What do you think?
Rate this book
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated
Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Completely Revised & Updated.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2018
34 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Vogue Knitting
109 books23 followersVogue Knitting is SoHo Publishing's flagship title. Launched over twenty-five years ago, VK has set the bar for knitting, working with the biggest and most talented names in fashion today, including Michael Kors and Anna Sui. Led by Editor Trisha Malcolm, VK is published quarterly.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Read
July 29, 2018An excellent update and expansion of the previous edition from 2003. In addition to expanding all the sections previous included (sweater design now includes more top-down options, circular knitting covers circular needle methods, more cast ons and bind offs are included in the basics section, etc.), there are many completely new chapters which focus on specific techniques and elements of knitting. These include cables, lace, directional knitting, advanced techniques (brioche, double knitting), shawl design, and accessories design (hats, mittens, gloves, socks). Many of these new chapters also include an introduction that briefly describes some of the regional styles of the technique.
There were some very obvious omissions in terms of tips (such as fixing loose cable stitches) and in some more advanced techniques (e.g. intarsia or brioche in the round). Many of the techniques were also very, very basically described, to the extent that even an advanced beginner would still need to search out a book that describes the technique in more depth to really understand the technique and how it applies to a pattern, or just knit structure in general. As a knitter who wants to know as much about technique as possible, this stood out as very annoying to me; I know not every single aspect of, say, brioche, can be covered in a book like this, but I was hoping for more than two pages about it.
I would say that this is an excellent reference for new knitters, who haven't yet acquired a knitting library (whether general reference, technique, or both), or for experienced knitters who likewise don't have a knitting library and are looking to start one with a solid foundation. For those who have do have an extensive library, and have a variety of the above two types of books, this may be fairly redundant.
This isn't at all to say this isn't a worthwhile reference--I would highly recommend it, it's very well modernized from the previous two versions. I also bookmarked a few pages that covered some construction techniques that I don't have books on, so it's most definitely a gateway to just how diverse the wonderful world of knitting is! The bibliography provides further, epitomical references for many of the techniques touched upon here.
There were some very obvious omissions in terms of tips (such as fixing loose cable stitches) and in some more advanced techniques (e.g. intarsia or brioche in the round). Many of the techniques were also very, very basically described, to the extent that even an advanced beginner would still need to search out a book that describes the technique in more depth to really understand the technique and how it applies to a pattern, or just knit structure in general. As a knitter who wants to know as much about technique as possible, this stood out as very annoying to me; I know not every single aspect of, say, brioche, can be covered in a book like this, but I was hoping for more than two pages about it.
I would say that this is an excellent reference for new knitters, who haven't yet acquired a knitting library (whether general reference, technique, or both), or for experienced knitters who likewise don't have a knitting library and are looking to start one with a solid foundation. For those who have do have an extensive library, and have a variety of the above two types of books, this may be fairly redundant.
This isn't at all to say this isn't a worthwhile reference--I would highly recommend it, it's very well modernized from the previous two versions. I also bookmarked a few pages that covered some construction techniques that I don't have books on, so it's most definitely a gateway to just how diverse the wonderful world of knitting is! The bibliography provides further, epitomical references for many of the techniques touched upon here.
February 5, 2018
I'm familiar with the previous editions of the book, but this one is so much better and offers so much more. They cut out all of the swatches and garment patterns and replaced them with more information about more techniques AND THEN they add 70 more pages of even more techniques. I'm so excited for the new entrelac and brioche sections, but I'm ecstatic about the new sections about designing accessories—socks, mittens, gloves, hats, and shawls! The shawl section is really, really cool and shows all kinds of different constructions. As someone who dabbles in design, these sections (including the one on designing sweaters) is going to be invaluable. I love knitting and learning more about the mechanics of it, and this book is going to help me really learn the finer details of this craft. It's just inspiring to dig into these chapters, and it's nice to know that I'll always have this book to turn to when in need.
July 7, 2018
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated by the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine is the third revision of this knitting classic that was first published in 1989. Since then, over 1 million copies have been sold, and it’s for good reason.
The new 2018 version includes more cast on, increase, decrease, and bind off methods; sections covering brioche, entrelac, double knitting, and mosaic knitting; in-depth design and construction sections with options for accessories and 25 shawl shapes; and more information about tools and troubleshooting. It also includes more than 70 extra pages and over 1,600 photos and illustrations.
The book opens with a Table of Contents and information about the original and current editions of the book, including bios of the teams that brought them the life. The Special Features of This Book explains that the book is color coded and provides an overview of the contents.
Each chapter is incredibly in-depth and definitely allows you to nerd out on knitting. However, to break up the lengthy text, the book liberally uses bold to highlight major points and includes images throughout. As an example, in the 19-page Yarn & Supplies chapter, there are illustrations of both S and Z yarn twists, photographs of yarns in different weights so you can see the relative thicknesses, and so on.
The included chapters are:
Yarns And Supplies, which includes a detailed overview of yarn, needles, and notions;
Basic Techniques, which explores how knitting “works,” and includes written and illustrated instructions for holding the needles, 25 cast on methods, the knit and purl stitches and all of the basic combinations, as well as joining yarn, increasing, decreasing, and binding off;
Cables, which explores how cables are structured, how to read cable symbols and charts, provides a variety of cable patterns, and demonstrates how to cable without a cable needle;
Color Knitting, which includes stranded knitting, intarsia, vertical and horizontal stripes, slip stitches, mosaic knitting, short row color knitting, and plaid knitting, along with tips for working with bobbins and reading charts;
Lace, which provides an introduction to lace, a review of yarn overs and decreases, tips for reading charts, blocking, and troubleshooting lace problems, and lace border and edging stitches;
Circular Knitting, which provides an overview of knitting in the round with helpful photographs for using circular needles, double pointed needles, two circular needles, and the magic loop methods, along with the jogless join, steeking, and Moebius knitting;
Directional Knitting, which covers entrelac (both flat and in the round), modular knitting, bias knitting, and center-out knitting (including squares, circles, stars, and other geometric shapes);
Advanced Techniques, which covers brioche, double knitting, tucks, loop stitch, elongated and drop stitches, and felting;
Understanding Instructions, which is an in-depth guide to understanding patterns, including schematics and gauge and counting stitches, as well as symbols and abbreviations;
Correcting Errors, which includes written and illustrated instructions for troubleshooting everything from dropped stitches to mending holes;
Finishing, which covers blocking, seaming, grafting (kitchener stitch), and picking up stitches;
Designing Sweaters, which takes you through all aspects of sweater design from conceptualization through adding details like shoulder pads or linings;
Designing Shawls, which provides a history of various traditional shawl designs and also explains how to construct and shape different types of shawls;
Designing Accessories, which covers hats, mittens and gloves, and socks and stockings;
Embellishments, which shows how to embellish your knits with embroidery, beads, sequins, and other extras; and
Caring for Knitwear, which addresses both cleaning and storage.
The book ends with a detailed index, bibliography and credits, and knitters graph paper in 8 sizes. In addition to the index, each of the chapters includes a strip at the bottom of the page (when relevant) that indicates where in the book you can find more information. As an example, the entrelac section in Directional Knitting includes the page number of different stitches that are used with entrelac so you can refer back to those instructions.
As you can tell, the book has a ton of information inside. As a designer, I did find the three design sections most interesting (and thanks to the illustrated overview of different types of hats, I will finally know what to call my designs that aren’t beanies), but there is a lot included for knitters at all levels. This is the type of book that you can get as a beginner and keep with you as you learn more, or you can pick up as an advanced knitter to take you to the next level. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated is a hefty hardcover book, so it will withstand years of wear, and you can use the cover flaps to mark your pages. I highly recommend Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated to knitters of all types!
Full disclosure: A free review copy of Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated by the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine was provided to me by Sixth&Spring. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
The new 2018 version includes more cast on, increase, decrease, and bind off methods; sections covering brioche, entrelac, double knitting, and mosaic knitting; in-depth design and construction sections with options for accessories and 25 shawl shapes; and more information about tools and troubleshooting. It also includes more than 70 extra pages and over 1,600 photos and illustrations.
The book opens with a Table of Contents and information about the original and current editions of the book, including bios of the teams that brought them the life. The Special Features of This Book explains that the book is color coded and provides an overview of the contents.
Each chapter is incredibly in-depth and definitely allows you to nerd out on knitting. However, to break up the lengthy text, the book liberally uses bold to highlight major points and includes images throughout. As an example, in the 19-page Yarn & Supplies chapter, there are illustrations of both S and Z yarn twists, photographs of yarns in different weights so you can see the relative thicknesses, and so on.
The included chapters are:
Yarns And Supplies, which includes a detailed overview of yarn, needles, and notions;
Basic Techniques, which explores how knitting “works,” and includes written and illustrated instructions for holding the needles, 25 cast on methods, the knit and purl stitches and all of the basic combinations, as well as joining yarn, increasing, decreasing, and binding off;
Cables, which explores how cables are structured, how to read cable symbols and charts, provides a variety of cable patterns, and demonstrates how to cable without a cable needle;
Color Knitting, which includes stranded knitting, intarsia, vertical and horizontal stripes, slip stitches, mosaic knitting, short row color knitting, and plaid knitting, along with tips for working with bobbins and reading charts;
Lace, which provides an introduction to lace, a review of yarn overs and decreases, tips for reading charts, blocking, and troubleshooting lace problems, and lace border and edging stitches;
Circular Knitting, which provides an overview of knitting in the round with helpful photographs for using circular needles, double pointed needles, two circular needles, and the magic loop methods, along with the jogless join, steeking, and Moebius knitting;
Directional Knitting, which covers entrelac (both flat and in the round), modular knitting, bias knitting, and center-out knitting (including squares, circles, stars, and other geometric shapes);
Advanced Techniques, which covers brioche, double knitting, tucks, loop stitch, elongated and drop stitches, and felting;
Understanding Instructions, which is an in-depth guide to understanding patterns, including schematics and gauge and counting stitches, as well as symbols and abbreviations;
Correcting Errors, which includes written and illustrated instructions for troubleshooting everything from dropped stitches to mending holes;
Finishing, which covers blocking, seaming, grafting (kitchener stitch), and picking up stitches;
Designing Sweaters, which takes you through all aspects of sweater design from conceptualization through adding details like shoulder pads or linings;
Designing Shawls, which provides a history of various traditional shawl designs and also explains how to construct and shape different types of shawls;
Designing Accessories, which covers hats, mittens and gloves, and socks and stockings;
Embellishments, which shows how to embellish your knits with embroidery, beads, sequins, and other extras; and
Caring for Knitwear, which addresses both cleaning and storage.
The book ends with a detailed index, bibliography and credits, and knitters graph paper in 8 sizes. In addition to the index, each of the chapters includes a strip at the bottom of the page (when relevant) that indicates where in the book you can find more information. As an example, the entrelac section in Directional Knitting includes the page number of different stitches that are used with entrelac so you can refer back to those instructions.
As you can tell, the book has a ton of information inside. As a designer, I did find the three design sections most interesting (and thanks to the illustrated overview of different types of hats, I will finally know what to call my designs that aren’t beanies), but there is a lot included for knitters at all levels. This is the type of book that you can get as a beginner and keep with you as you learn more, or you can pick up as an advanced knitter to take you to the next level. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated is a hefty hardcover book, so it will withstand years of wear, and you can use the cover flaps to mark your pages. I highly recommend Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated to knitters of all types!
Full disclosure: A free review copy of Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated by the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine was provided to me by Sixth&Spring. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
February 7, 2018
Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book, by the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine, is a huge and wonderful book for your knitting library.
Simple to understand, it is an update from the beloved 2002 edition (which was updated from the original 1989 edition).
What the reader will enjoy is an expanded library of cast-ons, increases, decreases and bind-offs,
as well as in depth sections on brioche, entrelac, double knitting and mosaic knitting. As well, there are
brand new design and construction chapters for accessories which the reader is going to be delighted and dazzled by.
The very complete chapters on lace and cables contain all the knitter needs to know about increasing, decreasing, reading charts, working borders and much more. This book offers revised and expanded information on tools, correcting errors, finishing, embellishing, and garment care.
The table of contents is color coded, just like the chapters of the book. It has tip boxes and technique boxes to enhance the reader's understanding.
The book is arranged by subject and continues to offer a thorough explanation of knitting and design.
The accessories chapters just didn't exist before, and this edition is worth the money just for these two chapters alone. They are lovely!
Get your needles out and fall in love with knitting, whether you are new to the art, or it is an old favorite craft of yours. You will adore Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book!
Simple to understand, it is an update from the beloved 2002 edition (which was updated from the original 1989 edition).
What the reader will enjoy is an expanded library of cast-ons, increases, decreases and bind-offs,
as well as in depth sections on brioche, entrelac, double knitting and mosaic knitting. As well, there are
brand new design and construction chapters for accessories which the reader is going to be delighted and dazzled by.
The very complete chapters on lace and cables contain all the knitter needs to know about increasing, decreasing, reading charts, working borders and much more. This book offers revised and expanded information on tools, correcting errors, finishing, embellishing, and garment care.
The table of contents is color coded, just like the chapters of the book. It has tip boxes and technique boxes to enhance the reader's understanding.
The book is arranged by subject and continues to offer a thorough explanation of knitting and design.
The accessories chapters just didn't exist before, and this edition is worth the money just for these two chapters alone. They are lovely!
Get your needles out and fall in love with knitting, whether you are new to the art, or it is an old favorite craft of yours. You will adore Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book!
January 5, 2019
This book has undergone a major review since its last edition. Added are details on top-down design and knitting, the use of circular and interchangeable needles, and other useful details used in the construction and finishing of knitted garments. Cross referencing to related techniques is at each page bottom which is good if you've forgotten which page something was on!
Pictures and sections within the book are well delineated and easy to read - important if you need to find something in a hurry.
While the title of the book could make you think this is the only book you'll need, there is a lack of explanation on alternate names for some techniques and some common stitch names, for instance with brioche knitting where the more common brk's and brp's (barks and burps) that are most commonly used are not seen. The resulting explanations become a little more involved than they perhaps needed to be.
This book clearly can't cover all cast ons and bind off's as seen in another popular reference either and I wouldn't expect it to unless it ran to a considerably larger book.
Thus while this book is a great addition to any knitters library, for particular techniques, supplementary references are also still the go.
Pictures and sections within the book are well delineated and easy to read - important if you need to find something in a hurry.
While the title of the book could make you think this is the only book you'll need, there is a lack of explanation on alternate names for some techniques and some common stitch names, for instance with brioche knitting where the more common brk's and brp's (barks and burps) that are most commonly used are not seen. The resulting explanations become a little more involved than they perhaps needed to be.
This book clearly can't cover all cast ons and bind off's as seen in another popular reference either and I wouldn't expect it to unless it ran to a considerably larger book.
Thus while this book is a great addition to any knitters library, for particular techniques, supplementary references are also still the go.
April 23, 2018
This is an extremely helpful book for someone learning how to knit. I've been using it to give me an idea of what sorts of things I don't know but need to know (this book helps with the "I don't know what I don't know"). The illustrations are only sort of helpful; I mostly just use the information in the book to look up YouTube videos on the techniques. This book is much more comprehensive than most knitting books geared to beginners, and even though I am only a beginner knitter, I would imagine that even more experienced knitters would enjoy learning the advanced techniques.
I do wish there were a smaller version that was more portable but still contained the same size illustrations. It would be thicker but more travel-friendly.
I've been reading this book from the library, but I intend on buying it when I return to Virginia (no way am I going to take a book of this weight and size in my suitcase).
I do wish there were a smaller version that was more portable but still contained the same size illustrations. It would be thicker but more travel-friendly.
I've been reading this book from the library, but I intend on buying it when I return to Virginia (no way am I going to take a book of this weight and size in my suitcase).
November 16, 2021
Loaded with information, “Vogue Knitting” is a perfect read for both novice and experienced knitters alike. This updated version is packed with lots of bonus materials to expand your knitting to a new level.
While this book does have some patterns, the biggest draw for me was the information on styles and techniques. I still have so much to learn and my next big project is a beautiful sweater for my husband, so the extra tips and tricks were greatly appreciated.
If you have an interest in knitting OR simply don’t have this book yet, this is a great tool to have on hand for all those little questions that pop up during a new project. From scarves to hats to sweaters and more “Vogue Knitting” answers all the questions.
In the end, I gave this book a solid 5 stars!
While this book does have some patterns, the biggest draw for me was the information on styles and techniques. I still have so much to learn and my next big project is a beautiful sweater for my husband, so the extra tips and tricks were greatly appreciated.
If you have an interest in knitting OR simply don’t have this book yet, this is a great tool to have on hand for all those little questions that pop up during a new project. From scarves to hats to sweaters and more “Vogue Knitting” answers all the questions.
In the end, I gave this book a solid 5 stars!
December 18, 2018
really great book. so good in fact i already have two just like it, which are smaller and easier to use as far as an index is concerned. had i known i already possess all this information either in my head or on my bookcase i wouldn't have bought another one, or i would have waited and sprung for an e-book/pdf version i could pull up on my phone wherever i happened to be at the time i needed to look something up. when i have a question it's usually a weird one and not going to be printed in a reference book. going to have to run around asking a bunch of knitters what to do in situation X.
December 12, 2020
My god this really has EVERYTHING (Well almost: I do think it could use some more examples of techniques as shown on finished objects as opposed to swatches, and obv it can’t show EVERY cast on or knit/purl patterning.). I love the drawn techniques; they make so much more sense to me than descriptions or even watching YouTube videos. The reference notes at the bottom tell you where explanations for things mentioned on that page are elsewhere in the book. I got this from the library randomly but now I kind of want to buy it.
February 25, 2019
So much more information than the ancient 1989 version I have on the shelf. Things have changed in knitting over the years. The 1989 version using different wording that isn't used today even though the stitches are often the same. I also found the addition of some of the newer techniques (circular, magic loop) a great resource. This might have to replace my old copy! Its just a better book.
June 19, 2019
I learned to Knit in school a long time ago, and though some things stayed with me a lot has not and I needed a reference book that could explain some stitches, problems etc. It is very comprehensive and covers a lot, with great pictures that help you along. I have not used it as much as I wanted but I am glad I have it in case I need some inspiration and try something new.
May 16, 2018
Would be a very good technique reference. I especially liked the sections on seaming and sweater constructions. I wish it had schematics and ease suggestions, but that's because I'm cheap and don't want to buy the ASTM charts.
October 8, 2018
This is a great resource book. I'm, apparently, the only person who checks this book out of my library so I've been renewing my checkout. Luckily, with EBATES and a great price on amazon I was able to buy this book for under $25 after taxes so it now has a permanent place in my library.
June 4, 2019
This book has everything about knitting, even techniques that have more recently become popular such as brioche and thrumming. I took it in to show the ladies in my knitting group and we immediately decided to by a copy for our meeting room.
July 29, 2021
I have not read every single word in this book, but I still think it's a great resource for those who like making their own knitting patterns or knitting freestyle
It also has some great knitting info and history in it
It also has some great knitting info and history in it
August 20, 2022
As a knitter, this reference guide has come in handy a few times and allows one to look at pretty stitches that they aspire to make one day. 4/5 because I feel like the pictures showing you how to knit can be confusing so I end up looking them up on YouTube half the time.
April 7, 2025
Absolutely incredible resource! Ultimate pictorial dictionary of stitches!
Some favorites:
Falling leaves
Mossy Bark
Chevron Eyelet
Sprouts
Thistle Lace
Pointelle Leaf Pattern
Classic Frost Flowers
Triple Crossed
Sailor's Knot
Some favorites:
Falling leaves
Mossy Bark
Chevron Eyelet
Sprouts
Thistle Lace
Pointelle Leaf Pattern
Classic Frost Flowers
Triple Crossed
Sailor's Knot
February 5, 2018
This book is AMAZING for any knitter, beginner or advance! It has tons of information, tips, and advice, besides beautiful pictures and recommendations! I love it!
April 24, 2018
Great reference book for knitters, especially those wanting to create their own designs for garments.
May 29, 2018
Five words: THE most comprehensive knitting book.
January 6, 2019
Well-organized, beautiful, surprisingly improved update on what I thought was an unbeatable classic. I will be replacing the 2002 edition in my library with this one as soon as I can.
February 11, 2019
A great resource, I especially like the section on shawl designs. I borrowed it from the library but will be buying a copy
March 8, 2019
Lots of great info, very pleased with the update. Fantastic addition to my knitting library.
April 20, 2019
Indispensable
October 23, 2020
Great resource to keep on hand.
October 28, 2020
The Bible of knitting. A great resource for beginners like me. This is a book you grow with and will always use for reference, ideas, and new learning.
September 28, 2021
This is the best book on knitting that I have read. The chapters on designing various types of garments are outstanding.
Read
January 17, 2022there is so much information in this book oh my god
March 14, 2024
Massive, almost overwhelming encyclopedia of everything literally everything to do with knitting. An excellent excellent resource.
November 28, 2024
A very useful reference book for knitting projects.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews