Knitty Gritty: Knitting For The Absolute Beginner

by Aneeta Patel

There's a new generation of knitters out there, turning the traditional image of granny-knitters on its head. Everyone has heard the mantra 'Knitting is the new yoga' but not everyone is lucky enough to have someone to show them the ropes and get them started on their very first row. Unless they have a friend or relative to teach them how to start, often would-be knitters turn to the so-called 'beginners patterns' but these can be confusing, difficult to follow, and more often than not written in 'knit' rather than English. This book will be a tried and tested guide for people at the very beginning of their knitting lives, looking for guidance and patterns for projects that they can use to make that first all-important step to 'Beyond the Scarf'.
Contents Knitting Getting Started; Knitter's First The Scarf; Decreasing; Creating a Rib; Changing Colour; Increasing; Finishing; Knitting a Flower; Making a Cable; Making a Cable Bag; Eyelets and so on...

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tell people I'm in it for the scarfs.
But tis all about the portable weaponry.
*deadly pose*

[Amy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd done the smallest amount of knitting when I was a child as my mum is quite keen on it. After receiving many of her knitted cardigans and jumpers for my toddler, I wanted to learn how to knit too.

Her being 3 hours away, I needed to get myself up to speed another way and decided on a knitting book. Yes, there are endless free YouTube videos out there but I wanted something I could scribble in and refer back to.

I found this very user friendly as it took you through the basics in an approachable way, with handy hints and tips scattered throughout the projects. The photos were mostly pretty clear although I did go on YouTube a couple of times to confirm I had got a stitch right as it is handy to see it actually being done.

The projects themselves were good: various scarves, hats, gloves and children's projects. The point isn't really the end result though, it's more about the different techniques you learn by doing each one. It took me a little over 6 months to get through them all, knitting roughly every other day for an hour or so.

I've now moved on to the Next Steps book in this series and am still enjoying it. I would recommend this for anyone wanting to learn knitting.

[Lauren Lucas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hugely disappointed with this book. In my opinion it isn't for the complete beginner. The diagrams are confusing and poorly illustrated and quite frankly do not make sense. The projects are very twee also. A knitted tie? Baby booties? Baby cardigan? Phone socks? I gave up with this and learned from YouTube! If you can easily learn from diagrams then you may like it. If you are a more of a visual learner and inexperienced with knitting save your money, there are some excellent YouTube videos far better than this book.

[Jane Plumridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the wonderful hobby that is knitting. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to learn. The projects are challenging but are well paced so you don't feel out of your depth. At first you're knitting small practice squares. By the end you can knit items requiring complicated stitches.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am by no means a beginner at knitting as have been knitting for many years, even when I was a youngster and it was not trendy to be doing that at 14..! I picked this book up at the library as needed to be reminded that it is not a chore to knit something which for me, to be honest, was very easy. I like a couple of patterns in there, so am currently doing the cable bag and the shawl and I am knitting for me, myself and I. Just for a change.

[Loz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book for 10 years and it's helped me knit lots of scarves, hats, booties and cardigans. And I still haven't got to the second half of the book! Highly recommended for absolute beginners, and those, like me, who've vaguely learnt basic knitting from an older relative as a child.

[Ruth Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely great guide for beginners, I pick this up regularly to check i’m doing things right. Really clear and easy to follow instructions. I also love some of patterns, especially the cushion (project 16) I’ve adapted it into knitted squares to make a multicoloured knitted blanket.

[Kristiana Carrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd or 4th time I’ve got this book out of the library. The patterns always knit well but are simple enough you can tweak them to make each item different.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, it's a decent beginner book, but it's also lacking in a few areas that make it not the best beginner book. So, 3 stars.

The book is structured well, and the skills build upon each other. There's a logical progression to them, which is always important in a beginner book. The photos in the step-by-step directions seem to make sense, though my aging eyes say they could probably be a little bigger for clarity.

Biggest problem? Diagrams and pictures. Photos of the knitting groups of varied ages and backgrounds are all well and good, but I'm much more interested in explanatory pictures of the stitches on the needles, of clear pictures of the finished projects, of clear diagrams of project assembly. When I'm having to study the tiny picture of a project to figure out how it's assembled - and I've been knitting probably longer than the author has been alive - that's not a good sign.

Still, I liked the variety in new-knitter projects. It wasn't just 'yet-another garter stitch scarf'. Some might have been a little odd (the tiny phone sweaters?) but the variety is definitely a plus. I personally liked the fingerless mitts as a nice basic design that I can see myself making (after I adapted it to knit in the round - am not a fan of seaming!). Haven't made it yet, though, so don't know how clear or comprehensive the directions are when actually applying them.

Overall, I can see this as a good addition to a new knitter's reference collection. The handful of weaker aspects might mean it needs to be supplemented with YouTube videos or in-person help at a LYS, but it still seems like a good addition.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book suits me perfectly, considering I've never even held a knitting needle before. The writing is fast paced and easy to understand - so far (given that I still haven't picked up my needles to try to follow the instructions)! I will give an update when I have a chance to see how I get on with trying to cast on and start my first project, but Patel makes it sound straightforward and interesting, so I'm looking forward to knitting some scarves soon.

Update 13/1: Oh dear, I had to remove one of the stars from this review because when I came to try casting on based on this book's method, I ended up throwing this book across the room. Her explanations sound sensible when you don't have yarn and needles in hand, but I had trouble 'getting it' in actuality. Will see if this improves as I come back to the book when I master a different casting on method from a knitting class and want to try some projects from here.

[Wendy Unsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright and beautiful hardback book describing the basics of knitting. I have been knitting for years but was given this book and, as there is always something to learn, have taken a good look through. There are plenty of clear instructions with close up illustrations showing how stitches are formed etc. Also included are some simple projects and there are lots of 'handy hints.'
Recommended for beginners and anyone wanting to improve on some of the basic skills.

[Jane Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginner book. Highlights possible beginner mistakes and how to rectify them. Separate 'workshops' on specific skills and subsequent related project that helps to develop those basic skills. It helps to read the wise little tips that come along the way.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neat projects and some of the basic info was helpful but overall, I think it was too hard for me to understand since I had to go to a YouTube video to find a way to cast on that I could do! The outline in book was hard, confusing, and the pictures were not helpful.

[Claire Gamblin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two weeks ago I had no idea how to knit. I couldn't even cast on. Now, with this book, and a little help from my mum, I can. I'm still a little messy, but getting better. More than halfway through a scarf. Next up; Baby Booties.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so helpful!! Without this book, I don't think I would have continued to work hard and develop my skills. It was easy to read, simple and contained projects that could be performed to a high standard - even by a beginner.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for the basics on knitting. Really helpful :)

[Alison Brownlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really does break it down into very simple stages for the novice knitter, however I could have done with some better patterns maybe that's saved for book two.

[Kirsty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan.