cast-ons, increases, decreases, and bind-offs, each with illustrated step-by-step instructions.
• Secrets for correcting errors across various techniques.
• Professional blocking, assembling, and finishing techniques.

Specifications

• Cover: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 352
• Language: English

5. 750 Knitting Stitches By Erika Knight

(Best Walkthrough)

The book is all-encompassing in my opinion. Despite its intimidating size, the contents in the book, I found, were easy to assimilate and apply.

The wide range of stitches is not too complicated and has the required amount of complexities to make a fun challenge and not overwhelmingly depressing.

Although the information in the book was not necessarily new but it was a significant win for me because it was an easy digest.

A few issues were the lack of charts making it challenging to follow. If you do not do well with written out instructions without added help, you might find the book a bit difficult to work with.

Overall, it comes recommended and it is also pocket-friendly.

Here’s a video by the author on how to knit a hat for a baby.

Key Features

• 750 knitting stitches
• Colored photos of each pattern
• Based on The Harmony Guides

Specifications

• Cover: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 288
• Language: English

6. Slow Knitting By Hannah Thiessen

(Best Informative)

A complete train stop from the usual push for pattern and style. Sometimes, I find myself being drawn into the cycle of constant assimilation of new styles, patterns, and stitching.

This constant cycle sometimes derails me, causing me to lose the core of why I love knitting. ‘Slow Knitting’ takes me out of the continuous noise and draws me back, which is a good thing.

As a beginner, this book takes you in slowly. It is like a history class. If you are someone who is not only focused on the action that is knitting, but also on its history, then this book is right for you.

It includes a lot of background information about knitting, from the profiles of well-known professional knitters, to companies producing yarn down to patterns.

This book is perfect for beginners looking to know all there is to know before venturing into knitting.

Check out this video about the book.

Key Features

• Includes the history of knitting
• Contributions from many knitting superstars

Specifications

• Cover: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 176
• Language: English

7. Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop

(Best for Design)

What I loved was the delicate blend of humor with the lessons being learned. I would not call myself an expert at knitting but I do know a few things here and there.

You get to a stage where you feel like every book you see is just a repetition of what you have already seen.

This is one of those times where you are happy to be humbled. After reading through a couple of chapters, I realized just how much more I needed to learn.

I loved how it felt like a gameplay walkthrough. After reading, you will feel like you know all the secret corners and skills needed to achieve success in your task, all the while smiling.

You cannot help but be enthusiastic about knitting no matter the number of previous failures you might have had. You move on with a smile and a change in attitude.

It is relieving to see a book be blatantly honest and not sell a façade to you. I loved the book for its simplicity. There were no over the top analogies, perambulations on descriptions, no.

You could say this book has reaffirmed my passion for knitting as well as turned me into an evangelist for the love that is knitting.

It is nice knowing you have someone, figuratively speaking, standing next to you and putting you through.

Elizabeth Zimmermann’s attitude is contagious. A great read!

Here’s a peek into one of the episodes of her knitting workshop.

Key Features

• Based on Zimmermann’s televised Knitting Workshop
• Includes Elizabeth’s Percentage System (EPS) for sweater design

Specifications

• Cover: Hardcover and Paperback
• Number of Pages: 134
• Language: English

8. Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible By Hitomi Shida

(Best for Diversity)

I will be honest here; I am recommending this book particularly because of my love for the change in pace.

What I mean is, I had reached a monotony in patterns, styles, design. I could not find anything new. Even when I came across challenging tasks, I was put off by the same old thing.

This book was like learning a new culture. It was nice to do something out of the normal. If you find yourself in the same rut and are looking for something different and challenging, then this book is a must-read.

Might be a bias considering my love for Japan. The country’s scenery and beauty appeals to me. Reading this book felt like I was opening myself up to it.

The translation makes it easy to read, and it is easy to assimilate and repeat.

Like me, you will find yourself quickly immersed in the book as your creative juices overflow, becoming a massive wave unable to be kept restrained.

Check out this video about the book.

Key Features

• An English translation of Hitomi Shida’s Japanese book
• Up to 260 different patterns

Specifications

• Cover: Paperback
• Number of Pages: 160
• Language: English

9. 100 Knits

(Best for Pattern Development)

I am one of those people who tend to be eager to see pictures of a product but at the same time a bit hesitant. The reason being, I don’t easily get impressed. I can look at a series of pictures with fabulous designs but rarely will anything jump at me or tickle my visual cues.

Not with this book. I found myself completely immersed in the first picture. It was so alluring, I wanted to learn how to make it immediately. It was love at first sight, you could say.

Sadly, it majorly focuses on adult women. There is barely anything that focuses on men and children. Asides that, there really is not anything to fault the book on. It is easy to follow and very much enjoyable and fun.

Here’s an interview of one of the editors.

Key Features

• Expansive collection of Interweave’s knitted sweater patterns
• Over 500 pages of patterns

Specifications

• Cover: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 512
• Language: English

10. 60 Quick Knits By Sixth & Spring Books

(Best for Understanding)

So, now you can knit a few things here and there but you are not satisfied. You are looking for the next step, not a big one, but a relatively easy step to take. This book right here is exactly it. I loved the simplicity and the ease in transition from crawling to staggering walks.

It is the right blend of challenge and fun mixed together. The designs are not too tough to be done, neither are they too easy that you would lose interest.

It is also fun for expert knitters should they want to practice.

I liked the array of patterns and ideas. In my case, they birthed new ideas which pushed my knitting skills further.

Another good thing is that the patterns appear in order of difficulty.

Key Features

• Includes 60 projects
• Step-by-step instructions
• Insightful sidebars

Specifications

• Cover: Paperback
• Number of Pages: 176
• Language: English

Knitting Book Buying Guide

Luckily there is no added cost when purchasing any of the mentioned books listed above. Buying the book is not a hassle; however, reading a book alone does not make you an expert. You need to practice.

1. Ensure you purchase the book best suited to your level. It can be tempting to assume you will assimilate the information and be able to jump levels. It is NOT possible. Be patient with it. Purchase the book best suited to whatever stage you are at.

(Look to the comparison chart.)

2. If you are buying the e-reader version, be sure to check the reviews on the compatibility of each book. Issues are likely to arise, especially with charts used in understanding knitting patterns.

Ensure that the version is compatible with your device, otherwise, it would be challenging to read.

3. Beware of rip-offs. Take time to check the authenticity of the seller, especially if buying online. Replicas made have been discovered to contain missing pages; therefore, be sure to pay attention to this.

4. If you will be buying a book focused on graphics and charts, be sure to get one that is in a format that makes viewing more comfortable.

5. Don’t overspend. The fact that a book is more expensive does not always mean it is better for you. It is always a good idea to stay within your budget.

FAQs

My Top Pick

For me, it is no brainer. Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop, by far, is my best. It was the pivotal book that made me boldly say that I had become a knitter. Charming, an easy read, enjoyable and immensely informative. The carefully laid out designs and instructions created clear-cut targets and goals which when met, made progress glaring.

My progress following the book was like crawling then suddenly sprouting wings. The book encourages independent thinking while simultaneously fostering a creative mindset. The cherry on top was the confidence I got once done with the book.

I felt like my hands were being held on this journey when I started out with this book, and now I can take bold steps all by myself. It was not overbearing where I was made to feel like an idiot nor was it too fast. It was the perfect pace for me.

For beginners and expert knitters, this book fosters confidence, creativity and builds skills as well as the temperament needed as a knitter.

Zimmermann, in her book, finds creative ways of craving your indulgence and retaining it. Her sense of humor, witty comments, and style make the book an easy digest which can be regurgitated when knitting.

Get your copy of this book as soon as possible. You will thank yourself later for it.