The Knitting Book: Over 250 Step-by-Step Techniques

by Vikki Haffenden, Frederica Patmore

Everything you need to teach yourself how to knit, from casting on to creating your own designs.

This new edition of DK's knitting bible takes you from beginner to expert, with hundreds of step-by-step techniques, more than 120 stitch patterns for a variety of knitting stitches, and 20 knitting projects suitable for all abilities.

Fully illustrated and easy to use, The Knitting Book is a one-stop resource for beginners and a rich source of inspiration for avid knitters who want to progress their skills and try new stitch patterns. Each technique is shown in clear photographic steps and explained with helpful annotations and arrows, from basic casting on to intricate Fair Isle and cable patterns.

A photographic stitch gallery showcases over 120 different stitches to inspire you - try your hand at everything from garter stitch to intarsia, or customize projects with your own stitch choices.

This updated edition features 10 brand-new project patterns, including an arm knitting pattern, as well as 10 projects from the original edition that have been reimagined with new yarns and fresh colours.

Simple, clear, and comprehensive, The Knitting Book is the only book you need to progress your skills and create your own beautiful, unique pieces.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Art

364 pages, Hardcover

First published August 29, 2011

Reviews

[Luanne Ollivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a knitting group at my local library. I've stopped in many times to see what they're making and each and every time I leave I think - "I want to learn how to knit." And I've convinced myself I will knit hats for each and every family member for next Christmas!

But, I need some direction and instruction. And I've found it in The Knitting Book - New Edition- by Vikki Haffenden and Frederica Patmore.

The Knitting Book is a fabulous resource for anyone - beginner through to those who already have skills. Everything is covered from start to finish.... Materials, including types and weights of yarn. All accompanied with large, full colour photographs that really allow the user to see the detail. Tools includes the same excellent photos detailing needles and other equipment. The Swatch Gallery contains 30 different styles and full instructions for these are found in another chapter at the end of the book.

But how to knit? Well, the Key Techniques chapter has very explicit and detailed instructions from casting on, so many ways to knit with patterns, colours, styles, embellishments and more, right through to casting off. Over 250 step-by step techniques! Again, all with colour photographs showing how to proceed very clearly. This is what I love about DK books - the clear instructions, clean layout, easy to see and process detailed information and most of all the colour photos.

The Knitting Book also includes a number of project ideas for beginners through to seasoned knitters. And yes - there's two hat patterns! And a really easy baby blanket that would be a good starter project for me. There are sweaters, throws, runners, an arm knitted rug and more. A wonderful resource!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a newbie knitter, this book is equal parts delightful and intimidating. The photography is lovely. The explanations seem to be written in Klingon at times, which is, no doubt, a sign of my own lack of knowledge. It provides inspiration and much needed reference material. This is the second knitting reference book I have tried and much the better of the two.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some projects seem dated but made in updated colours and yarns are shown again in the newest edition. A great resource for all knitters.

[Magdalena Golden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really should not have bought this book and I seriously consider returning it. I read some reviews on Amazon about how confusing and full of errors it is but in the end I decided to get it, I guess mostly for two reasons. First - aesthetics. I have to admit it's drop-dead gorgeous. Beautifully set, illustrated and printed and I do have a soft spot for beautiful books which sometimes gets in the way of reason... Second - the negative reviews I mentioned are actually hugely outnumbered by great ones, also here on GoodReads, so I thought - come on, it can't be that bad then! It looks like a true encyclopaedia of knitting and claims to cater to absolute beginners as well as those with experience so I thought that even if there are some ambiguities, it will be a good overall reference book and any major mistakes will be cleared up by the publisher in corrigenda which I remember reading about somewhere as a publisher's response to one particularly negative review.

Well, there are apparently no corrigenda, at least no that I can find anywhere online and the book truly is confusing. In fact, much more so than I expected even from the worst reviews. I do realise that showing movement in print can be challenging but owning Classical Ballet Technique I also know that it is absolutely doable to show even very intricate movement in a clear way.

The first chapters about tools and materials are very good. I am a complete beginner and I learnt a lot from them. The stitch pattern gallery is beautifully presented and the complementary instructions shown at the end of the book are ok (at least the ones I checked). For those reasons I am still considering keeping the book and I'm giving it two stars instead of one - I did learn something from it, after all. It is the middle of it with wich I have a problem.

The beginning was easy enough - casting on was explained very clearly and so I was in high spirits as I went on to learn the stitches. But that's where the problems started. As beautiful as the illustrations are, they're not always useful. There doesn't seem to be any rule as to whether the picture illustrates the state before, during or after the explanation in the box - sometimes it's one way, sometimes another and sometimes, to me at least, the picture showed something entirely different from the written explanation. Maybe it's my lack of imagination (or, on the contrary, a too creative one ;) ) but in the end I had to learn almost everything from youtube, including the basic knit and purl stitches. Some instructions are so confusing I would claim that they are downright wrong (e.g. left and right paired edge increases - I read about them, thought I sort of understood but wasn't sure, then I looked it up on youtube, it turned out that I had been mistaken, and then already knowing the technique I reread the instructions and I can kind of sort of maybe see what they meant but I still find them confusing). I also do not appreciate offhand explanations like "The purl version of this stitch is worked using the same principle". I am a complete beginner - every move I make feels awkward and arbitrary, I do not have the intuition yet about what constitutes the principle here and how exactly to turn things around.

Then there are projects which look fun and beautiful but the instructions are even more confusing than with the techniques and the stitches don't always add up. This part, in fact, seems to be getting the worst reviews so I'm not even going to elaborate but I am very disappointed by the fact that over three years after the publication of such a gorgeous book the publisher did not find it important enough to issue simple corrigenda.

Overall - I do not recommend this book, at least not to absolute beginners. Maybe people who already have some knowledge of knitting and/or have more intuition for it and can figure out the meaning of the explanations but if it's the first time you're holding needles in your hands - good luck trying to make sense of it with this book alone!

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

what made me buy this book is the "Yarn" chapter where they show different types of yarn rolled in equal size balls and knitted in a stockinette stitches

Then the yarn labels in large prints (I wish they'd do the same to wool garments)

If you love pictures and you learn by pictures like me, this is the perfect book for you.

My Favorites

Jelly Fish Scarf
Jelly Fish Hat
Harlequin Scarf
Cabled Armwarmers
Baby Cardigan
Cabled Hottie
Rhybarb Tea cozy

[Rachel Crosby · Rating 1 out of 5]

So many errors

If you are new to knitting this is not the book for you there are so many errors for the stitch patterns you will just end up looking up the patterns and techniques elsewhere. Not worth the money.

[Irene]

A very good book so much details on everything a knitter needs, different stitch designs and about types of needles and yarnage. Well worth the money.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of valuable techniques for any level of knitter.

[Froggy80 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il y avait longtemps que je désirais me remettre au tricot. J’avais mis le tout de côté par manque de temps, mais surtout à cause de mes crises d’arthrite aux mains qui me causaient un mal atroce. Mais ça me manquait et j’ai donc décidé de m’y remettre grâce à ce livre. Il m’a attiré dès le départ. Il semblait complet et j’étais bien curieuse de découvrir ce qu’il renfermait.

​Ce fût une belle découverte! Je ne regrette pas du tout d’avoir demandé ce livre dans le cadre de mon partenariat avec Québec Loisirs. Cet ouvrage est plus que complet. Il est très bien illustré et nous y retrouvons de l’information sur une panoplie de trucs et conseils en lien avec la laine et le tricot.

Nous pouvons donc apprendre sur les différents types de laines ainsi que leurs utilités. On y retrouve également de l’information sur les différents points de tricots possibles et je peux vous garantir, qu’il y en a vraiment beaucoup. Sérieusement, il est vraiment complet et très bien expliqué en plus. L’auteur nous propose également quelques créations à réaliser où nous y retrouvons à la toute fin le patron pour chacun d’eux.

Bref, un ouvrage de qualité remplis de belles illustrations colorées, vivantes et forts instructives. Un guide de référence en la matière pour les amoureux du tricot. Que ce soit pour un débutant ou un pro du tricot, vous saurez trouver bonheur dans ce dernier.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great addition to a knitter's library, no matter what their skill level may be. Stitch dictionary (including fair isle patterns), projects/patterns, and instructions on technique including casting on, binding off, increases and decreases are included.

If you can only own one knitting reference book, make it this one.

[S L · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a mess of a book. There are so many errors and mistakes that it is impossible to following the patterns. If you are a beginner or someone like me who who doesn’t knit all the time and needs a bit of help, this is not a book to buy.
Very disappointed!!!

[بساطات حياة · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good

[Catie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is an excellent book with very clear colour illustrations, an unusually wide range of techniques and some interesting projects to try them out.

[Jasmine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book! Very informative, clear pictures, and awesome, modern projects to try at the back of the book. Can’t wait to learn how to knit!

[Jo Bennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I haven't used any of the patterns in this so I can't vouch for them. However, this is the book I go to when I'm not sure of how to do something, and I have found it invaluable. It follows a roughly chronological ordering from simple to complicated and from beginning to end of project.

The book opens with a section on tools and materials: yarns, what weights you use for what items, needles and other notions with handy conversion charts for US and UK sizings. Great for anyone bewildered by the selection of terminology regarding yarns and notions you walk into in a wool shop. Next comes a gallery of stitch patterns, pretty but perhaps a little intimidating for the beginner, though a good illustration of the range of uses knitting can be put to

Now comes the most helpful part of the book for me, the techniques. The chapter moves gently beginning with how to make a slip knot and how to hold the yarn moving on to giving a range of cast ons and there is some, although not a lot, of indication of the uses of the different cast ons. A much better book on cast ons and offs (bind offs in USA terminology) for particular projects is [[ASIN:1603427244 Cast On, Bind Off]] but this gives you a good grounding and shows most cast ons that patterns indicate. The same is true of the following cast-offs.

Next the stitches, knit, purl, basic stitches combining knits and purls: garter, stocking, rib. Then joining in yarns and darning in ends, repairing, unpicking and picking up dropped stitches, something I still do after decades of knitting.

The next section is on following commercial patterns. There is a useful chart of abbreviations, terminology and commonly used symbols and a specimen knitting chart labelled up with explanations including how to choose and buy the right amount of yarn. Instructions are given on choosing the size of garment, altering patterns and making and measuring a tension swatch.

Increases and decreases of all kinds come next, yarn overs, knitting / purling into front and back of a single stitch, make ones, multiple increases, knit / purl two (or more) together, and the slip stitch decreases. A chart for paired increases / decreases is given noting the direction of the slant, abbreviations and visibility, followed by a section on shaping using increases / decreases on the edge and in the centre of a piece.

Cables and twists comes next although these are very basic, with instructions for making i-cords. Then lace knitting, just simple eyelets, and a few pages on colourwork, both fair-isle and intarsia. The instructions for these are not extensive because there are more extensive patterns in the section at the end of the book

Next is a section on texture, struture and colour effects, ways of using the basic stitches to create puckers, clusters, smocking, pleats, entrelac ruffles and short rows.

Then a section on circular kitting, including mobius, tubular, helix, spiral and medallion using sets of double pointed needles and circular knitting needles

And then finishing details: picking up cast on/off edges, selvedges, buttonholes and button loops, pockets, hems, blocking, seams, steeks, fastenings, zips, embellishments (including bead and sequin knitting), bobbles, popcorns, embroidery, pompoms, tassels and fringes.

The final section is patterns which are pretty but as I say I haven't tried them yet. First come the projects, then a library of stitch patterns including knit and purl patterns, increases and decreases, cables and twists, lace, colourwork, edgings, medallions, beads and sequins

I do use other books as well as this one but this is the one I return to when I can't remember how to do something

[Luanne Ollivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I consider myself to be a pretty crafty person - no, no not sneaky, but in the creative sense. I've mastered many an art, but knitting is the one craft that continues to elude me. And it just makes me more determined.... So when I saw The Knitting Book by Frederica Patmore and Vikki Haffenden, I knew I had found the book I needed.

I think (know) some of my past failures have been based on ignorance. It's all well and good to be told that you need an acyclic yarn for this buy this size of needle, but I want to know why and what alternatives I have. The Knitting Book has it all! In glorious, glossy colour with lots and lots of detail.

It starts off with basics - I had no idea there were so many types of yarn available beyond the basic wool - bamboo, soy protein, ribbon, cottons and more. (Even using wire, plastic and fabric!)And a description of needles and where and why they should be used. And embellishments - ribbons, beads and buttons.

And on to the basic techniques - almost 20 pages on different casting on methods. Very clear and concise instructions with detailed photographs that make it look really easy. Tons and tons (okay really only 250!) of various techniques are covered in the same careful detailing - from the simple knit and purl to Fair Isle, circular, felting, how to read patterns and so many more.

Also included are glossaries detailing stitch patterns with instructions and pictures as well as how to finish your project, sew it together, embellish and care for it.

And projects! Lots of choices - from a simple scarf, to more involved hats, mittens, socks, tea cosies, bags, baby gifts etc. And much as I might imagine that I could whip up a quick dozen pairs of mittens for gifts for Christmas, it's not going to happen. But I am thinking I could whip up a few cute little egg cozies to get my feet wet. Stay tuned to this space for progress photos!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Dorling Kindersley publishes the best reference books. They're substantial, chock full of detailed information. But I am a visual learner, so it is the clear, colour, detailed photographs I appreciate the most.

If you've got a crafter on your Christmas list, I'd definitely recommend The Knitting Book.

[Yvonne Mannion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theme: Instructional Book/How to do it; knitting

Summary: This over-sized, coffee table style book provides an illustrated overview of knitting. Following an introduction, there are five sections: Tools and Materials, Stitch Pattern Gallery, Techniques, Projects, and Stitch Patterns.

The Tools and Materials section provides an overview of types of yarn, knitting needles, a variety of other useful tools, materials used for embellishing, and instructions on garment care. Within the stitch pattern gallery, each page has up to four large photographs of different patterns, captioned with the name and a page number where instructions can be found. The techniques section is the largest. This is where the reader actually learns how to knit, from getting a first row started, to more complex stitching methods. This section is followed by sample projects. The book closes with a section containing specific instructions on how to create a wide variety of patterns.

Strengths/Weaknesses: The book is filled with large, colorful photographic illustrations. The sections are color coded, and the patterns introduced in the stitch gallery are cross referenced with instructions in the patterns section. There is also a broad range of difficulty within the patterns presented. However, while the techniques are broken down into steps with matching photographs, they could be intimidating for a novice.

Illustrations: As previously mentioned, there are many close up, color, photographic illustrations to support the text.

Target Audience: While the introduction claims that this book would be appropriate for all levels, it would probably be most appealing to less experienced knitters.

Personal Critique: I was interested enough in this book to buy it for myself. I was attracted by the photographs and the clear organization of the pages. However, I feel that as one new to knitting, I will be using it in conjunction with YouTube videos.

[daj.nura.w.ksiazki · Rating 5 out of 5]

,,Robienie na drutach dla każdego" to pięknie wydany podręcznik zarówno dla początkujących, jak i tych bardziej zaawansowanych. Znajdziemy tutaj porady dotyczące tego, jakich narzędzi będziemy potrzebować do rozpoczęcia przygody z robieniem na drutach. Dowiemy się, jakie materiały nadadzą się do robótek i poznamy ich właściwości. Odkryjemy też różne techniki i wzory na wykonanie np. szalika, koca, swetra czy maskotki. Wszystko to przedstawione zostało naprawdę przystępnie.

Przejrzyste wydanie oraz mnogość przykładów, wzorów i ilustracji sprawiły, że poczułam się zainspirowana do wydziergania wszystkich tych pięknosci przedstawionych na zdjęciach.

Jeśli szukacie książki, która zawiera skondensowaną wiedzę na temat robienia na drutach, to jest właśnie ta pozycja! Solidne, piękne wydanie sprawia, że poradnik może posłużyć przez długie lata albo być świetnym, estetycznym prezentem dla osoby uwielbiającej robótki ręczne.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is utterly brilliant. I picked it up because I was looking for a good collection of stitch patterns. The stitch pattern library in this book is brilliant starting with knit/purl patterns and then taking on increase/decreases, cable, colour work, beading... the list goes on! I really feel my knitting skills have improved about 100% since I started using it.

The book is broken up into general info about knitting (yarns, equipment), techniques, patterns and stitch pattern library. Unlike a lot of knitting books I've read the techniques section is clear and helpful. Large photos and arrow guides that actually make sense!

The patterns are really lovely, so far I've made four things from it and have marked another couple to try out.

I'd recommend this to any beginner who wants to improve and try out new techniques.

[Karie Westermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked to do some pattern editing for this book and so I received an advance copy. I am very, very glad to be (very vaguely) associated with this book.

The technical chapter is beyond excellent (and includes cast-ons I had never heard of) and the projects section uses the technical advice in exemplary way. The Jellyfish hat is my favourite. This book is for both beginning knitters with easy-to-manage projects and very helpful hints - and for more advanced knitters who will want to use this as their go-to reference book. I am seriously impressed.

[Alejandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this when I decided to learn how to knit based on a recommendation from a knitters blog. I am glad I did so because this book is very complete and clear.
Love that there are several stitches along with their patterns to give them a try. The photographs and instructions are very clear; I only wish this book was also found as a video tutorial to make it perfect.
I didn't give it five stars because I felt that in some parts, the terms got too technical and this is supposed to be a beginners knitting book for completely clueless people like me.

[Muphyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for any knitter (esp. the dabblers like me)... it's got loads of stitch patterns, tons of cast-on techniques that I haven't even heard of, and patterns that are actually doable, interesting, with nice colours and yarns, and aren't from the 1980s...

And I love the paper and print quality... beautiful thick paper with awesome colour photos. :) I think it would even make a nice addition to the coffee table books... :D

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive. Detailed. Includes information on yarns, picking up stitches, blocking and seaming, duplicate stitch, and embroidery and SMOCKING (something I hadn't considered), and lots of patterns. Good reference for any knitter. Lots of different stitch patterns and information on colorwork. So much more. It is from DK! If you are familiar with any of their other publications, you know how much detail they present in any one volume.

[Saleris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being an intermediate knitter, there's not a lot in this book I haven't seen before, but it's all nicely presented. I bought it really for a couple knitting-stitch patterns I hadn't seen before. I'll admit that if I knew any beginners, I'd recommend this book - though it wouldn't be the best one for me. I like lots of information in a smaller package.

[Mootzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Showed continental knit AND purl with illustrations. Lots of stitch patterns, beadwork patterns and lacework patterns in the back, along with patterns for knitted items. Great reference.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stitch dictionary. There are stitches for both beginner and those who are more advanced, and they are all well explained. I like that the swatch gallery has large, clear photos and the stich patterns are found at the back. I'm using a stich pattern from the book for a baby blanket.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a massive knitting book that I checked out with a few others on a whim. It has saved my projects a number of times and am now in the market to buy one :)

[Jan Deelstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a MUST have for the avid knitter. It not only shows multiple techniques, but also includes some fabulous patterns.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to knitting for beginners. It's laid out really well, features really good pictures and very clear instructions.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

so many visual stitches