Learn-To-Knit-Afghan Book [Paperback]

Barbara G. Walker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1997

This excellent learn-to-knit book is ideal for new and intermediate knitters. Following instructions for basic casting on and stitch structure, a logical progression of patterns will lead you through: knit-purl, mosaic, slip stitch, twist-stitch patterns, cables, increase/decrease, and lace. When the 63rd square is finished, there will be very little yo do not know about stitch-pattern techniques, and you will have a snug and beautiful afghan as a bonus.

Product Details

• Paperback: 161 pages
• Publisher: Schoolhouse Pr; 2nd edition (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942018133
• ISBN-13: 978-0942018134
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lace and Cables and much else for new knitters, January 16, 2004

By 

Natalie Tyler (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learn-To-Knit-Afghan Book (Paperback)

When I was young and Richard Nixon was in the White House...I knew how to knit and purl and that was about it. I had never done a project. I had made a rather dinky scarf, but that was about the extent of it. Somebody else had to cast on and bind off for me.

Almost 30 years ago, I saw Barbara Walker's book and immediately purchased it. Then I got the yarn. I worked through all the squares in a few months--I could have gone quicker but was also going to graduate school, had an infant. Not only was the afghan beautiful, but Walker's notes were so helpful and abundant that I had no trouble whatsoever. Walker really helps you to learn to identify the sundry scenarios that yarn on the needle can create and also to demystify it.

I emerged from the experience and went on to knit fisherman sweaters, lacy christening gowns, and was able to take on any pattern I encountered.

Walker's book is somewhat like going to university and then to graduate school in knitting: I really can't think of any technique that she did not explain.

It's a great first project since it will teach you everything you need to know to do almost any knitting project. I felt as if I had been awarded a Ph.D. in knitting by the time I completed the afghan. It's enormously gratifying to move from little knowledge to creating cables and lace in a matter of weeks.

Since then, I've made several more Learn to Knit afghans in many different colours. I have used Walker's other knitting pattern books to substitute squares when I've wanted more of a challenge.

Other great aspects of this project are its portability; the immediate satisfaction of completing a square and looking at the results, and its beauty. You can use as many colors as you like, or you can limit yourself to two colors.

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn to knit, and keep warm too!, February 4, 2001

By 

Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Learn-To-Knit-Afghan Book (Paperback)

I can't remember HOW many times I've been asked to recommend a book to improve their knitting. And often I'm asked for a fun afghan to make. This book has it all. You take each project as a small square and when you are finished, you have not only made a very interesting looking afghan, you've advanced your knitting skills. One of my top recommendations for beginning knitters who want to get good at knitting. This is a very wonderful book and I am so glad it was reprinted (it was out of print for a while.)

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful guidebook, January 6, 2000

By 

Mrs. Von und Zu (Essen, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learn-To-Knit-Afghan Book (Paperback)

A terrific book for a beginner and a great guide for those of us who need structure as we learn (and who have trouble finishing projects we start). In a very short time I learned very helpful techniques to improve my knitting and a score of new patterns.