Knitting in Plain English
Maggie Righetti

Author	Maggie Righetti
Binding	Paperback
Edition	1st ed
ISBN	0312458533
NumberOfPages	256
PublicationDate	1986-02-15
Publisher	St. Martin's Griffin

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Reviews -- Avg. rating in 43 reviews

-- Plain English and Common Sense -- 3/24/2006
I taught myself to knit 20 years ago with Maggie's book and am forever in her debt. She gives tips and secrets that usually only experience can provide and has a wonderful sense of humor. The book is an easy, entertaining read unlike some dry instructional-type books, and has saved me from making countless mistakes over the years. Highly recommended for any new knitter, this book is my first choice to give to friends "taking up the pointy sticks".

-- Very good book for those who (are about to) start knitting -- 3/19/2006
Maggie Righetti has a chatty way of explaining things which will make even those of us who do not like instruction books very much (I love them, by the way) keep on reading. Her instructions are clear and practical. The drawings look a bit hard to understand ('what am I supposed to do here?'), but the accompanying text explains it all.

Her warnings on how to spot weaknesses (and major flaws) in knitted garments by the way the model is posing are good advice (I learned this the hard way).

She covers all kinds of problems that most books on knitting won't tell you about.

What more can I say? It is an excellent book. Buy it!

P.S. For those who have serious difficulties with interpreting 'how-to' drawings and pictures in knitting books: there is a whole series of Vogue books on knitting, available from Amazon.com. I bought the one on 'knitting and felting' and I was simply stunned by the clarity of its drawings. I didn't even need text to understand what was meant. Every small step was drawn very clearly.

-- A Book with Many Answers -- 2/26/2006
All I needed to know was how to keep the stitches from twisting when casing onto 3 needles to work in the round. I used to knit socks when I was in college -- beer mugs with angora foam -- but that was in 1952. The answers was so easy-I found it in less than five minutes, and this books answers many other questions also. If one has questions, the answers are easy to find!

-- Refreshingly helpful -- 1/16/2006
As someone new to knitting--and as someone without a mentor to help me--it was imperative that I find a good book. The first book I found targeted 9 to 14 year olds; I'm in my 30s. However, it was instant gratification: I could get needles, yarn and a how-to book all at once, and start knitting that afternoon.

After using the little booklet I got in the local crafts store, I was able to make the basic knit/purl stitch, but I had no idea how to keep track of where I was in a pattern. I had no idea how to look at a stich and tell whether it had been knit or purled. And although my stitches were quite even and attractive, I was getting extremely discouraged in trying to keep various patterns straight in my head: was that the sixth stitch after the yarn-over, or the seventh? Is this a purl row or a knit row? And when I tried to do a seed stitch, I often ended up making a rib by accident, simply because my eyes weren't educated; I didn't know how to look at the stitches I had just made.

How happy was I to get my copy of /Knitting in Plain English/ by Maggie Righetti! If you're a beginning knitter who has mastered the simple art of knit and purl stitches, but you need common sense advice on how to keep track of your knitting... if you want a clear illustration of the visual difference between knit and purl stiches as they lay on the needle... if you want a great reference for various simple techniques like I-cord... and if you need a troubleshooting guide with a wonderful index (a well-organized and thorough index is a key difference, I might add, between a good book and a great one) then this is the book for you. I can't recommend it highly enough. What's more, it's well-written and a fun read.

In fact, if you know any beginning knitters, you couldn't do any better than to make a gift of this book to them.

-- My knitting companion -- 1/16/2006
This is a book I finally had to buy after checking it out of the library year after year after year.

I have never read this book cover to cover, but that isn't the purpose. This is a knitting encyclopedia. This is the book I go to for help remembering how to weave together the toe of a sock or to learn a new way to make a button hole.

"Knitting in Plain English" is not the book I used for learning how to knit, it is the book I use for knitting along the way.

I have this book in my knitting bag and reach for it at least once a project. That makes it INVALUABLE since my husband doesn't know a thing about knitting!

-- Very good introduction, but not nearly comprehensive -- 12/13/2005
This is a good book to learn to knit from, and it serves as a basic reference for simple stuff, but I quickly outgrew it. The author is very opinionated, which isn't necessarily bad, but I happen to think she's actually outright wrong about certain things. (For example, she says that 1x1 ribbing is more elastic than 2x2. In my experience, the opposite is true.)

-- Not for beginners -- 12/12/2005
Not a good book if you have never knitted before. Very few pictures to get you started. If you know the basics if might be okay. It was good for reading about gauge, needles and yarns, but not to learn how to start.

-- I learned to knit from this book! -- 10/28/2005
I tried many times to learn to knit, but somehow could never "get" it. Then I read "Knitting in Plain English" and I got it! This book is understandable, enjoyable, and a fun read. Highly recommended.

-- Great for beginners -- 5/6/2005
I decided I wanted to take up knitting when I was home one vacation. My mom gave me some needles, some yarn, and this book. I read it through and then started knitting. Every time I had a question, I looked it up. When I encountered a problem, the book helped me fix it. Now I'm hooked on knitting for good, and I still use this book as a constant reference. One of the other reviewers below questioned whether this was a good book for beginners, so I wanted to say to all would-be knitters: if you want to knit and don't know how to start, this is the book you want.

-- WONDERFUL!!! -- 2/24/2005
Great book for anyone starting to knit. Very easy direction and easy to read.

-- A very good reference -- 1/29/2005
As a beginning knitter, I find "Knitting in Plain English" to be an excellent tutorial. However, I have a couple words of warning. The most important is this: the method Righetti describes as "Continental or European purl" is actually something known as "combined" purling. She does warn of the danger of twisted stitches when using this method, but if you want to know how to do true Continental purl, do a Google search and there are plenty of websites that show the correct way. Also, I haven't read every pattern stitch in the book, but although the pattern she gives for seed stitch is correct, she describes it as "knit into a purl and purl into a knit" -- which is incorrect. I won't list every error in the book, but just wanted to use these examples as a way of pointing out that if something seems wrong, get a second opinion.

My other problem with Righetti's style in general is that she's very opinionated. While she says over and over again to experiment and do what works for you, the implication is always there that her way is best and that's that. Know as you read that although she has a lot more experience than the average beginner, she doesn't know what works best for everyone.

That said, Righetti's book has been very, very valuable to me in my efforts to learn to knit. She discusses things a lot of authors tend to overlook, and her directions and diagrams are mostly very clear. I would recommend the book, as long as you realize that her word is not gospel and that other experienced knitters may disagree.

-- Knitting in Plain English -- 12/13/2004
This is the knitter's bible. It should be the second knitting how-to book you buy. It is best if you have learned how to do a basic knit and purl first from an easy knitting book/kit. Now you need to know everything from how to fix your mistakes to how to properly seam a sweater and this is the best book out there. It gives you multiple ways to cast on or increase. It's true that the knitting projects are old fashioned, but they are designed to get you started on basic procedures such as increasing, decreasing, seaming, and shaping.

-- Fantastic resource -- 1/25/2004
I am a novice knitter who can't learn fast enough. This book has some great lessons, including some on problems I didn't realize I was having. I especially liked the author's honesty about how difficult buttonholes are. You could learn how to knit from this book but it is probably most useful as a learning tool once you've made a few scarves and have moved on to reading patterns.

-- Learn by doing -- 1/13/2004
This is an excellent book for beginners. I wish I had read it sooner. If you can knit and purl, you're ready to read this book. The author takes you through several areas of knitting explaining the pitfalls that can happen and how to avoid them. What I most like about this book is that Righetti stresses the need to be exact, to plan, to problem solve and to troubleshoot. At the end of the book she has little projects that she guides you through. Now these are very, very hokey and at least one of them is downright creepy (that capulet thing) . However, the skills that they teach, and the way she teaches them, make them very, very worthwhile. For example, in the middle of making a baby sweater she has you take the work off your needles and try it on a baby and measure it to make sure it fits--if it doesn't, she wants you to figure out how to fix the problem. That's what I liked about Knitting in Plain English. Righetti gives you skills that make you independent. Instead of blindly following a pattern, hoping against hope that it will somehow turn out, she teaches you to see the big picture, to think ahead.
I have to admit that when I first got this book I was very disappointed. (very few pictures..LOTS of chapters to read before she even has you pick up a pair of needles) After I had some knitting experience under my belt, I went back and re-read it. SLOWLY. I was amazed at how relevant and applicable to my own knitting the book was. All the mistakes I had made could have easily been avoided. This book will make you a smarter,more effiecient knitter in control of your craft. It will help you enjoy the process of knitting as well as the finished product.

-- New at knitting -- 11/15/2003
A great book that conveys "pearls of great wisdom" in all areas of knitting, and will definitely help to shorten the knitting "learning curve" in regards to what to do, or not do. If you are a visual learner, I suggest that you go to the stitchguide.com website and look at the free knitting videos on the basic knitting stitches. Once you view the videos, then use this book as a knitting reference guide -- and be sure to supplement this book with other knitting reference books, as this is not the "one and only" book you will want to have.

-- Useful but not everything you may need -- 5/23/2003
I bought this book when I was a beginner to learn how to knit.
From the online reviews it looked like it was the book I have
been looking for.

And in many ways it is. It has a lot of useful information about
knitting and the reasons behind doing things the way described.
However, the actual part where the author described the stitches
are impossible. Most instructions are based on a simple drawing that is illegible. You cannot really tell which way the stitch
should be formed.Given that the drawing is black and white and very basic, it is really hard to make anything out of it.
That's when I actually needed a second book with nice illustrations and everything became much clearer.

Apart from this, all the other useful tips were invaluable.
I would also prefer if there were more projects at the back.

-- How could it get any "Plainer" or Clearer? -- 2/19/2003
I bought this book several years ago on a whim, since I'd been knitting off and on for over 30 years, and thought I knew just enough. Boy was I wrong! Once I began to read Knitting in Plain English, I became engrossed. Maggie's conversational style makes it so easy to read, before I knew it, I had read half the book as if it was a novel. And the things I learned! For instance, she opened my eyes to the fact that most of the pictures shown in pattern books are very deceptive: there has to be a reason the models hold their arms at such unnatural angles. It's because the sleeves don't fall right if they stand naturally. I never noticed that! And then she goes on to explain what to do to about it. For years I never worried about those "gauge" thingies. I just bought the yarn and needles the pattern said I needed. No wonder I got so many funny sized items! And I never knew there was more than "my" way to cast on. I have since taught myself the long-tail method just from her illustrations and explanation. Fascinating! Today, I'm much more careful in my selection of yarns, and never, ever knit anything up without a gauge swatch. This book is never far from me now, and I go back often to get advice. As far as I'm concerned, it's a must-have for any knitter.

-- Your absolute best introduction to knitting! -- 2/12/2003
Maggie Righetti begins with setting up your knitting bag, walks you through the various techniques, and helps you fix mistakes and solve problems with simplicity, wisdom, and humor. I had tried to learn knitting at least half a dozen times before trying again with Maggie at my side--what a difference! Learning with this book was like sitting with a patient and encouraging friend. I still refer back to this book frequently. The illustrations are clear and helpful. A chapter on cable and lace techniques serves as a great starting point. The "dumb baby sweater" lesson at the end of the book is a knit from the top down cardigan tour de force. Give this book to a friend who always wanted to learn to knit. You'll have a knitting codependent before you know it.

-- A good book for beginners -- 12/26/2002
I have only been knitting for about a month now having learned most of what I know from books such as The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting (which was alright, but I felt left somethings out). I got Knitting in Plain English as a Christmas gift and had read through the whole first part of the book within a few hours. I found the text extremely easy to read as it is written in a conversational tone... the only things that caught me up were the occassional typos and editting mistakes.

Some people may complain that the author goes through something like 50 pages before even getting to the knitting part. But I found the whole first part to be quite interesting, particularly the first chapter, which is subtitled "Slender Five-Foot-Ten-Inch-Tall Models Can Look Good in Anything." I also found the chapter and things that should be in your knitting bag helpful as there are a few things listed that you may not think of until you need them and don't have them.

I was quite pleased that the author included several different ways to cast on. In the idiot books out there they really only cover one way of doing it. She also covers the European versus the American way of knitting in such a way that I am thinking of switching to the European way of knitting as it appears to take less movement. One thing that one may consider missing was there were no instructions for left-handed knitters... which are found in some other books.

I have not tried any of the projects in the book as I just received it... but according to the author a couple of the designs are so simple that her students have taken to calling them "dumb" and "stupid" as a person would have to be either to not be able to turn out a good product and learn the essentials of knitting.... now all that awaits is to find out if I am dumb or not. :)

-- Great Book - Very easy read . . -- 11/7/2002
I find many "instructional" books on knitting techniques rather dry and boring. i thumb through them and put them down rather quickly because of the straghtfoward 'textbook" type writing. I am in no way saying these tech books do not have their place - they are enormously valuable. They just are not a "fun read" at the same time.

Maggie Righetti bypasses this with wit and a "lets sit down and chat"attitude. She conveys information in an easy to understand manner and is fun to read!

Kudos to you Maggie! I will read this book over and over.

-- This is just the knitting book I was looking for! -- 7/6/2002
I had been searching high and low for a book that would give me the lowdown on "how to knit". While I learned the basics from a friend I needed the primer that would give me step by step instructions on what I had just learned, as well as give me the step by step instructions to take me to the next level.

When I needed a back up reference for how to do a 2 strand cast on (my instructions weren't great) Maggie's book was there to help me. When I wanted to know whether or not to block my finished items - Maggie's book came through.

Can't speak for long time knitters - but any beginner or intermediate should own this book! Start demystifying reading patters and stitches.

-- Reads as a novel or textbook - you choose -- 4/8/2002
Maggie takes Elizabeth Z's chatty and organic guideline style one step further by adding some instruction details that knitters often need. While I don't feel the few enclosed patterns are interesting, I continue to use the various technique explanations as a constant resource.

If you're looking for new projects to make - buy a different book. If you're wanting to feel you've found a joyful kindred spirit who understands your frustrations in knitting, and sits beside you to teach alternative ways - then this is the book for you.

-- Refreshingly opinionated knitting primer -- 3/23/2002
There are a lot of knitting books being published right now with plenty of pretty pictures. This book is printed in black and white and is 17 years old, so why do you need it? For the simple reason that every page is filled to the brim with no nonsense knitting advice that the author has gleaned from her years working as a designer and instructor. If you enjoy chatty instruction books (and I do) then this is certainly a book to buy.

This book covers most of the basics of knitting (as noted before, there is no section on intarsia) and along the way we are told anecdotes, tricks and cheats. The section on button holes is one of the best I've read and the author's summing up the chore (it's like getting a hippo out of the water, any way you can) is a refreshing change from "perfect every time" button hole instructions. I personally liked her suggestion to forget the critters entirely and use snaps.

Without a doubt, my favorite chapter is the one on how to tell the structural flaws of a garment by how the model is posed. Coincidentally, I had received a knitting magazine in the mail the same day and I was able to apply the author's advice.

Last of all, I liked the projects. I love shawls (though I am only in my early 20s) and with the peasant look coming back in style, they are once again viable accessories. The layette set is good for the basics and the author gives many suggestions on what to do with the silly thing when you are done if you don't have a child or a grandchild.

I do not know if this book would be good for a brand new knitter (I am intermediate) but if you do decide to use it to learn I will say what I always say about basic knitting books. BUY ANOTHER BOOK. Always have two books on the subject so you can compare between the two, look at different pictures and diagrams, etc.

This is a fun and funny book and most certainly a favorite of mine.

-- Love it! -- 3/16/2002
I am a novice knitter. I LOVE this book! Not only do I enjoy all she has to say, but it has hints and tips about things I hadn't even thought of yet. I liked this book so well I bought the crochet version (and I have crocheted for years!).

-- Simple and straightforward! -- 2/1/2002
I own many knitting books, yet this is the one I go back to more frequently. Instructions are very simple to follow, great for troubleshooting or for those things other books assume you'll know how to do. It's a pity it doesn't have pictures or a nicer edition. I am not a fan of circular needles, yet if you are interested on them, it has the best explanation I have seen!

-- An excellent knitting reference -- 1/20/2002
Of the many knitting books I've read, I found this one to be most useful. The diagrams are particularly well done. The writing is clear and concise. I've lent this book (and several other introductory books) to new knitters and have repeatedly been assured that this volume's instructions and diagrams were most clear. If you can afford to buy only one knitting book, this is it.

-- Wordy, and missing an important topic! -- 12/13/2001
I don't know how this got past the editors and reviewers, but Righetti managed to write "the only book you'll ever need" without including instructions for intarsia color knitting! If you're not familiar with the term, intarsia (as opposed to fairisle) is knitting with large blocks of color. Without this information, you can't make argyle, picture knits, kids' sweaters with motifs on them, or any color pattern that doesn't carry the yarn in the back. It's a huge gaping hole in the content.

But aside from that, it's not a bad book to learn from, if you can get used to the overly chatting and sometimes discouraging writing style. It covers the bare minimum of the techniques that you need to know to get through the "beginning knitter" phase. I do recommend it to people as a learning text, with caveats. It's terrible to use as a reference because it's not exhaustive, too wordy, and not organized for reference purposes.

-- Next best thing to having her sit next to you -- 12/8/2001
I enjoyed reading this book very much. My friend taught me hands on how to do the true basics, casting on, knit and purl, and looking at the work to see what I've done and where I'm at. But this book took me through full projects from buying tools to picking out a pattern to reading and making the patterns work to fixing mistakes to finishing up by hiding ends and hand blocking the garment. There's so much common sense and reassurance a person needs to get through a knitting project. When I met those little pitfalls and uncertainties that could make you throw your hands up and give it up forever, there was always an answer for it in this book. I felt safe in Maggie's hands, and it's always in my knitting bag. I'm on my second real project, after having completed three of the practice exercises and one fabulous success of a sweater.

-- Not just for beginners. -- 12/2/2001
The cover claims that this book is the only one any knitter will ever need. Anyone who knits will know that isn't true - after all, Righetti stresses throughout that there's no such thing as the one 'right' way to knit, so obviously not everything here is going to answer any question any knitter might have. If you're an absolute beginner - if you've never done so much as picked up a pair of needles - this definitely isn't the best book you could choose. For that, I'd recommend "Kids Knitting" by Falick (yes, even for adults). If you have a good familiarity with the basics, though, this is an excellent choice. In fact, if it consisted of no more than the few pages on buttonholes, I'd still say it was worth buying.

There are a lot of enormously useful hints in here. The various types of increases and decreases are well-described, and there's a wealth of helpful advice on the details most knitting books tend to skim over, things like organizing your supplies and why it actually makes sense to have more than one project going at once. (as if any of us need an excuse for that...)

In spite of all its virtues, I subtract one star from this book for the artwork. It's perfectly competent - you can tell where the yarn ends and the needles begin, at any rate - but the drawings are clumsy and take away from the professionalism of the material.

-- So good I keep it in my knitting bag for reference -- 11/9/2001
I love this book. It has a very easy to read style and lots and lots of great tips. There is a ton of tricks and techniques that have made me a happier knitter. She has a lot of information that is not shared in other knitting books, that every knitter should know (like a great, easy system for keeping track of increases and decreases). What I really liked was that she just didn't teach you a technique or tip, but she told you the advantages and disadvatages of each, so you can make an informed choice instead of just doing things how the pattern directs.

I made the dumb baby sweater, the stupid baby bonnet, and the baby booties. They were quick and easy to make and really cemented in my mind a lot of the techniques she teaches. I now constantly change my knitting patterns now to make them easier to knit, and more attractive.

-- The Only Knitting Book That Ever Really Helped Me -- 10/18/2001
My mother helped me with my first cast-on, and a friend of my mother's helped me form some of my first stitches (I knit continental style). Other books taught me a few good stitch patterns and cables, but this book is the only one that helped me improve my knitting while making me enjoy it more. DO try the "Dumb Baby Sweater;" it works out very well and is fun to create. I am buying another copy of this book as a gift for my mother. She has had my copy for several months now and finds it as helpful and delightful as I do!

-- A surprise! -- 5/30/2001
When I first looked at the book, I thought there were no "pretty pictures" to look at. Then I started to read it, and couldn't put it down! I really learned a lot in the first couple chapters and decided to keep right on reading! I found that "pretty pictures" were not necessary because her writing is so clear and enjoyable to follow along. I am probably more of an intermediate knitter and found out all kinds of new things to "keep me in stitches" and not tears!

-- A no-nonsense guide to the basics of hand-knitting -- 5/6/2001
As a "born again knitter", I found this book very helpful for revising the basic techniques and learning some new ones. It also has many useful hints and suggestions for the intermediate knitter. The illustrations are clear and the explanations easy to follow. While it will not take the place of Mary Thomas' Knitting Book or Montse Stanley's guide to knitting technique this would be a worthy addition to a knitters' library.

-- Great for beginners -- 4/30/2001
I am a new knitter and this book was very helpful. The stiches are explained as well as the hand work. It had a good amount of illustrations and it was written clearly. A great find for those who want to try knitting for the first time.

-- I may need to brush up on my English! -- 4/21/2001
I give "Knitting," 2 stars because I taught myself how to crochet using "Crocheting with Plain English," and I feel a sense of loyality, but overall as a new knitter, I found "Knitting in Plain English" to be annoying. I finally ended up buying "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting." It's a great newbie book. The drawings are easy to read, and it had great starter projects. For example, the very first project is a dishcloth. I have made a dozen of these, and buy learning the basics (increase, decrease & How TO Knit), I was able to move on to more complex projects.

The only downfall to "Idioots" was I ended up outgrowing it pretty quickly which was sort of distressing. I am still looking for a book on "How a dumb Girl makes a Sweater," but it took me through the baby steps of knitting and for that I am greatful.

As much as I wanted to like, Righetti's Knitting, I couldn't. Maybe after I have learned more.

To be more specific:

1. I hated the projects (and it sounds like Maggie did, too. One of her projects is called Dumb Baby Sweater. How not inspiring.

2. The book is very wordy, and yet not specific. I also felt visually deprived a great deal fo the time. (I ended up learning more from how to's on the internet

3. She writes for 55 pages, before the first cast on. And once again, when she does cast on it's very wordy.

Maybe in a few years, after I have learned more I will learn to love this book, but at this time I can't.

-- my knitting bible -- 4/18/2001
I learned how to knit from this book. This book is a must have for anyone learning to knit. The author explains how to do almost everything. There are a lot of chapters that I didn't even read until I advanced as a knitter and they then made sense to me. And completing the projects in the last chapters gave me the confidence to advance from knitting just afghans to actually making sweaters. I love this book.

-- Great for Beginner and Advance too! -- 3/20/2001
I was very impressed with the clarity of her directions and the obvious thought and experience that went into them. This book is a MUST HAVE for any knitters library. I wouldn't be without it and would give it as a gift to anyone just starting out. She rates up there with Walker and Zimmermann as I see it. Barbara

-- Good solid instruction that won't scare the beginner -- 11/4/2000
This is the book that managed to convince me that I could knit a sweater and not just endless scarves. Her chatty style may annoy some people, but I found it enjoyable, and her advice on picking patterns invaluable. It's the book I gave my sister-in-law when she was learning to knit. My only real gripe is that the recommended projects in the back are really nothing I'd want to make, so I had to look elsewhere to find a first real knitting project.

-- The most amusing knitting book I've read! -- 11/1/2000
I learned to knit from the "I can't believe I'm knitting!" pamphlet, but when I was ready to move on past the basic stitches I read this book. Not only did it give me more of an appreciation for knitting, it also made me laugh out loud more than once. Maggie's instructions are clear and the drawings are easy to follow. I've found her instructions for invisible increases and decreases to be invaluable, and I love the tips such as using 'idiot tags' and what you should carry in your knitting bag. I do wish the beginner's projects were a big smaller, as I don't need a scarf and shawls aren't the fashion, but I can't wait to try the Dumb Baby Sweater pattern.

-- Like a loving teacher beside you -- 10/11/2000
I've been knitting since I was nine years old, thanks to a mom who -- being a prolific knitter then and now -- listened to my whiney begging to be taught, and did so, patiently! But this book is like having another "mom" right beside me -- no offense Mama! The author is chatty and witty, and full of knowledge. Because knitting is a passion with me, I very much enjoy simply picking up this book and reading about the craft rather than being "instructed." For the real nitty-gritty details, I'm afraid I refer to my trusty Vogue Knitting. Or my mom.

But yes, I DO give this book a big and enthusiastic "thumbs up" as a recommendation -- but mostly to those folks who already know the fundamentals and just want a little more antecdotal info, or simply want to bask in the shared passion for knitting with the fellow knitter who wrote the book! Maggie Righetti did a fine job!

-- anecdotal -- 5/3/2000
I must say, I enjoyed reading this book. The author talks about knititng in a very casual, anecdotal manner--you hear stories of knitters she has known, of yarns she has purchased, of sweaters she has knit. Many of her stories are amusing while also practical. Reading this book is like learning from the mistakes of others.

However, alone, this book is not enough to teach you how to knit. While it is worthwhile reading for the tips you pick up, if you need to look up a particular technique, you might be better using a book that is more organised, or with chapter headings that are less humourous and more informative.

When you first start to knit, reading this book is like having a friend by your side telling you where you can go wrong, and for that is very useful. But it is best used in conjunction with some other less chatty book, such as Debbie Bliss's "How to Knit" or one of the many encyclopedias of knitting techniques (many excellent OP titles can be found at second hand bookstores).

-- Wonderful! -- 10/19/1999
I learned to knit reading this book! I've been knitting for about 2 years now and I am still learning new things from her. If you want to learn how to knit check this book out.

-- Some good instructions, but far too cutesy and verbose -- 10/11/1999
Forgive me, but I found this to be one of the most annoyingly written books ever. There is some fine information, but the reader has to cut through miles of superfluous chatter to reach it. What was the editor thinking?

-- This book belongs on your knitting shelf. -- 6/8/1999
I very much enjoyed the author's tone and sense of humor, and her words of wisdom are a must-read for any knitter, expecially a beginner. I needed, however, to clarify some of the directions by looking at my massive Vogue knitting--they complement eachother well; Righetti is like having an instructor at your side, and Vogue (or the new Debbie Bliss, for that matter) provides the clear photos that you might need. Righetti's illustrations didn't always do it for me--I need to see a photo in living color.

-- The best book on basic knitting technique I have found. -- 5/9/1999
This book is the best -- any beginner and most experienced knitters will find a wealth of helpful techniques and ideas, clearly presented. I particularly like the author's no-nonsense attitude, advocating that we do what makes sense in practice, not just what is written in books. She admits her own prejudices, but never insists that there is only one "right way."

-- A wonderful introduction to knitting. -- 4/13/1999
Maggie Rigehtti's book is a must for anyone interested in learning how to knit. It is clearly written and illustrated, two facts much appreciated by this novice. Best of all, drawing upon her broad experience as a knitting instructor, Maggie writes with a wit and warmth for the subject which conveys the joy and excitement of knitting. I suspect even experienced knitter's will find KNITTING IN PLAIN ENGLISH invaluable.

-- Excellent -- 11/15/1998
I learned to knit by reading this book! I read a few others which, despite their title, brought me to tears. Then I read Maggie Righetti and I think her book is the best by far.

-- I should have had it 30 years ago! -- 9/17/1998
I love this book! I'm just sorry it took me so long to discover it. Reading Maggie's book is like visiting an old friend (who's also a great knitter). The advice is straight forward and practical. I've accomplished things I never would have tackled before. I put down the book and adapted a complex Aran pattern for seamless, one-piece construction. It turned out great, and Maggie made it easy!

-- Maggie Rhigetti's book is perfect for beginners and experts -- 11/21/1997
I first read this book years ago when I was just beginning to learn to knit. Although I now design and knit garments professionally, I STILL turn to this book for inspiration and information. Reading this book is like sitting down with your own grandmother for a private lesson. Her folksy, easy to read style warms the heart, and her explanation of the basics of knitting is thorough and understandable. Once you've read this book, you will fear no set of knitting instructions ever written. When people ask me to recommend a book on the basics of knitting, this is always the one I tell them to buy.

-- If you can buy only one knitting book, let this be it! -- 8/21/1997
Righetti's KNITTING IN PLAIN ENGLISH is chock full of superb tips, instructions and just plain common sense. But we aren't born knowing how to knit! I wish I had been introduced to this book years ago. Not only is it fun to read, but also it teaches you in a comfortable, easy way. Buy it. (Margaret Evans, afgcde1115@aol.com Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

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