Kids Knitting: Projects for Kids of all Ages [Paperback]

Melanie Falick (Author), Kristin Nicholas (Illustrator), Chris Hartlove (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2003 | Age Range: 8 and up

In fifteen easy projects, from bouncy bean bags to a rolled-edge sweater, author and knitting expert Melanie Falick teaches kids of all ages how to knit. Through step-by-step instructions and candy-colored illustrations, beginners learn the fundamentals: knitting tools, finger-knitting, and basic stitches such as knit, purl, mattress, overcast, embroidery, and stockinette.

Kids Knitting emphasizes fun in every step of the learning process. Sunny paintings by Kristin Nicholas illustrate the individual steps of each technique. Bright boxes of blues, greens, and reds explain everything from button-sewing to tassel-tying. Charming photographs by Chris Hartlove feature finished projects modeled by the creators themselves--all kids who knit.

Best of all, kids get to keep and use whatever they make: bookmarks, backpacks, bracelets, even their own set of customized knitting needles, topped with acorn caps or polka dot balls.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 6-Appealing, full-color photographs and a dynamic layout will draw readers to this book, but the careful crafting of instructions will make them successful knitters. Beautiful photos show a group of young people having fun making and wearing attractive hats, socks, and sweaters. Not only are projects and skills arranged in an orderly progression of difficulty, but the directions also begin explicitly and gradually move toward the standard abbreviations used in commercial patterns (e.g., "knit 1" is written out instead of abbreviated as "k1"). Additional material sets this title above the few others available on the topic. There's good information on proper blocking and laundering of finished garments, dyeing wood with Kool-Aid, making wooden needles, felting wool, sewing knitting bags, the multicultural aspects of knitting, and (most importantly) finding other knitters to help with the inevitable confusions of acquiring a new skill. By following the clear directions, 10 year olds with a mechanical bent can learn the basics unaided. With some help from an experienced knitter, kids as young as five could have a rewarding new hobby. Only a small flaw mars this exemplary workAthere is a reversed diagram, but an errata sheet correcting this error is available. A terrific resource.
Torrie Hodgson, Burlington Public Library, WA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. Knitting may not be the first free-time activity kids think of, but this very attractive book is just the thing to get them interested. Special care has been taken with the book's design--everything from the typeface to the layout to the bright background colors and occasional original artwork makes the book look hip and fresh. Dynamic color photos show both boys and girls knitting away at appealing projects--among them, backpacks, hats, puppets, scarfs, and a sweater. The instructions for knitting basics, such as casting on and the garter stitch, are given both in writing and visually, and are so clear that adult books on knitting could pick up some pointers. A list of yarn sources and information on caring for hand-knits round out the treatment. Not your grandmother's knitting book. Ilene Cooper --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Artisan; Reprint edition (September 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579652417
• ISBN-13: 978-1579652418
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.5 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Melanie Falick is the publishing director of STC Craft / Melanie Falick Books, an imprint of Stewart, Tabori & Chang and Abrams Books.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

145 of 145 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just For Kids... August 8, 2001

By C. Cunningham VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the book my 8-year-old daughter and I used together to learn how to knit. As the subtitle says, it's a book for kids "of all ages".

When you read through this book you will not only learn how to knit, but you will have a deeper appreciation of needlework in general. The author covers what basic supplies you need to get started, how to make your own knitting needles (yes! And it is a lot easier than you may think), how to decorate your needles, why you should start using two different color needles, what to do when you don't have any needles (you can still knit with your fingers, the book shows you how!), how to make "kool-aid" yarn in super-fun colors, and where yarn comes from. The instructions were much simpler to understand than those in the traditional "adult books" and after finishing a few of the basic projects, I actually felt inspired to learn more, as did my daughter.

If you are looking for a terrific alternative to TV and video games then definitely buy this book. There are plenty of photographs of girls AND boys from all different races and creeds who seem to be enjoying their time spent knitting, and the pages are splashed with fun colors and typeface.

5 Stars. This is the very best beginners book on the market!

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great gift book for kids AND adults! July 30, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

I've been knitting for 40+ years and I bought this book for my personal collection. It has very clear directions, colorful photos and illustrations, and is ideal for teaching children AND adults to knit. The projects are fun and interesting to make. I had only one small problem with one of the methods the author used but, overall, I think this a great book. Put this book in a package with some needles and yarn and you've got a great gift for any kid on your list. But be sure the recipient has someone to help him/her if they have questions. Oh yes, I like the fact that they show BOYS knitting!! Good for them!

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not only is this book good, it's not just for kids! February 1, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

I purchased this book for my 7 year old son because he wanted to learn to knit with "two needles". He is an accomplished finger knitter! The "two needle" technique proved too difficult for him at this time, but having always wanted to learn knitting myself, I decided to give it a whirl. Finally someone has written a book on how to knit that even I can follow. The projects in the book make great gifts, especially if you have appeciative kids or young friends. When I progressed to making a sample of various stitches I did need the hands on advise of an experienced knitter to guide me through the instructions but more to boost my confidence that I wasn't missing something. The instructions and illustrations throughout the book are very readable and a lot of fun. The book also concludes with a great, comprehensive glossary of common abbreviations used in commercial knitting instructions.