Knitting: Learn to Knit Six Great Projects

by Anne Akers Johnson

Simple, clear illustrations, colorful photography, and klutz-proof instructions give the reader the know-how for creating six knitting projects, and comes packaged with needles, buttons, and yarn to get you started. Original.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've tried for years to cast on decently, this book I felt clearly demonstrated how to do that, as well as knit, purl and cast off. will try more projects when I"m done with my very sad looking scarf.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have never guessed how effortless it would be to pick up a new skill such as knitting, and from a book too! With the how-to book Kitting by Anne Akers Johnson, this skill which is typically imagined as overly complicated and only for grandmas can be quickly picked up and mastered with a little patients, needles and yarn.

Part of the reason why this book is so simple to understand is the organization aspect of it. At the beginning of the book there is a section entitled Basics. Within this section the reader will learn everything from tying their first slip knot and knitting to purling and casting off along with other necessary skills used throughout each project. When a new concept or skill is introduced, a new color is used for that page. Bold headings at the top of the pages make identifying the topic a snap. When giving the steps for a skill or a project, there are outstanding diagrams and numbered steps with a few sentences explaining what to do next. As a girl who loves to make crafts and follow patterns, I always am disappointed to discover a unique idea without a photo of the final project. In this book, that is never the case. For each of the six projects in the book, there are five or more pictures of the final project which is helpful when deciding what to tackle next.

The pros in this how-to book far outweigh the cons. Coming from the perspective of a beginner with no background knowledge of kitting, reading this book to learn how to is the next best thing to taking a class. Also, when new knitting language comes up, it is explained thoroughly before the author begins using it frequently in the book. One of the best features of this book are the directions. They are concise but cover what is necessary for each step. Finally, the book includes six projects ranging in difficulty and I can guarantee each reader will find one that pleases them.

They only negative aspect of the book was the directions on how to purl. It is probably one of the most difficult skills in the knitting spectrum (that I have reached so far) and it needed more than pictures to be explained. That’s what YouTube’s for!

Overall, the book was exceptional for learning a new skill that was so unfamiliar for me. I would recommend it to people new to knitting and also to people who would like a few new, cute projects to do in their spare time. The projects in this book have hooked me on knitting and I look forward to trying new and more difficult projects in the future.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that taught me how to knit. I have knitted all six projects in this book, the hats being the best out of all of them.... I recommend this book to anyone young or old that is interested in learning how to knit. :-)

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book managed what my mom couldn't; it actually taught me how to knit. I can't believe how easy it was for me to follow the instructions, well, some of them seemed a bit confusing at first, but after a while I got the hang of it.

[Katina · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I had to rely on You Tube knitting videos to get the knit stitch down and had to meet up with a friend to learn how to purl, this book got me casting on without any trouble. Although I found the illustrations somewhat lacking, since this book is available on Amazon and comes with yarn, needles and a crochet hook, I think this book is a great find for those of us aspiring knitters who are (well, I was until I started knitting) intimidated by knitting stores and the people who frequent them.

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a knitter and have been for many years so when we received one of these damaged in a shipment last year I jumped at the chance to knit up a sample from the book. I tried to follow the directions from beginning to end as though I didn't already know how to cast on etc. It was easy to follow and the little purse I made came out rather nicely. I did change the pattern just a little bit (as I always do) because I prefer an i-cord strap to a stockinette strap.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Judge! I've always wanted to learn how to knit, and this book was the perfect starting point. Klutz really knows how to breakdown crafting and present it in a way readers can easily follow. Also, I loved the book's use of colored illustrations, which made visualizing where to pick up stitches much easier.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful- the best book I could find for self-taught knitters!

[Aquit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, a book that actually shows you how to freaking knit! I love the majority of these patterns and can't wait to start knitting them!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

All projects use size 8 knitting needle

pocket purse (change purse)
scarf
sunglass bag
purse
cell phone sock
hat

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

simple and helpful. taught myself to knit using it! yeah, definitely give it a go if you're looking to pick up knitting as a hobby.

[Severa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that taught me to knit.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful and it includes a kit containing all the items a new knitter needs.