Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook Paperback – September 3, 2004

Everything a beginner could wish for, and more!

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Cosy Crafter

October 10, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I can't say enough about this book, and it's all good! First off, I received it this afternoon and haven't been able to put it down. It has everything you need and more. Everything from explaining knitting styles, to pictures, where and how to find local stitch and bitch groups, online resources, patterns...I could go on forever! There are even a few sewing patterns so you can whip up your own knitting tote and needle case. Also there is a knitting pattern by Diana Rupp, who is another fun chick with great books also.
I have put off learning to knit for way too long. Debbie Stoller makes everything so fun and easy to understand, which totally takes the intimidation out of taking on knitting. Just buy this book, and now! You won't be sorry.
ALSO, I found her on YouTube, there are a few great videos for beginners so between that and this book you will be almost set.
INSIDE SCOOP: the first project she mentions are using size 8 needles 14 inches long. once you complete that, move on to the next which is a scarf using size 17 needles. I have knitting needles but they are different size, so when my new size 8 show up, I'll be trying this out. Wish me luck!
Happy knitting!!

11 people found this helpful

I learned to knit from this book

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J. Baroque

April 5, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

...and It has been an absolute pleasure! Debbie Stoller reminds me of the best teachers in life: funny, smart, cool, and just has a gift for explaining things so you can easily understand and remember them. I know for sure it's an awesome book for beginers, since I was one! I got a very solid foundation of knowledge to work from, both from this book and the entire stitch n bitch series. Looking back, I thinks it's impressive how much she manages to teach you in just this first volume:
-Information about knitting needles and yarn (the various weights and fibers, how to read a yarn label, etc)
- How to cast on and bind off
-Knit and purl stitches
-knitting structure and gauge
-knitting flat and in the round
-follow charts (I have never struggled with this and I believe it's because one of the first things I ever knit was this cool little exercise where you knit a textured heart following a chart)
-Increase and decrease
-Make cables
-Work stripes, intarsia and fair isle (while catching the floats as you go!)
-Fix problems (such as drop down a stitch, ladder up using crochet hook. This chapter is amazing and should be required reading for all beginner knitting classes. Learn from the stitch doctor!)
-Buttonholes, seaming, blocking, tassles/fringe/com-poms
Plus fun things like recommended reading, tips and tricks, famous knitters, starting a knitting group...
The book is also a great read! Along with a history of knitting she tells her own story and we get to see cool pics of her family and learn how the tradition was passed down. In fact there are cool, vintage pics of people knitting throughout. Which brings me to a point: get the print edition! The kindle edition only has some of the pics.
This craft has enriched my life in a way that I never imagined when I first picked up this book about 12 years ago. Thank you Debbie!

A must have for beginners who want gentle encouragement -

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Anne

July 30, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I have the hard copy of this book and love that I understand the directions for everything demonstrated. It is sort of a "knitting for dummies" book, and that would be me. I only knit sporadically, so often have to look things up when I start a new project. I have numerous hand-me-down books, but this is the one that shows me "how to" in a way I can understand.

I just bought the digital copy so that I will always have it with me and do not have to lug the book around. The digital book is illustrated exactly the same as the hard copy, so I am right at home with it. The search function and bookmarking could be improved, I'm finding I have to do a lot of page turning to get to the section I want, but I'm just happy to have the resource at my fingertips without the weight of a book.

4 people found this helpful

Great Book for New Knitters

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Sandi Richmond

March 28, 2016

Verified Purchase

I really like the structure of this book. Debbie took the time to write her personal story about learning to knit - what a great childhood. She explains in detail what you need to know to learn to knit, what tools you use, where to buy yarn at the best prices, how to read a pattern, etc. She has included patterns for you to try, and not just dishcloths but scarves, hats, etc. I would highly recommend this book to people who are interested n learning to knit.

2 people found this helpful

Fun and instructional way to learn knitting

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Brie Urbonas

April 18, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Fun and instructional way to learn knitting. If you like whimsical out of the ordinary sarcasm, this book is for you.

3 people found this helpful

Awesome book for knitters of all levels

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Most recent customer reviews

Virginia V.

great book

Published 3 months ago

Grandma J

Fun and beautiful

Beautiful patterns and lots of fun

Not sure she will use the book

Amazon Customer

Two Stars

Renata Morteo

Useful

Intersting and useful

I revisit this often, the introductory instructions are spot on, much better than YouTube! Arrived in great condition as well.

Amazon Customer

Better than YouTube

I enjoyed the connection the author shared of family, history, and knitting. Her explanations of how to knit and why to do things put everything into perspective for me.Read more

Vicky

Great intro to knitting

Published 5 months ago

Mercy's Treasures

Great book for beginner knitters

Great book! It has helped me to understand how to knit and to use the needles properly. She is funny and I recommend this book to everyone.

Perfect companion to online videos as I learn to knit.

Shanwilk50

Five Stars

12+ years knitting, thanks to this book!

Elizabeth M.

I bought this book in 2005 and learned the basic long tail cast on, how to knit, how to purl. Today there are many free resources that’ll get you knitting, but this book offered...Read more

Love this book! Easy to understand, helpful photos, funny and engaging (which says a lot for a knitting book)!Read more

katie mueller

Love this book