Mary Thomas's Knitting Book [Paperback]

Mary Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1972

Classic "how-to" book covers everything from winding yarn and fundamental stitches to making patterns and garments, blocking, and more with over 250 technique diagrams illustrating every basic step and pattern. "...an invaluable source of information for both beginners and experienced knitters." — Fashion and Craft.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486228177
• ISBN-13: 978-0486228174
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #394,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlework
  • #52 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Knitting

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

131 of 131 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nostalgic and invaluable collection of basic techniques., May 22, 1998

By 

Mary A. Morley "rabid reader" (Aurora, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mary Thomas's Knitting Book (Paperback)

This edition is a reprint of a book first published in 1938. Some of the language seems a little old-fashioned and quaint, as do some of the references to "new" items,(rayon yarn for example) but this only adds to the charm of the book.

The descriptions are precise, the illustrations are clear, and the techniques themself are classic. This book is loaded with interesting ways of doing things that I have never seen before. I would imagine that without books like this, some of these techniques and historical tidbits would stand the risk of being lost. That fact alone makes this book priceless. I would enthusiastically recommend it not just as a basic reference for any knitter, beginner or experienced, but for anyone interested in craft history.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A concise little gem, December 19, 2003

By 

Adam's Mom (Columbia, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mary Thomas's Knitting Book (Paperback)

As with many Dover books, this one is information dense and packs a lot of detail in a small space. It covers a wide variety of knitting techniques and the accompanying hand-drawn diagrams are straightforward. While other knitting books may overexplain a technique to the point of confusion or boredom, this one is economical and precise. It serves well as a reference guide and learning book.
Not only is it of value in terms of technique, but it serves as a wonderful primer for the history of knitting.
The only caveat is that if one is an absolute beginner with no background in knitting, then the "Knitting for Dummies" books is easier to digest.
All in all, a wonderful find at a wonderful price.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Although an old book still very useful, March 3, 2006

By 

D. Tzoutzouraki (Athens, Greece) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mary Thomas's Knitting Book (Paperback)

I was surprised to find in this book many of the things that appear in newer how-to knitting books eg the spiral sock that is on page 229, 230. And this not the only material that you will see that's in other books. In this book the material is in a rather condensed form. In the newer books it appears with color photographs and modernized. But still I find this a good book and especially at this price you can see where it all begun.