Customer Reviews

Knitting For Dummies

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

If you are brand new to knitting (never even picked up needles) then this book is NOT for you. The directions and pictures are on different pages so while your trying to read the directions and related them to what your doing with your hands with the pictures your expected to flip back and forth with your hands busy with the needles and yarn. Not very convienent. I recommend 'Knit:101, the indespensable self-help guide to knitting and crochet (vouge knitting)' I spent over a half an hour yesterday trying to cast-on using knitting for dummies and never got it and in less then 5 min I was on my way with knit:101. A far superior book for beginers.

The videos are very helpful; but I can't find the "color insert", mentioned in nearly every project, containing photos of the finished items. I feel this is a grave omission. How can one decide which projects to make, or tell if it is being constructed correctly without the photos? The publisher should offer a free "upgrade" edition.

I began knitting with Debbie Stoller's Stitch and Bitch, but the instructions were frequently either wrong or poorly written. I bought this book thinking that it could fill in the gaps, and it does. I wish I had bought this one first, and saved myself the twenty dollars.

I'm 65 years old and am just STARTING to learn how to knit. Go figure.....I'm REALLY a quilter. This book is FABULOUS!!!! It has helped me soooo very much.....for someone who has NEVER had any knitting experience. It is well worth it!!!! And such a good reference tool. ANYTHING you ever wanted to know is in here. I would higly recommend it for anywone who wants to learn how to knit.

Great book for both beginners & experienced knitters. Easy to read, plenty of diagrams & great if you get in a jam & need to fix it. Would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

I've had this book for several years, but never really bothered to pick it up and learn to knit until this past year. I am a self-taught knitter and all I knew how to do was a knit stitch. BTW, my copy is an earlier one, from 2002. If there are any corrections or additions to the new 2008 version, I am unaware of them. I am primarily concerned with older versions, and this new one probably hasn't changed much.

First, I would not recommend learning to cast on or purl with this book, as I was severely vexed (and started to cry in my frustration) trying to follow the instructions. I pulled a tutorial off youtube for both, though after a really hard look and rereading the text several times, you can figure it out, but it's not easy. You would probably be better off going to a yarn shop and asking for help or talking to friends and their relatives to get you started. There are many ways to cast on. The Ultimate Knitting Book by Vogue Knitting (check the title) has at least 20 ways to CO.

I haven't bothered learning to knit any of the projects in this book, as I have more interest in learning the craft completely before I pick up a pattern for a sweater or a scarf (I have plenty of both).
I will say that the stitch patterns that are included are fairly easy to follow, using basic knit and purl stitches, though be careful with the lace: I found some of the patterns don't work for me, but maybe it's me. I don't have a very firm grip of increase/decrease, but I couldn't work any of the patterns, save the faggot lace because it didn't make sense. I also had difficulty with the Chevron pattern for the Knitting Notebook (pg 143, 2002 ed.) and the Increase/Decrease Sampler (pg 145, 2002 ed) Neither worked and the directions were not clear or concise.

Allen also groups everything in a fairly understandable and easy way, but if you need to flip back and forth to look up the technique for yarn overs (which she gives 4 different ways to yarn over, depending on what stitch comes before and after the yarn over) make sure you bookmark the page.

How to cable is very simple and I understood it pretty well. Didn't have any problems there. I've read the book almost all the way through (still struggling with socks) and I woudl say it's good for basics, but there are other places and books that can better teach you the craft. Crocheting for Dummies is not a good book either (more confusing) so I recommend not picking that one up at all.
There are several patterns, most uninteresting to me, but to a beginner with zero knowledge, they may have more desire to do them. Mostly sweaters, scarves, and hats.
The author does her best to be light hearted and genial in trying to teach you, but I give her A for effort, and a B- on delivery. The illustrations could be better. Her annecdotes however are the most helpful, as she directs the reader to other places that may teach them more of what they want to know.
Happy knitting

This book has helped me so much! I have people that are pro's who have helped me, too, but when I'm home and they're not around, this book was able to answer all of my questions. Things are explained very clearly.

I am a beginner knitter and this book has been so helpful to me. There are lots of diagrams and simple explanations for easy to more complicated stitches. It has been instrumental in helping me solve my knitting errors which otherwise might have forced me to rip it out and start over.
Great book! It has saved many of my projects already!

I am a knitter from way back but bought the book as it was recommended and I have gotten a lot out of it. I am in the process of breaking old habits and doing things by the book that are actually easier and better. I would recommend this for anyone who knits or is interested in learning to.

A very informative book. Nice to have on hand for referring to when needed, especially valuable for beginners. Gave it as a gift.