Knitstrips: The World’s First Comic-Strip Knitting Book

by Alice Ormsbee Beltran, Karen Kim Mar

The world’s first comic-strip knitting book, Knitstrips presents 22 original patterns, boundless humor, and seriously appealing knitting instruction.

Inspired, original, and laugh-out-loud funny, Alice Ormsbee Beltran and Karen Kim Mar’s Knitstrips are patterns and knitting instruction mixed with advice and humorous commentary—and presented in illustrated, full-color comic book panels by artists Michele Phillips and Laura Irrgang. Launched in 2016 on the mega-popular knitting site Modern Daily Knitting, the strips gained instant popularity and have attracted thousands of avid fans.

The book includes 22 original patterns and is designed to mimic a bound collection of comic books in a each “issue” with its own cover and wry theme—from yarn stashes to binge knitting—that is close to the heart of knitters. Issues offer four to six knitting patterns each, plus designer highlights and a variety of stories and technical discussions. The result is a fresh, lively knitting adventure that is like nothing the fiber world has seen before.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Comics

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2022

Reviews

[Jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this book a few weeks ago and it came in the mail today. KnitStrips combines my love for reading and knitting. I love that the patterns are kind of "free". It doesn't give a specific type of yarn or weight, it's just doing what you wanna do vibes. I absolutely love it!

[Jojobooks Higgins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the idea of this book since I love comics/graphic novels AND knitting books but this did not work for me. I found it messy and chaotic. There’s no chance I would be able to knit from this particular format. I do hope this get attempted again with a cleaner style. It definitely didn’t read like a “comic strip” book at all.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book, but after looking through it I realized it isn't for me. I like photos of the finished garment on real people so I can see what the finished garment will look like, how it will drape, the fit and shape, etc... Drawings aren't quite the same.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comic about knitting, including knitting patterns. This is brilliant.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides reading, I love to knit so I thought this would be an interesting book for me. It is different from most other knitting books because, besides the comic strip format, it doesn't give you a specific yarn or even needle size for a pattern. The patterns depend on gauge (the number of stitches per inch), type of yarn, and yarn weight. The patterns themselves are fairly simple, what knitters call "mindless knitting". I wouldn't recommend this book to beginner knitters but, if you have some experience and understanding of the concepts, it might be worthwhile to check out this book.

[Alix · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not what I was expecting on any level. The comicbook format is not off-putting but different in presentation and makes using the book difficult. There is zero useful or helpful information and they use text-speak like "Urhat" (Your Hat) that is annoying and not "cute" as I'm guessing the authors thought it was. No yarn weight, no needle sizes, or suggestions. This isn't a bad book, but it's not a good book either. If you like to knit there are far better books to learn from, for me this is now a dust collector on the shelf. Bummer.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the moment this is about 3.6 stars for me. I ordered it out of curiosity. The style, with its smart-alecky asides, puts me off. However, on a closer look, there is some really useful instruction here. The first pattern, The Body Snatcher tunic, grabbed me. It gives very good instructions for measuring and knitting, a generic tunic to fit. It is not a tunic pattern, but teaches you how to make a tunic. And I want to make one in order to learn. There is no discussion of suitable yarn, which is a pity. Some yarns would sag badly in a tunic, a great shame after so much effort.

I’d prefer a bit less exclamation and jolliness but the diagrams and instructions are clear - and I do want to make that tunic!

I intend to find out what my granddaughter think of it. That’s the best test.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting format but if you really want a sweater that you will be proud to wear, unless you are a more experienced knitter, your completed garments will look more homemade than handcrafted. There just isn't enough information on fit and finishing included in this book. I often substitute yarns, change gauge, adjust collars, shorten hems. Like every craft or skill, you need to really know your basics before you can muck about. What you want after all those hours of knitting is something that you'll be proud of and I'm not certain this is the book that will get you there.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the innovation in the book design that matches the authors’ approach to interactive knitting - the idea that everything we knit should be customized for the fit and look we want. Not everyone’s cup of tea in a knitting book - particularly knitters who love rules and following directions to the letter. In this book there’s room for creativity! And a lot of patterns I’d actually love to make.

[Heather Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among format and art!

The format is amazing, the comments and story telling yet informational is great!

Also the patterns are classics with a fun twist!

It was broken up in such a nice format that skimming through was even enjoyable.

There are 2-3 things I want to knit!

Would love to see a crochet version of this!

Also the art/style was amazing!

[Min · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really curious to see a comic-strip knitting book, so I splurged and bought this. Regretted it when I got the book. It is too frantic, jokey, and over the top for me. All the "cuteness" gave me an overdose. It is now selling on ebay for less than I paid only 2.5 months ago, and I am not surprised. EWWW!!!!!**** Going into the donate pile.

[Cassey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit advanced if you are just starting but so interesting

[Elaysee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the energy and the customization options. But fit is so dependent on tiny elements that it's hard to be sure what the finished projects in sketches would look like.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Innovative and inspirational for knitters of all abilities.

[Mary Foxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed.

[Samantha Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

[VJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for beginners and those who like graphic comics.

[Peggy Funk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the information in this book. I can learn to create something without following a specific pattern.
Haven't done it yet, but I hope to this winter.

[Brittiany Dixon-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gives amazing tips for knitting that are clear and easy to understand. The book has 21 patterns (medium to hard levels). I also in noted that this book teach you how to read a pattern in two was.

[emily harter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knitting the easy way

Remember the fun of reading a good comic strip? How about learning to make a sweater, a hat, or what ever by reading the beautifully illustrated comic strip and have it fit right? Enjoy as an experienced knitter or a very beginner kniter.