Knitting in Plain English

by Maggie Righetti

Whether you've been handling knitting needles for years, or just thinking about picking them up, Knitting in Plain English should be your bible. Drawing on twenty years of experience as "the knitting lady" in various yarn stores, Maggie Righetti provides sound instructions for beginners and sensible solutions for experienced knitters. Topics and techniques

Picking a pattern that's right for you, determining gauge, how to knit and purl plus instructions for fifteen additional pattern stitches, how to make invisible increases and decreases, five different methods of buttonholing, how to short-row for a perfect fit, working with more than one color of yarn, how to weave invisible seams, picking up dropped stitches, how to hand-wash and block your finished garment, plus much, much more.

From equipping your knitting bag to knitting a sweater, Maggie Righetti explains it all simply and clearly. Each technique is illustrated with easy-to-follow, step-by-step drawings. Complete with a detailed glossary of knitting terms and six learning patterns on which to practice, Knitting in Plain English is an invaluable sourcebook no knitter will outgrow.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, How To

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 1986

Reviews

[PoligirlReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book is marketed as "The only book any knitter will need," my expectations (and skepticism) go through the roof. But believe it or not, Righetti is correct: I've read several books on knitting, and this is the only one I would plunk down actual money to purchase.

This book is chock-a-block with Aha Moments (I do not like this term, but the Oprah-tization of the English language is not a battle worth fighting). There were so many times where I went "Oh! That's what I'm doing wrong!" The fixes she suggests are the common sense yet are of the smack-on-the-forehead/why didn't I think of that type.

I loved the sections on yarn tests, selecting patterns, and binding off. After struggling some time with increasing and decreasing (I know, I know), based on her discussion, I think I finally got the hang of it. That alone is worth the price of admission.

Her writing style will not appeal to everyone (as evidenced by the reviews). She's cranky, she's seen it all, and she's quite opinionated. But, she's got such a wealth of knowledge, that it would be short-sighted to discard the book simply because of falling on the "wrong" side of the circular vs. straight knitting needles debate.

The book could benefit from further illustration--but it's always harder to learn a technique from a book versus having it shown to you in person, so I can't necessarily fault her for that. I wasn't into her suggested patterns in the back, but there are plenty of good pattern books and websites to use, and very few good books on techniques.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. So much in fact, that I want to pick up some of my abandoned projects and get back into it.

[Susan Collinsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the first edition.
Super helpful! Her writing style is so clear! Things I love about this book that make it unique:
1. Analysis of pattern and model photos

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Righetti's writing style is charming, like having a cranky grandma telling you all about what she's learned from her years of knitting. The best part of the book was the section how to look at the pictures of a knitting pattern and determine whether or not it's worth making. I've had to frog more than my fair share of projects because I didn't really consider the kinds of things that she talks about in this chapter. As for information on techniques, it is very basic, and not really that extensive. For example she only talks about 3 cast-ons (none of which are the one I typically use) and doesn't really talk in depth about the pros and cons of these or suggest when to use them. So this probably is not the book to really advance your knowledge level if you already know how to knit.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was new to knitting, there were words I just could not understand in the knitting language. I was baffled by the constant use of abbreviations and then even less satisfactory explanations of those abbreviations. When I checked this book out at the library, it was a last ditch effort to understand. Because of this book's easy going narration and simple explanations, I am going on my 10th year of knitting.

[yoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things I learned:
- swatch by casting on the number of stitches that would be 4" so you don't have to worry about lying to yourself when measuring
- buttonhole information if I need a better technique
- use "idiot tags" to leave notes directly in your work
- rub a few strands of yarn together to test how it'll wear, e.g. pilling
- knit with the grain of the yarn
- tighten after knitting the first stitch

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a useful book! I learned so much about choosing a good pattern (and avoiding a bad one!), needles to use, and yarn types. For instance, I had no idea yarn had nap, and I've been crocheting since I was 10. Whoa. This is a fantastic introduction, with a charming writing style. It would be five stars, but I really think color photos would have been a better option.

[Malinda P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a used book store in college, and it is the best, most useful book I have ever read on knitting. I think it might be time for a reread.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie but a goodie. I like the matter-of-fact way she relates the information. She has a lot of good information that I use when trying to decipher a pattern and the types of yarns and needles.

[Ashley Lambert-Maberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked it, an excellent introduction to the art/craft, and very readable. Didn't make me cry or transcend the genre (I might recommend some of E.Z.'s works even to those who don't knit!) so can't quite bring myself to give 5 stars. But if you're just starting out, and want more of a sense of knitting than just pattern after pattern, this is a great exposure to the many nuances of the craft.

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic first knitting book. And boy, did I learn stuff. Look at the pattern, does it have measurements as well as gauge? Did they hide the details in a pretty picture? Law of three when seaming! Slip stitch on the edge will make seaming far more difficult. Tighten the first stitch (yes, but the why is new to me). Binding off loosely means loosely. Markers every 20 stitches - saves you counting 168 times! Safety pins, thread markers all make far more sense. Maggie you are wonderful! Now to attempt the "Dumb Baby Sweater"...

[BookMouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Vogue Knitting book I reviewed is fantastic, this book is great to read to understand the 'science' behind knitting. You learn not only how to make particular stitches but how and what situation that stitch is needed.

It was also a very interesting read and not dry at all.

I came away from reading this book with 'Oh, that's why you do it that way!'

[Jen S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the knitting books I've seen, Maggie has the best explanations and diagrams about seaming pieces together. The whole book is conversational and reader friendly, but no eye candy and very few patterns. Just really good, basic information, with simple black and white hand-drawn diagrams.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic that I've kept around for reference and never read through until now, when I looked something up and kept on reading because the voice was so fun. I have a very early edition (I think it's the first paperback edition), so it lacks any of the subsequent updates and I can't comment on the book in its final form. It needs no summarizing or hyping from me, so here are a few scattered thoughts to help someone considering getting the book to figure out how useful it will be for them:

- The subtitle states that this is the only book any knitter will ever need. That is completely untrue. Most knitters need a basic beginning book, and this is not that. Knitters who continue on will also need more specialized books for advanced techniques. This is also not that.

- The illustrations are at times comically bad. At one point I found myself wondering, "Is that a finger?" I don't think this is a matter of the book's age, because I have other knitting books that rely on illustrations, and I have found some of those very clear.

- Furthermore, not every technique or explanation has an illustration, so often you have to rely on the written explanations, which honestly can be a bit confusing if you haven't already learned the technique in question. I haven't, for example, made any buttonholes, and some of those explanations made my eyes glaze over. Anyone who learns this type of spatial skill better with a video (like me - because I cannot visualize it without having already done it) won't find her explanations sufficient.

- Because of all of the above, this book is best used with other reference books. My go-tos for basic knitting questions have been Stitch 'n Bitch, by Debbie Stoller (I have kind of outgrown this now and the patterns are really silly, but it's how I learned to knit back in the day before YouTube and Reddit, because it is crystal clear on basic techniques for absolute beginners) and Vogue Knitting (which may actually be the only book any knitter will ever need, will clear illustrations and an encyclopedic approach to all aspects of knitting).

- What Maggie Righetti specifically offers is, for knitters who have a bit of experience and have made the mistakes and encountered the common problems and asked the questions already, practical, high-spirited, no-nonsense solutions to the mistakes and problems and answers to the questions. I haven't yet absorbed all of her advice because I haven't reached the point where I'm having problems with all that she covers. So I imagine this book will be useful to me for a long time.

[Mary Donch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggled for over 20 years to learn to knit. I'd crocheted since childhood, and it was incredibly frustrating not being able to knit as well; it was as if I was cut off from a whole world of creative activity because I couldn't knit.

Around 1990, I found Maggie Righetti's book. REVELATION! She explained things much more clearly than any other learn-to-knit book or pamphlet I'd ever seen, and didn't condescend to her readers. She also had a sense of humor, and an attitude that came through in both her writing and her chapter headings - "Buttonholes Are Bastards" still gives me a chuckle!

I finally understood the formation of stitches, where I was getting lost in other learn-to-knit instructions, and where I had the right idea but was going about things ass-backwards. I worked through the projects in the book, gained a ton of confidence, and have since gone on to become an expert knitter - and I owe it in great part to this book!

I've now bought the newest edition (the original has long since been given away to help one of my friends successfully learn to knit) to help me show my husband how to knit. He'd tried as a kid, but got put off it because as a ten-year-old beginner, he couldn't quite measure up to the standard set by his expert-knitter mother. Now, with me for a much more tolerant knitting instructor and Maggie's "big pictures and little words that explain it all," including her attitude, I think he'll be set for success!

[Peggy R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago when I started knitting. I’m left handed and wanted a book I could constantly refer to as I was sooooooo confused by the how to’s of knitting.

I went to the library and sat down on the floor and skimmed through every knitting book they had. Then I went to a bookstore and did the same. Out of all the knitting books I perused this one made the most sense to me so I bought it. Over the years I took notes and highlighted section, spilled coffee on it and then had to duct tape the front and back covers on. Then I lent it out - never got it back. UGH!!

I kept asking various colleagues I taught to knit but the book was never returned to me.

I bought another copy and love it but I still miss my battered coffee stained copy!

This book is well done and easy to understand although a bit dated in the pattern section.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, you want to learn how to knit but you don't know anyone to show you? Classic knitting book. One of the first books I read when I started knitting years ago. I first borrowed it from the library. Then, when I started knitting again, I bought my own copy. Do you do a gauge swatch BEFORE starting your project? What? Did you say no? This book will show you why this is very important and how to do it the right way. There are clear illustrations showing you where to put your needle and yarn as if Ms. Righetti were your own personal knitting teacher showing you step-by-step. There is a how-to chapter of different stitches and how to read graphs too. There are a few patterns in the back (scarf, shawl, cape, baby booties on 4 needles, baby bonnet, and baby sweater). This is a must own if you are serious about learning how to knit!

[Lani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is at least my third copy of this book as I've given away previous copies to friends as they've learned to knit. It's not the best book for visual learners, but it contains so much information for beginners to expert knitters if you have the patience to sit down and read it. Diagrams are good (though I often end up looking up a video as well), but it's really about having an excellent reference book with clear descriptions and straight forward explanations of the WHY not just the how.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, and it is indeed "in plain English". There are plentiful explanations and examples, an easy to read conversational style, & clear graphics, as well as introductory projects to help one learn the techniques. My only real quibble is the subtitle "the only book any knitter will ever need", as it not encyclopedic, nor does the text pretend to be.

[Debbie Handley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unlike other knitting books. It is a chapter book full of words instead of a book full of illustrations and directions. What it offers though is a wealth of information about knitting. I very much enjoyed it and turn to it again and again.

PS It does have illustrations but most of it is text.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know I needed another knitting book until I happened to pick this one up at the library. Lots of “why didn’t I think of that” tips as well as explanations of how things work. Now to pick up more ring markers. . .

[Korie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book that started it all for me. Read it in 1997, been knitting ever since.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Variety

[Closeacademy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for beginning knitters. She makes everything so easy.

[Maggie Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept borrowing this book from the library and then I ran across it at Half-Price Books, so I purchased it. I actually read it like a novel or a cookbook, front to back. I am an intermediate knitter, but sometimes I forget knitting terms, so I will use this book as a reference.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy-to-Follow Lessons and Patterns (check)
Sensible Solutions to Nagging Problems (check-check!)
The Only Book any Knitter Will Ever Need (I strongly disagree). But apart from that declaration, this really is an excellent read for the knitter who wants to understand stitch structure and knitwear design. What if those knitting magazines don't make sense because they're poorly written, and it's not your fault? Righetti walks us through the ins and outs of how it's supposed to work, and that makes all the difference.

[Charlotte Dungan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I keep coming back to the idea of knitting. Maybe it's because I like to keep my hands busy and this is something I could take along in the car (you know, because we're HOMEschoolers, HA!) or to fiddle with while watching a movie with Pat. Sewing or cooking aren't really that flexible. So I may give it a try. So far the book is a little overwhelming but I think it will be helpful once I actually grab a pair of needles and some yarn to try something. At first I thought that I needed to get a different knitting book to actually make something, but on page 233 they have some beginner projects (huh? At the back?) so maybe I'll do those. Or maybe not. There are only three beginning projects and I abjectly HATE them all. The intermediate section is only slightly better, and requires the reader to complete these projects as a prelude to knowing how to read or make any other project (but then promises that you WILL have the skills to make any other project, so that's tempting). They are titled "the dumb baby sweater," "the stupid baby bonnet" and "Suzanne's baby booties to match the dumb baby sweater and the stupid baby bonnet." They are ugly and garish, and suggested uses include giving them to the salvation army, giving them to a poor, unsuspecting child for her doll, or having a dog wear the sweater.

Hmmm... Maybe I need a new book? Or maybe I just need to accept the fact that I'll have to make some dumb, stupid ugly things in order to get on with the good stuff.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good comprehensive guide to knitting. Personally I need to actually "see" to learn, so I find online videos quite helpful when learning new stitches or techniques. But I also love a good reference book. This book is definitely written in a conversational style, and makes knitting seem like an attainable task.

I liked the chapter on how to identify misleading patterns by the way they are modeled. For example, if a model is slouching in her knitted sweater, how can you tell where it's supposed to hit you on the waist? If she's wearing a big distracting scarf around her neck, how are you to tell what the neckline really looks like? Good pointers to think about when choosing a pattern.

I also LOVE the chapter on different stitch styles, ranging from ribs to cables to lace. She even provides clear instructions on how to read a lace chart! Most patterns take it for granted that you know how to read the chart, but speaking for people who have never done lace before, we need this stuff spelled out!

There are a few things missing, including intarsia, but otherwise it's a nice little book that has stood the test of time (it's something like 17 years old).

[Liss Carmody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished this on the way home from Border Raids. It's a pretty good compendium, although I don't think I would have found it the easiest way to learn to knit - it's somewhat dated to the 80s (a lot of talks of knitting machines, for one thing), but there is a lot here to absorb just the same. Since I already know pretty much what I'm doing, I found a lot of her tips and tricks sensible and illuminating, whereas if I were a fresh beginner I would have glazed over at the abundance of information. There are a few not-very-exciting patterns at the end, designed for raw beginners or intermediate knitters who want to be prepared for anything, but all in all this is a book to consult when something's gone horribly wrong, for ideas on how to fix it satisfactorily. It's quite enjoyable that, while the author makes her own preferences known, she repeated over and over that there is no single right way to knit - any solution that pleases you is good enough. It's your project.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like to be talked down to just because I'm not a circular knitter. If you do prefer straight needles there are still a few useful bits of information here(especially about pattern selection). There are some basic stitches and projects but if you're not a beginner, those aren't much use either. Plus written instructions for the one stitch I was interested in are missing at least one line(not to worry, the internet had the proper pattern). Poor editing. I would think that would be the most important part of the book for clear directions.

I also have trouble with her public and private business. I'm sorry if the rest of the world's system doesn't make sense to you Ms. Righetti, but I don't appreciate having to translate everything in my head from private to WS and public to RS.

So, it's ok but that's about all. I'd recommend checking it out from the library instead of buying.

[Courtney Stoker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time finding a knitting instruction book with written instructions I could follow without frustration, but I found it! The written instructions here are clear and fairly easy to follow (even for complicated things)and accompanied by well-timed pictures that show you the difficult or weird bits.

I haven't done any of the patterns in the back, so I can't attest to them.

I knew a lot of the basic stuff in the book, but there was a lot of wisdom (particularly about choosing patterns, re-claiming yarn from a ripped project, making buttonholes, and marking one's yarn with counters/notes) that I haven't seen in other books and that I found very useful. Overall, the book is flexible, and doesn't insist that there's one right way to do anything. Righetti encourages you to improvise and use common sense, which I found valuable.

Overall, a solid book for beginners, and one I'll be buying as a reference.