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The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits
In their bustling New York City yarn shop Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs—a.k.a. the Yarn Girls—have helped thousands of new and lapsed knitters rediscover the pleasures of knitting. Forget frumpy worsted wools and tiny needles; here are the gorgeous, wearable styles you’ve been looking for, with patterns that knit up so fast even inexperienced knitters can start a project on Saturday and wear it to work Monday morning. Made on big needles (sizes 9 to 36) and with a wide range of the chunky, luxurious new yarns that are now available, they couldn’t be easier to create, or more fun to wear.
The Yarn Girls have selected thirty of their most popular basic-but-beautiful projects in a range of must-have styles, from trendy funnel-necks and classic cardigans to sexy tanks. Each project includes pointers to ensure that the finished project will fit properly and look like a million bucks. There are also patterns for creating accessories such as hats and scarves, as well as something for the guys and cozy throws for the home. Each pattern is designed to reinforce the fundamentals of knitting and help tentative knitters gain confidence. Clearly illustrated sections on techniques, plus a glossary and the Yarn Girls’ helpful tips throughout, practically guarantee a successful outcome the very first time.
The Yarn Girls have selected thirty of their most popular basic-but-beautiful projects in a range of must-have styles, from trendy funnel-necks and classic cardigans to sexy tanks. Each project includes pointers to ensure that the finished project will fit properly and look like a million bucks. There are also patterns for creating accessories such as hats and scarves, as well as something for the guys and cozy throws for the home. Each pattern is designed to reinforce the fundamentals of knitting and help tentative knitters gain confidence. Clearly illustrated sections on techniques, plus a glossary and the Yarn Girls’ helpful tips throughout, practically guarantee a successful outcome the very first time.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2002
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63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 1, 2007
What I like:
The patterns are written with the beginner in mind. Makes them seem a little less intimidating.
The tone of the book takes a very "you can do it!" attitude. It's encouraging and makes the task of knitting your first sweater seem within reach.
The garments are mostly wearable and timeless. Nothing too fancy or over-the-top, so the styles won't go out of fashion any time soon.
What I don't like:
The yarns they suggest are incredibly expensive.
Everything is made with chunky yarn on big needles. Although this will allow for more instant gratification, the resulting sweater sometimes looks a bit frumpy.
There's little to no shaping to the sweaters, so they aren't very flattering to the body.
The patterns for hats, scarves, and shawls are boring.
Overall opinion:
I think it's a good book to get from the library for trying out your first sweater or two. But I don't think it's a book that you will continuously go back to.
The patterns are written with the beginner in mind. Makes them seem a little less intimidating.
The tone of the book takes a very "you can do it!" attitude. It's encouraging and makes the task of knitting your first sweater seem within reach.
The garments are mostly wearable and timeless. Nothing too fancy or over-the-top, so the styles won't go out of fashion any time soon.
What I don't like:
The yarns they suggest are incredibly expensive.
Everything is made with chunky yarn on big needles. Although this will allow for more instant gratification, the resulting sweater sometimes looks a bit frumpy.
There's little to no shaping to the sweaters, so they aren't very flattering to the body.
The patterns for hats, scarves, and shawls are boring.
Overall opinion:
I think it's a good book to get from the library for trying out your first sweater or two. But I don't think it's a book that you will continuously go back to.
July 15, 2019
It's exactly what it says on the cover. Simple knits that even a total novice can manage. Clear instructions too.
My only gripe is that the yarns used are obscure, and difficult to find, and they don't offer simple alternatives. Apart from that, it's a fantastic resource.
My only gripe is that the yarns used are obscure, and difficult to find, and they don't offer simple alternatives. Apart from that, it's a fantastic resource.
July 28, 2011
BOTTOM LINE: A superb book for beginning knitters, and for those more experienced who want a pattern that works up VERY quickly; uses very large needles and extremely chunky yarns.
This is one of the very best "an easy intro to knitting patterns" -style books that I've seen in a long time. Filled with many basic sweaters and a couple of hats and scarves, it's a treasure trove for those beginning knitters who are looking to expand from basics but feel daunted by many pattern instructions. The Knit Girls (Julie Charles and Jordana Jacobs) are extremely careful and *thorough* in their explanations and illustrations, very slowly moving step-by-step, to gently ease a trepidacious knitter through the patterns. The smallest needles used are American size #9, with the majority of patterns using 11 thru 15, and one using size 35! The yarns used are lovely, and my only caveat is that many beginning knitters might not be able to obtain the specific yarns recommended and unless they have help from a local yarn shop wouldn't be able or likely to substitute properly for them. They DO constantly recommend that the knitter begin with a gauge swatch, though, and at the back offer access to a couple of places to obtain the specific yarns, so other than that small quibble this is a wonderful beginner's book, easy to understand and execute, and written in a cosy, friendly style.
For more experienced knitters this offers several nice, basic, "work up in a weekend" sort of knits that might appeal under certain circumstances, in simple styles using interesting yarns and plain stitches. Comfortable, cosy, and, above all, quick-to-knit.
This is one of the very best "an easy intro to knitting patterns" -style books that I've seen in a long time. Filled with many basic sweaters and a couple of hats and scarves, it's a treasure trove for those beginning knitters who are looking to expand from basics but feel daunted by many pattern instructions. The Knit Girls (Julie Charles and Jordana Jacobs) are extremely careful and *thorough* in their explanations and illustrations, very slowly moving step-by-step, to gently ease a trepidacious knitter through the patterns. The smallest needles used are American size #9, with the majority of patterns using 11 thru 15, and one using size 35! The yarns used are lovely, and my only caveat is that many beginning knitters might not be able to obtain the specific yarns recommended and unless they have help from a local yarn shop wouldn't be able or likely to substitute properly for them. They DO constantly recommend that the knitter begin with a gauge swatch, though, and at the back offer access to a couple of places to obtain the specific yarns, so other than that small quibble this is a wonderful beginner's book, easy to understand and execute, and written in a cosy, friendly style.
For more experienced knitters this offers several nice, basic, "work up in a weekend" sort of knits that might appeal under certain circumstances, in simple styles using interesting yarns and plain stitches. Comfortable, cosy, and, above all, quick-to-knit.
December 3, 2007
I am an intermediate knitter, and I had a lot of trouble with this book. First, many of the patterns are just not that appealing. They're quite bulky -- and while thicker yarns do knit up quickly, they're not so attractive on anyone larger than a beanpole. While I'm fairly small (size 6), I do have a chest and cannot imagine wearing such bulky garments.
Second, I found the yarn selections hard to substitute because of the way they were almost all used double. And the yarns suggested were quite expensive.
All in all, I resold my book on Amazon after holding on to it for about six months. I just never was that interested in knitting anything in it. I like the kids' book much better, and am looking forward to the "Beyond the Basics" book.
Second, I found the yarn selections hard to substitute because of the way they were almost all used double. And the yarns suggested were quite expensive.
All in all, I resold my book on Amazon after holding on to it for about six months. I just never was that interested in knitting anything in it. I like the kids' book much better, and am looking forward to the "Beyond the Basics" book.
February 9, 2023
Multiple easy patterns for beginners that knit up very quickly for instant gratification. My only caution is that because they are designed to be quick, the patterns are all written for very large gauge, using thick yarns or yarns held double; so, as the authors instruct, you simply must knit a swatch before attempting!
If despite all precautions, you find that your main struggle as a beginner is keeping your tension and stitching even, these patterns might not be for you because the large stitch size highlights any unevenness in stitching. Start elsewhere and come back to this book when you are a bit more relaxed with your craft.
If despite all precautions, you find that your main struggle as a beginner is keeping your tension and stitching even, these patterns might not be for you because the large stitch size highlights any unevenness in stitching. Start elsewhere and come back to this book when you are a bit more relaxed with your craft.
October 18, 2007
I think this really is for girls, because the patterns are very instant gratification and somewhat hip. Good for basic construction of the different sweater types, but not my style anymore.
May 17, 2020
The Yarn Girls' series in general is a good one for newer knitters. There are plenty of illustrations and diagrams and lots of positive encouragement in the text. Projects have clear instructions and are generally straightforward stitches and constructions and use a chunkier yarn. All very basic, very classic patterns. Little shaping, no cables, no lace. But, flip side to that - chunky patterns with little shaping aren't always the most flattering, so know what to expect when you're done.
I'm not crazy about the yarns used in most of the books. Let me explain. I love the yarns. I like that they aren't finer gauges (often very intimidating for new knitters), but they are definitely "yarn shop" yarns. Makes sense, since the authors own a store themselves, but for those of us who don't live in an area with a yarn shop and are limited to online purchases or big box craft stores? It'd be nice to have some alternatives mentioned. I know that there's a section in the introduction about substituting yarns, but this is a book for beginners, right? They need a little more direction, and they need some more affordable alternatives. Why shell out for Adrienne Vittadini yarns when you're still learning the craft, when Lion Brand will work just as well for a beginner's scarf? Still, to each their own.
Overall, nothing exceptional, but still a good solid collection of classic beginners' patterns.
I'm not crazy about the yarns used in most of the books. Let me explain. I love the yarns. I like that they aren't finer gauges (often very intimidating for new knitters), but they are definitely "yarn shop" yarns. Makes sense, since the authors own a store themselves, but for those of us who don't live in an area with a yarn shop and are limited to online purchases or big box craft stores? It'd be nice to have some alternatives mentioned. I know that there's a section in the introduction about substituting yarns, but this is a book for beginners, right? They need a little more direction, and they need some more affordable alternatives. Why shell out for Adrienne Vittadini yarns when you're still learning the craft, when Lion Brand will work just as well for a beginner's scarf? Still, to each their own.
Overall, nothing exceptional, but still a good solid collection of classic beginners' patterns.
September 29, 2025
I'm an experienced knitter and found this book at a Baltimore Book Thing event and I'm reading this over 20 years after publication! I was surprised at how much I liked the patterns but I do have a big gripe about how the yarns are identified. The Funky Funnel-neck Fun sweater is knit up in Polar, color #70. What company makes said Polar yarn? Argh. I know many yarns used in this book have been discontinued, many of the yarn companies have also closed, indeed, the author's store is also defunct. But more info on the yarns used or adequate substitutions is just basic info to provide. The photos are decent. The writing is a bit forced, but I'm here for the patterns, and I love those quick and chunky knits. Perhaps a subtitle should have mentioned that their definition of "simple knits" means a large gauge and chunky yarns. This is my first book by the Yarn Girls and I think I'll check out their others.
May 15, 2021
So disappointed. Bought this for a beginner knitter friend, opened the book and first page I opened to was page 56, where it started the sentence with 'Daniele was a spaz knitter'. This is a highly offensive word as it's a shortening of the word 'spastic' which refers to cerebral palsy people. See Cambridge dictionary entry for reference. It was a word I grew up with in 80s unfortunately so I'm familiar with it and I thought people had realised not to use it by now. I'd got this second hand so it's not worth giving to charity shops for same reason, so put in recycling, one of the first books I've ever done that to. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dict...
January 31, 2015
I bought this book years ago, when I was re-learning to knit. At the time, it filled a niche for good beginner's book that tackled sweaters instead of, say, potholders. However, since this book has been published, knitting has exploded and lots of much better non-potholder-pattern books have hit the scene. I'd recommend those over this one. Any of Debbie Stoller's books are a good bet, for example.
On the good side, the patterns are very well written and do have the beginner in mind.
At the same time, the biggest problem I have is that the sweater patterns are all very chunky and not terribly flattering. I get that the point here was to de-mystify sweater knitting for beginners, and add instant gratification by making them faster knits.
But I found that some of my friends' enthusiasm for knitting cooled after they'd still spent time making a sweater that they ultimately never wore because it was just wildly unflattering (and it wasn't because they knit it poorly, either).
I myself made one of the hoodies, the poncho, and some of the scarves. The hoodie is a cozy house sweater, because it's so box-like that it can't be worn in public but because I can't bear to get rid of it since it was my very first sweater after all. I had no such compunction with the poncho and donated it. The scarves were a better bet, and some of those made gift recipients very happy.
Another minus for me were the fact that the yarns suggested are indeed very expensive and they don't do a good job of suggesting alternatives. Not surprisingly, the yarns correlate with what they (used to) have in stock at their medium-to-expensive yarn store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Finally, it does have that upbeat tone to the writing. I understand that some people really like that when they embark on a new hobby, but for me it came off as artificial-sounding. I don't need a chatty "girl-friend" tone, I need a clear and well written guide. Not to mention, after I bought the book, I went to the store since it was in my neighborhood at the time and met the owners/writers: they most certainly didn't have that tone in person, and some reviewers of the store on Yelp/Google/etc found quite the opposite indeed. (I didn't have any poor experiences, but I didn't have any great ones either, so the book's tone versus the reality of the personalities confirmed my initial sense of cognitive dissonance.)
If you've made it this far: I'd say pass on this and buy some of the better beginner guides with more attractive patterns.
On the good side, the patterns are very well written and do have the beginner in mind.
At the same time, the biggest problem I have is that the sweater patterns are all very chunky and not terribly flattering. I get that the point here was to de-mystify sweater knitting for beginners, and add instant gratification by making them faster knits.
But I found that some of my friends' enthusiasm for knitting cooled after they'd still spent time making a sweater that they ultimately never wore because it was just wildly unflattering (and it wasn't because they knit it poorly, either).
I myself made one of the hoodies, the poncho, and some of the scarves. The hoodie is a cozy house sweater, because it's so box-like that it can't be worn in public but because I can't bear to get rid of it since it was my very first sweater after all. I had no such compunction with the poncho and donated it. The scarves were a better bet, and some of those made gift recipients very happy.
Another minus for me were the fact that the yarns suggested are indeed very expensive and they don't do a good job of suggesting alternatives. Not surprisingly, the yarns correlate with what they (used to) have in stock at their medium-to-expensive yarn store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Finally, it does have that upbeat tone to the writing. I understand that some people really like that when they embark on a new hobby, but for me it came off as artificial-sounding. I don't need a chatty "girl-friend" tone, I need a clear and well written guide. Not to mention, after I bought the book, I went to the store since it was in my neighborhood at the time and met the owners/writers: they most certainly didn't have that tone in person, and some reviewers of the store on Yelp/Google/etc found quite the opposite indeed. (I didn't have any poor experiences, but I didn't have any great ones either, so the book's tone versus the reality of the personalities confirmed my initial sense of cognitive dissonance.)
If you've made it this far: I'd say pass on this and buy some of the better beginner guides with more attractive patterns.
December 24, 2008
I just got this book out of the library yesterday, and I like it so much I think I'm going to buy it! I'm a novice knitter and am currently making scarves to practice stitching before moving onto bigger projects. I love the hats in this book, and I'd really like to make one of the ponchos for myself!
*Update* 12/23/08
I LOVED this book! The instructions in the beginning were written in easy-to-understand language for a new knitter like me. And the patterns! I never really planned on moving on from smaller projects, but soon I will graduate from scarves, to maybe a hat. And I have my eye on one of the ponchos! I plan on buying yarn on my field trip to a fancy yarn place in Northampton, MA next month, just not sure what I want to make next!
*Update* 12/23/08
I LOVED this book! The instructions in the beginning were written in easy-to-understand language for a new knitter like me. And the patterns! I never really planned on moving on from smaller projects, but soon I will graduate from scarves, to maybe a hat. And I have my eye on one of the ponchos! I plan on buying yarn on my field trip to a fancy yarn place in Northampton, MA next month, just not sure what I want to make next!
August 23, 2010
I am a complete beginner when it comes to knitting. I did not know the difference between a knit and a purl until recently. When I finished a halfway decent scarf, I knew I wanted to do more - so I picked this book up to read up on how to make a cardigan. The style is informative and informal, as if they are talking to you! But, not the way the Skinny Bitches talk to you, more like how your best friend talks to you. ;) The knitting style instructions are crystal clear. I look forward to making my first cardigan from the pattern in this book.
February 12, 2008
This is a good book for those who are wanting to move beyond a basic scarf. It has nice easy patterns for sweaters, tank tops, scarves, hats, etc. made with chunky to extra chunky yarn so it knits up quick. I have made a tank top from this book, my first garment, and the instructions were easy to follow.
December 29, 2009
A book of fast knits with modern but simple patterns. The book provides most of what one needs to know to make the patterns, but I would probably not suggest it for a first-time knitter. Visually the book is very appealing - glossy and colorful, using a pretty spectacular collection of yarns for the projects.
March 7, 2007
This book kept me knitting after I learned on a whim. The sweaters are bulky and shapeless and generally unflattering, but they show you that knitting a sweater is much easier than you think.I still come back to the basic hat pattern in this book for quick holiday gifts that everyone always loves.
January 16, 2009
Excellent, hip beginner's guide. Great illustrations and patterns to get your started in the basics of knitting. But if you already know how to knit or have knit anything in the past, you will probably find the patterns a bit bland and not very challenging or interesting.
October 14, 2007
I learned to knit a sweater. It wasn't hard. Who knew? Now I'm on my second one from this book.
February 15, 2008
the patterns are kinda blah....
not very modern in design.
not very modern in design.
October 1, 2008
Super chunky, super simple patterns. GORGEOUS yarns are used for these projects. Great instructions for the beginner.
January 23, 2009
I love this book! It's got simple patterns that are easily adaptable to different yarns, patterns and sizes. The format suits me, the casual knitter. Not too fussy, not too condescending.
August 3, 2009
pretty and easy patterns. The purple scarf on the cover was the 1st pattern for the first thing I ever knit.
December 31, 2010
Simple patterns designed with chunky yarn so the novice knitter can create pretty sweaters, hats, & scarves. Clearly written for beginners' success.
July 24, 2015
Basics
August 17, 2007
My go-to book for knitting refreshers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews