A Little Course in Knitting

by Susie Johns

This title takes you from complete beginner to being able to make over 30 beautiful projects. Start simple with cushions and scarves, build on your skills with mittens and coasters and show off with hot water bottle covers and blankets. The step-by-step pictures show you what other courses only tell you and the practice projects keep you on the right track.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Reference

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 17, 2013

Reviews

[Malice De'Ath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only started knitting in Summer of '12 while camping with friends. I was taught the basics, cast on, cast off, knit and purl (on the round). Once I got home, I promptly forgot most of what had been taught.

Come Christmas, I decided to knit my not-quite one year old godson a jacket. I realised I needed help, but my tutors were now the other side of the country and unavailable. My mum happened across this book in a sale for £5.

Best £5 ever spent. At first I used it to remind me how to do the simple things I had forgotten (e.g., cast off), but then, as I progressed, I used it to self teach myself increases, decreases, lace, etc..

I find the book very easy to read and understand. It details everything from a basic knit stitch, to adding colour and Fairisle, with full colour pictures and step-by-step text for each. The thing I like most is that it is in three sections, ranging in difficulty, and each section has a set of projects at the end, incorporating the things learnt. So, you start off with a scarf and end up making socks.

Even now, as a more competent knitter, I still use this book. I find it helpful to remind me, or to clarify new techniques I come across in patterns that I don't quite understand. It also has a patterns, cabling and textures section which is great for when you just want to learn/be reminded how to add something to a current pattern.

I'm definitely a better knitter for having this book and it has definitely made me feel more confident. While its no replacement for a tutor/helping friend, it does help immense for when there is no one available.

I've recommended this book to so many of my new to knitting friends. I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone who is an advanced knitter, as I doubt it would offer anything new, but for anyone who is starting, or feels they want a little, basic guidance, I could not recommend this book enough.

[Missy LeBlanc Ivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I taught myself to knit by viewing YouTube videos. But, I ordered "A little course in...Crochet" and saw this one on knitting. I only know basic knitting. These little books are adorable, full of step-by-step photos and simple projects to try. They do include a variety of new stitches to learn as well. I can always learn. If not, then maybe one day one of my two granddaughters will be interested in learning this craft.

[Cat Randle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book for the swatches. The projects are great for beginners and easy to follow. I also like the visual aid to the stitches. Best of all is the medallions and the squares. You can learn all sorts of lovely different stitches. It also tells you about the yarn sizes and needles sizes. I was thinking of gifting this book but actually I'm going to hold onto it for as along as I can. Love it.

[Tahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ever "little course" book, I read it back in highschool and it was so good! It started my love of knitting and then lead me to fibre crafts in general and literally changed the trajectory of my entire life lol

[Julia Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for beginners