Product Details

• Actors: Bev Dillon
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Delta Productions
• VHS Release Date: June 1, 1989
• Run Time: 150 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1929512007
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #301,692 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Review

As a self-taught knitter, I have one question for Bev Dillon: "Where were you twenty years ago?" It's taken me years of trial and error to discover most of what Ms. Dillon presented in the eight chapters of her video. Ms. Dillon introduced me to a few more techniques I hadn't learned on my own. If you want glamour, sparkle, and excitement, this is not a video for you. However, if you want a complete and common-sense introduction to the art of knitting, this just may be it. Ms. Dillon was organized, thorough, and low-key. She not only demonstrated how to master a multitude of knitting techniques, she also explained when to use them and why. To further test the clarity of Ms. Dillon's instructions, I persuaded my non-knitting husband to take up needles and yarn and follow her instructions. He had no trouble interpreting her instructions and imitating her movement. In fact, half an hour later, as I was working through Seams, Joining, and Blocking, he was still happily knitting away on his 12-stitch garter swatch. -- Knitter's Magazine, Summer 1989

Hosted by knitting expert Bev Dillon, this is a pleasant low-key introduction to the art of knitting which covers both the American and the Continental styles. Following an overview of the basics (tools of the trade, casting, purling, various stitches), there are seven video "chapters" which cover specific areas (i.e., "Decreases, Increases, Short rows"; "Textures, Cables, Lace"; "Seams, Joinings"; etc.). In all, over 60 different knitting techniques are shown in this two-hour plus-video. Not a glitzy production, but a solid, dependable intro to the subject. Recommended. -- Video Librarian, March 1989

Knitting From Start to Finish*ing with Bev Dillon is like having your own personal knitting instructor on call. A total of over 60 different knitting techniques are thoroughly covered by Bev Dillon, and all of her demonstrations are clearly presented from the knitter's point of view. Beginners and experienced knitters will find this tape helpful. -- Craft Connection, April/May, 1989

Product Description

Relaxed and patient, Bev teaches knitting basics plus all the skills you need to finish a garment. Both Continental and American methods are shown, as well as short rows, cables, lace knitting, several methods of increasing and decreasing, buttonholes, fixing errors, and more. A 14-page booklet, Knitting From Start to Finish*ing, is included with the tape.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners! Not flashy, very clear, good close ups, May 31, 2000

By 

Jan Dawson (Nova Scotia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knitting From Start To Finishing - Everything You Need For Learning and Improving Your Skills [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a clear, straightforward video that teaches the basics of knitting and a few more complicated techniques - perfect for beginners! Advanced knitters won't learn much; intermediate ones will pick up a trick or two. The patterns given are easy and simple enough that you can memorize them and knit hats, tams, booties, etc even if you haven't got the book handy. There's no attempt to turn knitting into some kind of 'artsy farsty' endeavour, either. Bev appears genuine, friendly, a bit awkward in front of the camera - obviously a Real Knitter whose goal is to teach you how to knit, not to impress you or sell you something. Many videos are more concerned with beautiful scenery and showing off the instructor (Erica Wilson's comes to mind) but not this one. You see more of Bev's hands than her face so you can actually see what she's doing. The focus comes and goes in a few of the close up shots, but never so much that you don't get a really good look at what's happening.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even one new skill is worth the price., July 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Knitting From Start To Finishing - Everything You Need For Learning and Improving Your Skills [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have been an enthusiastic knitter for decades. But I could never master the yarn-in-the-left-hand technique, certainly not for the purl stitch, despite many attempts and much effort. I even came to the conclusion that the difficulty of purling while holding the yarn in the left hand was the reason for (beloved and dearly missed) Elizabeth Zimmerman's devotion to garter-stitch-in-the-round. (No purl.) HOWEVER, this video showed me the way! The finger movements that Bev Dillon demonstrates make it as easy and natural as... scratching an itch! All my knitting is faster, easier, and less tiring now, and knitting with two yarns (one in each hand) is a joy. OVERALL, the video is probably most informative for beginners. And for beginners, it is indeed terrific. If you want to learn to knit for the first time, this video is definitly an excellent choice. If you are already an experienced knitter, there may be less here for you--unless you want to master yarn-in-left-hand knitting!

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS DVD, February 16, 2006

By 

GBlakemore (Aurora, IL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knitting From Start to Finishing: Everything You Need For Learning and Improving Your Skills (DVD)

I have purchase several DVD's in order to retain what I have learned in knitting classes. This is the best so far. I am a basic beginning knitting and in less than 2 hours I made a pair of baby botties. It is clear, concise and easy to follow.