How to Knit: The Definitive Knitting Course Complete with Step-by-Step Techniques, Stitch Library, and Projects for Your Home and Family (Hardcover)

by Debbie Bliss (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Although the title might imply that this is a book for beginning knitters, it should appeal to knitters on all skill levels. In a series of nine workshops, Bliss, a prolific British knitwear designer and author, covers all the major areas of knitting, starting with a beginner's workshop and progressing through simple stitch patterns, aran knitting, color work (Fair Isle and Intarsia), lace, entrelac, decorative details, knitwear design, and finishing. Each workshop includes step-by-step instructions, a stitch library, and several projects. Full-color illustrations abound. One caveat: Rowen yarns, not widely available locally in the United States, are specified for projects, so beginning knitters may need the assistance of a knowledgeble yarn shop owner or knitting friend in making substitutions. An excellent choice for public libraries.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Always wanted to knit that giant novelty sock but never knew how? Debbie Bliss's 'definitive' knitting manual will teach you how."  —Time Out New York: The Holiday Guide

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761450
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761454
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #250,555 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well, thank goodness, July 21, 1999

By A Customer

As a beginning knitter with no experienced mentor to ask questions of, making the jump from scarves to "real" items was intimidating, to say the least. The patterns were all in another language, and many other books (including those written by Debbie Bliss) often showed beautiful but very complicated patterns. Finding this book was a gift. So that's intarsa! That's how to cable! Best yet, the items made are attractive and useful, so you don't feel like you are doing your homework until the real fun starts. A wonderful resource for those not blessed with an experienced friend to show the way.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beginners, beware! This is not the book for you!, April 18, 2003

By A Customer

Some of these reviews sound suspiciously like they are written by a paid reviewer. True, the book has big diagrams for basic stitches, but the diagrams are ambiguous. I had to consult other books to clarify the techniques. Any other book I looked at explained it better, with better diagrams. The two needle cast on is not as good as the one I learned from the pamphlet that came with my knitting needles.

I knit up the entrelac sampler, and found a mistake in the pattern. Furthermore, you have to 'pick up and purl' to make this pattern --a technique not explained in the book. These are nits to someone who's been knitting awhile, but very frustrating for the beginner.

For these reasons, I can't recommend this book to another new knitter, yet the book is marketed that way. Beginners, beware!

The book has a bias towards cotton yarn. I like cotton yarn, so I call that a good thing. It's something to think about if you don't happen to like cotton yarn.

On the plus side, the book explains a wide variety of techniques. If you already had the basics down, you could use probably use this book to expand your range of skills. You might have to look at other books to clarify some explanations, but the book does survey a variety of knitting techniques. The photos are very appealing.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for beginners, August 21, 2001

By	Tonya Caudle (Midlothian, VA USA) - See all my reviews

I really liked this book because it was very detailed. It explains technique, terminology, and patterns that a beginner can understand.

It is written so that you build your skills as you go, with project lessons for each section. I have completed the first lesson, a garter stitch tote bag, and am working on the second lesson, a stockingnette child's sweater.

The only complaint I have is that I will the very beginning projects were a little smaller, so that you can learn quickly and move on to the next lesson or section. But, the directions are very easy to follow and you do really learn the stitches this way in a slow enough method that you really LEARN.

If you have never picked up a knitting needle, I highly recommend this book. If you are a crocheter, like I am, and are wanting to learn knitting, you will learn with this book. I have tried four other books before I found this one and this is the one that I'm sticking with.

Finally, this book does include more advanced techniques such as Fair Isle, intarsia, and jacquard as well as designing your own patterns. Not only do you learn the basics but you can keep advancing your skills as you become more comfortable with knitting. A true book for learning the craft!