First Knits: Step-by-step projects for knitting novices

by Luise Roberts, Kate Haxell

Nervous about the knit stitch? From first loop to last seam, this invaluable resource will provide answers to the questions that can stump new knitters. A skill-building approach is paired with 20 simple projects that will make first-time knitters proud.

· Illustrated "workshops" introduce techniques thoroughly and clearly for stress-free learning; just follow along to learn knit only, purl only, knit and purl, and color knitting

· Projects range from scarves and sweaters to a pillow and kimono jacket

· Step-by-step photo sequences show exactly how knitting needles should be positioned at particular places in a pattern

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm an experienced knitter but wanted to see what a newbie might encounter in this book. The projects are fairly simple and interesting but colorful. I think some items, like the Denim Backpack and the Cable Handbag, won't really hold up and look nice for very long. There are no instructions to block the Lace Shawl, which is really important to make the lace stand out. There are plenty of photos but I think there are better books out there for new knitters.

[Linda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to knit is easy if you have a friend or family member to patiently show you the stitches and help you through those first few items. Those of us who learn on our own, need a book that takes some time to explain the beginnings. First Knits starts with the equipment you need, how to hold the yarn and then a series of workshops. In the first workshop you learn the basic cast on, knit stitch, counting rows and stitches, and many more basics (14 in all). In this area of the book you will only need to knit. There are five projects just for these basic lessons, a scarf, booties, hat, backpack, and a pillow.

The book then takes the reader to the next step with knit and purl and then eight patterns using the skills learned in this workshop. Although for beginners, there are several in this section that I would like to knit. There is a really cute heart pillow with button on appliqués, a stuffed rabbit, a pom-pom scarf , matching hat, mittens, handbag, a lacy shawl, and a kimono jacket.

The last is the workshop for using several colors, with patterns for a beach bag, socks using two needles, a striped “throw” or afghan, and a baby jacket.

There are cover flaps that open up and on the underside of both the front and back are stitch guides, which I think is a nice touch.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has wonderful, very clear, well-illustrated, perfect examples of specific stitches for the beginning knitter. After trying the examples, I am much more comfortable reading a pattern, and understanding what stitches are good for what purpose. However, the projects in this book are UGLY. I'm making the socks, but if you want something to inspire you, this is not the book!

[Tasneem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book if you want to learn basic techniques. I actually didn't make anything out of the book, but the helpful hits and techniques were really good for getting me to do more challenging projects. A useful tool if you are an extremely novice knitter.