This primer uses clear, step-by-step instructions to teach the basics of knitting. Beginners will learn to master the techniques that are needed before starting a project and learn which choices result in successful garments. A natural progression of skills is taught, and each skill is punctuated by a knitting project, enabling first-time knitters to create simple scarves and sweaters. Patterns are presented in an accessible format, with text, photographs, and line drawings to offer advice, anticipate difficulties, and provide rescue techniques.
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More About the Author
Sally Melville teaches knitting and is the author of Sally Melville Styles: A Unique and Elegant Approach to Your Yarn Collection and The Knitting Experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch. She lives in Waterloo, Ontario.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
290 of 295 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I ordered this book sight unseen based on the strength of Sally's previous book - Styles. I couldn't be more delighted with what the came in the mail. The Knitting Experience may not cover everything about knitting. It's all about the knit stitch - nothing about purls (until the next book). So what's in the book---
1. A preface teaching the novice the basics - holding the needles, casting on, etc.
2. Chapter one has several simple scarves and a triangular poncho - sized for adults and children
3. Chapter two introduces knitting in the round with a mini-skirt, leggings, and a cap. Also a flat knit cap and mittens.
4. Chapter three features a jacket and vest knit from side to side.
5. Chapter four features the "star" of the book - the Einstein coat which is knit in panels going different directions (very cool!). Sally offers the coat in sizes from infant to large mens. There's also a purse and a bunting pattern.
6. Chapter five features features several variations of a summer weight pullover with styling ranging from modest to sexy.
7. Chapter six introduces the skill of slip stitch using the same stitch pattern in a mix of pullovers and cardigans for both children and adults.
Fully half of the book is devoted to teaching skills - big sections at the beginning and end of the book and smaller sections in each chapter. Sally offers an encylopedia of wisdom - often with a sense of humor. Her list of 10 most significant knitting discoveries is terrific.
Bottom-line - run, do not walk, to Amazon.com or whoever has this book in stock and get a copy of your own.
1. A preface teaching the novice the basics - holding the needles, casting on, etc.
2. Chapter one has several simple scarves and a triangular poncho - sized for adults and children
3. Chapter two introduces knitting in the round with a mini-skirt, leggings, and a cap. Also a flat knit cap and mittens.
4. Chapter three features a jacket and vest knit from side to side.
5. Chapter four features the "star" of the book - the Einstein coat which is knit in panels going different directions (very cool!). Sally offers the coat in sizes from infant to large mens. There's also a purse and a bunting pattern.
6. Chapter five features features several variations of a summer weight pullover with styling ranging from modest to sexy.
7. Chapter six introduces the skill of slip stitch using the same stitch pattern in a mix of pullovers and cardigans for both children and adults.
Fully half of the book is devoted to teaching skills - big sections at the beginning and end of the book and smaller sections in each chapter. Sally offers an encylopedia of wisdom - often with a sense of humor. Her list of 10 most significant knitting discoveries is terrific.
Bottom-line - run, do not walk, to Amazon.com or whoever has this book in stock and get a copy of your own.
62 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It was a rainy December day in Northern California when I stepped into a yarn shop to avoid being drenched. I couldn't believe the beautiful yarns I saw. It wasn't like a trip to Woolsworth with Grandma when I was a kid! After feeling almost every ball of yarn in the store, I knew I just had to start knitting. But how? I remember a very funky chain stitch with a crochet hook when I was 7 years old...
I asked the sales consultant to recommend a good basic instructional manual to teach me to knit. She recommended "The Knit Stitch".
In the past 4 weeks, I have knitted Joel's scarf, the flat knit hat, a couple of basic scarves using luxurious yarns, and am now feeling confident enough to try the ruana!
I have never knitted before. The only knitter I know lives over 400 miles away. This book has taught me to relax, enjoy the simple things, appreciate some hot chai, and learn what satisfaction can be derived from such pleasures.
Thanks Sally! Can't wait for book #2!
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By kittybooks
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Whether you are brand new to knitting or have been knitting for 30 years, you will find something in this book to love. I've only had the book since the second printing came out in March and I've already knit several of the projects in it (and want to knit more!)Excellent close-up color pictures of every technique described; beautiful, fashionable projects that anyone would love to wear or give as a gift. Every project in the book is made all with only knit stitches. Sally has managed to design projects that are simple enough for a beginner, but interesting enough for a seasoned knitter to enjoy making. She also presents some wonderful ideas about knitting in her 'knitting meditation' breaks between the chapters. I would add this book to my list of must have knitting books. If you want to start knitting, start with this book. I am recommending it to all of my beginning knitting students. If you've been knitting forever, you will have a hard time deciding which project to knit first. Go ahead, knit them all. I know I will!
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By Gail Z
Format:Paperback
As a fly by the seat of my pants, no help needed knitter, I questioned my need for a ground up knit stitch manual. Well, this is possibly one of the best written, most enjoyable knitting books I've ever read, and I would tell ALL knitters of every skill level to purchase the Knitting Experience ASAP! Sally, if you read this, my hat is off to you. Inspiration, instruction, meditations, and beautiful projects, what more could be asked for? I can't wait for the next book in the series!
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By lorengoren
Format:Paperback
First of all, this book has one of the best visual and textual explanations of knitting techniques that I've ever seen, and I have quite a library of knitting references. I believe that a beginning knitter could learn to knit from this book alone.
I consider myself to be an advanced knitter, and I'm not normally fond of garter stitch. But this book changed my mind! The designs are beautiful and classic, and not just for beginners. The sweaters are simple and elegant, so they will not go out of style anytime soon.
In short, this is a must-have book for any knitting library.
32 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By Stacy
Format:Paperback
The Knit Stitch was among a group of knitting books I borrowed from the library to review before making a decision on which to purchase. I was pleased to find it because I had heard quite a bit about it. It is not one I'll be purchasing for my own knitting library.
I would probably be considered an advanced beginner (have done a sweater and a few other things, mainly with simple techniques). I found quite a few of the tips and hints to be helpful. For a beginner, I can imagine that the actual photographs of the stitches and process, instead of diagrams, would be very helpful. At the time I borrowed it, I was working on seaming my first sweater and consulted the book often. She teaches only the knit stitch in this book, leaving purling for the second in the series. Personally, I would have preferred both in the same book as a beginner but separating them would let her include much more detail and you perfect one stitch before moving to the other. Each pattern is labeled with the level of difficulty.
My biggest problem is the patterns. Obviously, patterns are going to be a matter of personal taste and style so others may disagree with me. I didn't find anything in this book that I just have to make. Most are in garter stitch, a couple are stockinette on circular or double pointed needles. I just don't like garter stitch, except in a fuzzy or novelty yarn scarf! She does include a few projects for men and children but most patterns are strictly for women.
The sweater and other garment patterns struck me as quite dated. I'm 29, with a personal style that is relatively classic, slightly trendy and didn't find anything in this book I'd like to wear. Some of the garments are cropped, some are modeled with big gold buttons, most are oversized and baggy.... Read more ›
I would probably be considered an advanced beginner (have done a sweater and a few other things, mainly with simple techniques). I found quite a few of the tips and hints to be helpful. For a beginner, I can imagine that the actual photographs of the stitches and process, instead of diagrams, would be very helpful. At the time I borrowed it, I was working on seaming my first sweater and consulted the book often. She teaches only the knit stitch in this book, leaving purling for the second in the series. Personally, I would have preferred both in the same book as a beginner but separating them would let her include much more detail and you perfect one stitch before moving to the other. Each pattern is labeled with the level of difficulty.
My biggest problem is the patterns. Obviously, patterns are going to be a matter of personal taste and style so others may disagree with me. I didn't find anything in this book that I just have to make. Most are in garter stitch, a couple are stockinette on circular or double pointed needles. I just don't like garter stitch, except in a fuzzy or novelty yarn scarf! She does include a few projects for men and children but most patterns are strictly for women.
The sweater and other garment patterns struck me as quite dated. I'm 29, with a personal style that is relatively classic, slightly trendy and didn't find anything in this book I'd like to wear. Some of the garments are cropped, some are modeled with big gold buttons, most are oversized and baggy.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent value
Great book lots of good visual diagrams. Great price and a valuable resource . I would definitely recommend this for all level knitters.
Published 2 days ago by Booklovermom
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Have Book for Knitters!
Classic designs and detailed instructions make this an indispensible book for the beginning and experienced knitter. I've already made a list of projects.
Published 13 days ago by Susan Marshall
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Knit Stitch--Sally Melville
Received the book quickly and in excellent condition--it was just what I was looking for. It is a fantastic book for a new knitter.
Published 1 month ago by Jane
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for all levels of experience
This book is a treasure trove of techniques I never learned. Most of us start by learning from an older adult - Aunt, Mother, etc. Read more
Published 2 months ago by G. Sears
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Knitting Experience Of Limited Value
I did not find this book to be of great value, though it has some good information for the reader. It bears bringing out again and trying once more to extract what i want.
Published 2 months ago by Charlotte C. Jermyn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love the information
I am in the process of making several things from this issue.
They fit well and are easy to make.
They fit well and are easy to make.
Published 2 months ago by Judy Bader
5.0 out of 5 stars
knitting book
What a great simple book! I can really manage these patterns. They are infinitely adjustable and the instructions are so clear.
Published 3 months ago by suzmomrn
2.0 out of 5 stars
Check web site for errata
Excellent explanations and illustrations for beginers to knitting, but beware the 2002 edition contains more than 20 errors in the patterns. Read more
Published 3 months ago by danisan
5.0 out of 5 stars
You can knit many items using the knit/garter stitch.
This is a fun book with modern patterns for a beginner. Who would have known that you can make so many different patterns using one stitch, knit/garter stitch.
Published 3 months ago by Gisele Paquette
5.0 out of 5 stars
1st book in series
This is the first book that became a series of books. It concentrates mainly on the Knit stitch. Very Concentrated!
Published 4 months ago by debbie little
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