Knitting Without Tears : Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes (Knitting Without Tears SL 466)
Elizabeth Zimmerman

Author	Elizabeth Zimmermann
Binding	Paperback
ISBN	0684135051
NumberOfPages	128
PublicationDate	1973-07-01
Publisher	Fireside

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Reviews -- Avg. rating in 43 reviews

-- It's Her Opinion -- 3/15/2006
Who am I to disagree with the queen of knitting? I appreciate Elizabeth Zimmerman's no nonense approach to knitting. And I do think her instructions make a lot of sense. But, I am still grappling with making a steek with your first sweater. That is something I would no do on my own.
If you are starting outin knitting and have fears, this book can do much to banish them.

-- A fun, informative read! -- 3/13/2006
As a novice knitter, I bought this book in hopes of gleaning some tips & tricks as I am learning. What I found was an entertaining, humorous approach to crafting the kind of pieces I've been afraid to try. An inspiring and insightful book!

-- How to find our a lot in a little bit of time! -- 2/26/2006
Easy to read with easy to follow directions -- especially if you already know how to knit, but have just forgotten something. Answers are easy to find.

-- Great information in plain English -- 2/23/2006
Despite her vast experience as a knitter, Elizabeth Zimmerman always seemed to recall what it was like to do something new with needles and yarn for the first time. Reading this book is like reading a letter from a friend, who is a fantastically good knitter and has a lot of good advice in plain English that she shares with you. You won't find row-by-row instructions, but she provides overviews of the knitting experience and lots of helpful hints.

-- A delicious read for the full-appetite knitter! -- 2/21/2006
I purchased this book through Amazon without ever having seen the book or leafed through it in-person. When it arrived at my door, I eagerly opened the cover and flipped through the pages with giddy anticipation. I am a passionate knitter, I've knit since before I could read, but this was my first time owning a book by the famed and revered Elizabeth Zimmermann. But my initial response? Sadly disappointed! Afterall, where were the bright glossy photos and the fun, bold typesetting found in the garden-variety of knitting books today? What I found was pages and pages of continuous text. Well, it is a book afterall.

My curiousity got the best of me, later that night I found myself curled up in bed reading the book. My initial response of disappointment could not have been further from the truth! After immersing myself into just a few pages, I felt like I had sat down to knit with an old friend. Zimmermann's candid and frank writing style brought me a smile and more than a knowing laugh or two as she shares her knitting wisdom. Yet, there is a sophistication to her writing that leaves the reader drawn into the pages, finding each new tip or bit of advice as something to savor.

Even the rudimentary skills of knitting come into new light within her chatty, and sometimes unabashedly opinionated, pages. I loved and applauded her stern lecture on the importance of gauge. (Yes, an entire chapter all its own, and rightly so!) Gauge is the golden key to the door of knitting design. Yet it is something so often overlooked by new or impatient knitters, and often with ghastly, disappointing results.

Step by step in a narrative, familiar style, she covers the tools of the knitting trade, needles, yarns, skills, and of course, her passion for knitting. All given with tidbits of enlightment even for the experienced knitter. Then gently, she takes the reader to a new path of creativity with clear guidance and instructions to explore nearly endless options of pattern and design. She does this by laying a simply, methodical ground work for the form and shape of any sweater. You can then take that skeletal form and emboss it to your heart's content with your own stitches, designs, color work, originality, and style. I have fallen even more in love with circular after reading this book, and I find the seamless, ease of style, even more liberating.

The focus is on sweater design, but really, you can take these skills to any facet of your knitting. She even covers a sampling of other projects, hats, mittens, afghans, even skirts! I found the details of what makes a sweater into a coat interesting. The section entitled "A Few Remarks on Socks" makes the book worth its price alone! The photos and details of just different knitted heel types were fascinating and most helpful. The "few remarks" are actually a few pages of detailed, fool-proof instruction which I fould both instructional and inspiring for sock knitting.

What can I say, I LOVED the book. I found it a necessary jewel for any knitter's library. I'd suggest that very new beginners to knitting will want to learn to cast on, knit and purl comfortably before digging into this treasure of a find. Once you have those basics down, however, do dive into this book with glee!

As stated by the author herself, "Really, all you need to become a good knitter is common sense...of course superior intelligence, such as yours and mine, is an advantage." And that is Elizabeth Zimmermann for you!

-- Wasting your $$$$ -- 1/25/2006
I thought this book would do as it title suggests......didn't happen...still tears....no pictures to "show" you, it's like reading a really boring book. And the "stories" are to help you knit sweaters.........which still didn't help. I have only been knitting for a couple of years, but thought this book would give me some helpful advise. I would reccommend (one of my most favorite books) "Teach yourself Visually Knitting" by Sharon Turner...lots of pictures with easy to understand intructions..

-- great book! -- 1/15/2006
this is a really great book. I like the writing style oif elisabeth zimmermann very much: she witty and intelligent and it's great to have her talking to you with this book. she quite unconventional, and that's what's nice about the book too.
a must have!

-- A must have for EVERY knitter or soon to be knitter -- 12/12/2005
I am an EZ fan. At first glance the book does seem to not really have anything that interesting but please take the time to look carefully at this book. EZ has certainly taken knitting and made it simple, so simple that once you start using her "techniques" you will be looking at every pattern and saying to yourself...."I wonder how EZ would do this". I highly recommend all of her books, I bet you can't buy just one :)

-- You'll be amazed -- 11/27/2005
True, this is not a "first" knitting book - you should be comfortable with casting on and knitting (no purling though) to take advantage of all the amazing info E-Zim has to offer here.

That said, this book will revolutionize your knitting. You will be amazed how simple it is to make sweaters of several varieties, and what's more, you will design them yourself! E-Zim shows how very simple Any Sweater is in its basic design, then she lets you go and express yourself as you see fit.

I'm a relatively new knitter, but armed with this book I have made several gorgeous sweaters including a very impressive looking Fair Isle - which is so embarrassingly easy to do I'm almost reluctant to take praise on the sweater. Almost!

-- Too Much Hype -- 10/30/2005
This book has been hyped up so much by reviewers and other knitters. I found her writing to be disorganized and not as useful as I had hoped. I was hoping I would be able to break away from using patterns, but this book did nothing for that. Her percentages method was not explained. How did she come to use percentages? Who knows. Obviously Elizabeth was a talented woman, but, in my opinion, not able to translate her knowledge very well. I will keep looking.

-- God bless Elizabeth Zimmermann -- 10/30/2005
Even though Elizabeth Zimmermann is no longer among us, she left us this very wonderful and opinionated (in a good way) book about knitting. What a lady. I highly recommend this book for knitters of all levels.

-- Essential book for learning circular knitting -- 10/22/2005
I had heard of Elizabeth Zimmermann when reading Vogue Magazine but never managed to obtain any of her books until I saw them available on amazon.com as I live in the UK. I haven't regretted buying this as I have re-read it over and over again and still haven't absorbed everything Mrs Zimmermann covers in the book.

It does not teach you the basics of knitting but anyone who can cast on, knit, purl and cast off, and who has knitted a couple of simple items, should profit from reading this volume. There are plenty of tips and the book teaches you how to make a seamless sweater on circular knitting needles using the yarn of your choice. This is a major bonus when knitting has become much more international thanks to the Internet, and knitters in different countries cannot always get the yarns for the patterns they have bought nor can they match the tensions in the pattern with a substitute yarn.

The book covers several different ways to make socks as well as different techniques for shaping the yoke of sweaters once you have made that first basic sweater with a circular yoke.

Elizabeth Zimmermann's writing is extremely witty but at the same time she is so clear in her writing that only a minimum of diagrammatical material is required to show you what she means. And when diagrams are required they are so clear that you can see at once what she wants you to do.

I recommend this to anyone who wants an entertaining knitting book to read (I have been known to sit up late in bed chuckling over this book) and who wants a thorough education on how to do circular knitting.

-- The Knitting Queen -- 9/12/2005
Elizabeth Zimmermann wanted to name this book "The Opininated Knitter," but whatever the name...Excellent should proceed it! You will want to put this book in your reference library, but read it first and get to know the renounded knitter Elizabeth Zimmermann. She's like your guardian angel watching over your knitting and coaching you to believe in yourself! What a fun read! Make it part of your knitting life...it will make you laugh at her and yourself!

-- Info to file away for future use -- 9/1/2005
I'm a beginning knitter, but an experienced sewer/crafter, so the other reviews that said this book wasn't for beginners didn't scare me away. In fact, I was encouraged to purchase the book when others said Elizabeth Zimmermann gave percentage stitches and non-specific instructions. I thrive on teachers who encourage students to make adjustments and alter patterns to fit. I had a poncho pattern that I thought would be easier to work in the round, rather than back and forth in two pieces, and I ordered this book, just so I might figure out how to do my poncho in the round. There really isn't enough specific info in this book to help me, and the generic rant on the necessity of gauge and how to make stitches, I've already learned or read better in other books. Everyone says she refers back to this first book in her subsequent books, so I'm sure I won't be sorry I have this book in my library, but it wasn't the right book for me right now. I was impressed enough with the author's approach however, that I will probably order her Sweater Workshop and video when I get ready to knit a sweater in the round.

-- Loved it, excellent -- 8/3/2005
I loved the down to earth style this book was written in, and the encouragment to try your own things, when so many books are written like a school text book. I have changed some of my ways of knitting because of this book. My only complaint, that kept it from being a "5" is the "better way to purl" twisted the stitches on the other side.

-- An Excellent Read for Beginners -- 7/28/2005
If you are just starting out and have been knitting less then a year, then this is the book for you. Great tips and easy to follow directions! It was a big help for me!

-- Not the best choice for new knitters -- 4/7/2005
This book is filled with great tips, tricks, and pattern ideas that will give you confidence to break away from store bought patterns and go it on your own.
BUT, not if you are a new knitter like me. The illustrations are informative, but very sparse. There is little information on sizing, and the writer assumes you are already familiar with shaping. I'm sure this book will be very useful for me..a couple of months down the road. For now it is just a dust collector.

-- knitting WITH tears for beginners -- 2/24/2005
I bought this book thinking it was for a beginner, I have since expanded my knitting skills and have become much more advanced. Even as a advanced knitter, this book for me was hard to follow. The directions written in general terms and not as clear and concise as I would like. I guess I am a little anal about the kind of pattern I like. Specific number of stiches, not 23% of total number of stiches on needle #3 and 35% on needle # 4. This book is not for anyone who is not very good with numbers, especially percentages.

-- ...and the heavens opened... -- 1/20/2005
I am a next-step knitter--I've made my share of scarves, a few baby hats on the one set of circular needles I own, and even a pair of mittens, with my nose glued to a book. I felt the need to move on, so I picked up Elizabeth's book (we are on first-name basis now) and finally shed my fear of my knitting. I just get it now. I can do this. The percentage method and gague information finally make sense. Sweaters don't need to be bags with too-long sleeves and too-short bodies. I can make them fit, and lovely too, with the yarn I have. Now I understand. Thank you.

-- Not as useful as Knitting for Dummies -- 12/31/2004
Some books pretend every one is right-handed or if not should be so they promulgate `right-handed' or `English/American' style knitting instructions on their pages that can lead to plenty of heartache for a minority of the population. KNITTING WITHOUT TEARS acknowledges that there is more than one way to knit and that the `German' or left-handed approach is okay if that's what you prefer. However, I am not sophisticated enough to learn two approaches at the same time so I have to stick to KNITTING FOR DUMMIES and its right-hand only approach.

The author of this book, Elizabeth Zimmerman, says she is a `left-handed knitter' who learned her skills at an early age in spite of the effort of others to make her knit right-handed.

KWT is only one of the several books about knitting Zimmerman wrote before her death in 1999. In the 1960s, she formed a newsletter for those who knitted away from the mainstream as well as those who knew a good thing when they saw it. She hosted also a nationally syndicated PBS television show called `The Busy Knitters' with a devoted following of millions of fans (including my left-handed mom). She founded a newsletter and business (Schoolhouse Press) run today by her daughter, which sells knitting-related items and she wrote several books on the subject of knitting. KWT includes plenty of information about creating knitted products as well as reference material. Why do wool sweaters shrink when you wash them? Elizabeth will tell you.

-- It should be Knitting without Fear! -- 12/12/2004
I got this book years ago, and have nearly worn the cover and several of the pages to nubs. It's taken me from a klutzy non-knitter (whose needles were used as plant stakes) to being able to whip out an afghan in a week, make booties without patterns, hats flow...and my family is WARM! Elizabeth Zimmerman makes it easy to create those glorious knits you see on others, by giving you the courage to try! One line at a time, one line at a time, and soon, voila! A sweater that FITS!

-- great book in the tradition of her earlier ones but moderner -- 10/11/2004
I bought this book at the same time as EZ's earlier ones, knitting around, and a knitters almanac. The earlier books had more of her thinking and stories of knitting than this one which i enjoyed. I feel this has been written for the modern market, glossy photo's, and a clear designed layout. As a result iI found this book less enjoyable and meaty than the others, plus it contains a rework of her earlier methods, and missed some of my favorites, but still fantastic for those seeking to break away from patterns, wanting to learn to knit in the round, and who understand that knitting is fun, and only consists of knitting, sometimes purling (altough elizabeth strongly discourages that - a necessary evil when ribbing), measuring and counting, thats it, simple, strongly recommend, and if you are a reader go on to her other earlier books.

-- A Book for Knitters to Read -- 6/10/2004
I learned to knit from my grandmother when I was a little girl, and can calculate patterns myself, so I did not need to be rescued from slavish pattern-following. I also do not think that the sweaters in this book are the most attractive, stylish, or even the easiest (I'm a top-down in-the-round knitter myself). I have made a few Zimmerman patterns, but none from this book. With all that said, I will now tell you that I pull this book off the shelf constantly, and you should buy it if you aspire to be a good knitter.
The discussions of gauge, yarn choice, finishing, color work, and other technical points are invaluable. The entire book is clear, useful, and a pleasure to read. Knowing and following this book's advice can make the difference between disappointing sweaters and wonderful ones, even if you never use any of the patterns in this book.
Don't buy this book for the patterns, but do buy it.

-- Overrated in the extreme -- 2/9/2004
I bought this book four years ago (mine has a red cover) and I have yet to use it for anything. I understand she is revered for her 'percentage' method but in my opinion the sweaters and caps in the (boring b&w) photos look very coarse and often downright ugly. If this is what the percentage method yields you can have it. I've turned to this book looking for tips and inspiration more times than I care to remember and am always disappointed. It took writing a review of her daughter's boring book to wake up and realize I should have listed it on eBay ages ago. I'm writing this review because so many people rave about Zimmerman that I felt a little balance was in order.

-- I'm biased, because I have loved EZ -- 12/11/2003
since her books were first published, but if you make nothing else from this book, do knit the modular "Tomten" jacket, particularly for a baby. It stretches to fit for a long time, lasts to be handed down, is very easy to knit, and makes babies look like like wee elves. Do make it in a beautiful color, to flatter the baby's coloring - raspberry or teal, for example. This jacket alone should have established EZ as one of the most gifted practitioners of this ancient craft.

-- Such a freeing book -- 8/27/2003
I've been knitting for years, but was a slave to other people's patterns. Elizabeth Zimmerman freed me from all that. Her book is empowering in that it explains how to make sweaters quickly and in the simplest possible way - on circular needles from the bottom up, essentially without a whole lot of directions except for how to ensure excellent fit. I will never again make a pullover on flat needles and have to sew a front and back together. Nor will I spend a lot of time knitting on the wrong side - suddenly there are no wrong sides any longer! Her means of avoiding seams is brilliant, and the results are elegant. She writes clearly, zestfully and with relish - something unusual among knitting writers. And she's delightfully opinionated. Mme. Zimmerman is someone whom every doubting knitter would love to have on hand to give help!

-- This is The One -- 6/20/2003
Thirty years ago, in college, I knitted up a storm. Then Life got in the way, and I quit - partly because knitting had become an addiction and nothing else was getting done. Now I'm back at it again - hoping to keep the compulsion under check, this time - but of course, one forgets quite a bit in 30 yrs.
It was with delight and relief that I discovered EZ's wonderful book. As I read the first few pages, things began coming back to me: the terminology, the challenges, the frustrations, the successes...and finally the technique.
If you buy this book for no other reason than the patter for the 'seamless sweater,' your money will have been well-spent. But into the bargain, you also get the feeling that a skilled, patient and loquacious friendly fellow knittress is sitting at your side, ready, if necessary, to take the needles from your cramped fingers and show you exactly what she's talking about.
Buy it.

-- Knitting Without Tears -- 2/8/2003
I bought this book at a used book store in Oregon 6 yrs. ago for [$]. I thinks it's the original copyright of 1971. Anyway, I had been knitting off and on for years but could not find the right book for me to explain the basics in just simple terms without a lot of "knitters" terminology that can be confusing unless you are a little more advanced. I laughed at and loved the way the author describes the frustrations of knitting. I didn't feel like I was the only one who ever had to start the same project over 6 times just to get the gauge or ribbing correct. If you want a book that teaches knitting like you hoped a "grandma" would if she was sitting by your side - this is the book for you. Enjoy!

-- I actually cried -- 1/13/2003
My boyfriend says "at least the book isn't called 'knitting without killing your partner'". Although I did actually cry when I couldnt get the hang of anything in the book to do with needles and wool, I've finally reached an even balance. I can knit, just not the way she tells me to. OK, I do actually like this book now, lots of useful stuff but just takes a bit of getting used to her "conversational style". Just a pity the book got slightly ruined when i threw it against the wall.

-- Knitting without tears -- 12/21/2002
will give you a headache if you are an experienced knitter. very few pictures and the ones that do exist are not of good quality. It does have great technical information but for the new knitter, there is not enough meat on the bone.

-- The tops! -- 10/12/2002
Each time I open this book, I want to throw all other responsibilities to the wind and sit down and read. No, it is not a learn-to-knit book; but for one getting familiar with the process, it is a mind-expanding experience. It is also a joyous, friendly way to meet her in print.

When first published, most American born knitters made every garment in pieces. The challenge of making presentable seams was formidable for me, so I welcomed EZ's sensible approach to knitting in the round.

I got a kick out of her calling us 'blind-followers,' which most of us were who were inexperienced and perhaps, as I was, self-taught. Having the traditional directions along with her smart short-cuts and the clever, sensible percentage system was enormously helpful for me.

The small size of her book is also a plus--easy to digest and learn from without being intimidated. Her skillful illustrations are so clear. The information she so delightfully encloses is still valuable, no matter the year!

Elizabeth was a very friendly, lovable, warm,kind woman, and an excellent teacher--in person or by books. I'm happy and proud to have known her. This book is a classic and should be in every knitter's library.

-- Must have for serious knitters! -- 7/12/2002
This book is an absolute must-have if you really love knitting. It's filled with so many practical tips and hints that your average how-to book just doesn't cover. This isn't directed towards the newbie, it is NOT a "learn to knit" book. But if you have a basic understanding of knitting, love the craft, and want to become even more skillful, this book is for you. Even if for no other reason, you must own it for the completely SEAMLESS SWEATER pattern... it's SO much easier that you would ever think!! EZ had a talent for writing in such a way that she makes you feel like you have a seasoned knitter right there with you as you navigate your way through knitting. This book is a wonderful "friend" as you further your skills. After I read it, I seriously had a boost of confidence in my own knitting.

-- Review of Zimmerman classic -- 4/20/2002
Easy-to-follow instructions, honest humor, and simple patterns dominate this must-have knitter's guide to all things Zimmy. Elizabeth was the best of the best, and we'll all miss her greatly. A must-read for novice and old-hat crumudgeons alike. If you've always wanted to knit, but were afraid, this book is for you. If you knit now and are still afraid (especially of in-the-round work), this book is for you. If you are a fearless maniac who wants to slack and take it easy for once, this book is for you!

-- The Best -- 3/12/2002
Once you learn to cast on, work a knit stitch, work a purl stitch(just a knit stitch-in reverse) grab this book and don't let go. EZ will guide you wherever you want to go. The Master will teach you, inspire you and entertain you in a way no one else can. With this book,needles, yarn and your imagination, there is nothing you can't knit. Her refreshing humor is like a warm hug and her encouragement is like having her beside you. Far and away the absolute best knitting book- Ever!!!!

-- Not one of my favorites -- 2/8/2002
I had heard so much about EZ that I rushed out to buy this book. I was really disappointed by this book. I expected to find information as a beginning knitter, but this book seemed to be geared towards knitters who are more experienced.

I do like the homey style and the fact that Elizabeth Zimmermann was a knitting enthusiast, but this is a book that should be added to the knitter's library later on, once technique and method has been established.

-- Knitting Theory, and Practical Advice -- 1/17/2002
This is such a great book, but it's not really a "pattern" book as some might expect. Instead, EZ gives basic instructions to make basic garments, opening the door to a knitter's creativity. She also gets you laughing and keeps you there! Her "I am the boss of my knitting" approach will set you free. You won't feel chained to complicated, undecipherable patterns... you'll know how to design your own.

-- My knitting took off after learning the method in this book -- 5/21/2001
This knitting book is ground-breaking. Instead of following a pattern line by line (nothing wrong with that, I like to do that) you learn how to create sweaters to fit any body, with any yarn. Why would anyone want to do that? Well, you might have bought 15 balls of yarn on sale and don't know what to make of it. Instead of waiting for a pattern to turn up for that amount of yarn, that weight, etc, you can create your own sweater in various styles to fit anyone, you, a family member or friend.

The Percentage System used in this book is easy to follow: knit a sample of your yarn, carefully measure how many stitches per inch or centimeter, then multiply that gauge times your chest circumference MINUS 10 percent for the ribbing. Increase up to 100 percent and off you go. Soon you will have a yoke style sweater, Norwegian drop shoulder or saddle shoulder, or even raglan style. Such freedom. You can go to yarn sales and as long as you have enough yarn, you can make anything from it.

Right now I am knitting a cotton summer top using this method with some bargain yarn. While this book doesn't have gorgeous color photographs of stylish knits, it does teach you to create your own. After I bought this book, my knitting really took off. Yours might, too.

-- Sorry, the book didn't do it for me -- 5/9/2001
I often feel that I am the only non-EZ fan in the knitting world. The book didn't do it for me. I don't like steeks and the book did not convince me that they are anything laudable in making a sweater. I also dislike the cult following that has grown up around this woman. Her daughter has perpetuated it. The book is in my library but it did not inspire my knitting.

-- Not for Beginners, but still pretty good -- 1/29/2001
This is a nice book, though short on really clear illustrations. If you are a visual learner this can be a problem, but the written instructions are pretty clear, for the most part.

The writing style is pretty interesting, although I do not care for those who need more direction being called "blind followers". I feel that it is needlessly condescending. Unfortunately, I see the same term in some other knitting books, which to me does not help the rebirth of this craft one bit. We all have to start somewhere!

Having said this, the book is excellent as a springboard for learning how to knit to fit anyone on your list, and is a good addition to a knitting library.

-- The best knitting book ever -- 1/22/2001
I have used my well-worn and treasured copy for years to make every type of knitted garmet possible. The instructions are easy to understand, and Ms. Zimmermann has a wonderful sense of humor that takes the anxiety out of knitting. The patterns in the book are designed to be adjusted to the size of the wearer, which makes it infinitely useful. She also dispels some of the myths of knitting, and gives practical and pragmatic suggestions. Every beginner should read this book before attempting any project, and experts will use it as a comprehensive guide for years to come.

-- Knitting is FUN! -- 11/30/2000
I love Elizabeth's chatty and down to earth style of writing. I also love the homespun look of the book, published right in their own "schoolhouse press". I like her teaching style and the attitude of never taking anything too seriously, especially knitting! It has been a fun "obsession" for me too. It's my therapy as well. I just finished my first adult sweater and proudly wear it and accept the many compliments. I have already been inspired by "EZ" to create several sweaters for my twin baby girls and a moebius vest and two moebius scarves. I'm just sad that I discovered the joy of Elizabeth Zimmerman after her death, and I have to wait to get to heaven to sit down and share knitting with her. This book is just a little bit of "heaven" for me and a great learning experience as I allow my creative juices to flow through the fiber and the needles to make many more lovely things. God bless Elizabeth and her time honored joy in the craft of knitting. God bless Meg Swanson in carrying on her mother's great legacy.

-- The Declaration of Independence for knitters -- 11/13/2000
This is the book that can change you from a casual hobby knitter to a KNITTER. Perhaps not the best way to learn your purls and knits, but wonderful if you're tired of being a blind follower of patterns. EZ can teach you how to be a thinking knitter - and one with a sense of humor. Scared of steeking a sweater (i.e. cutting it with sissors)? EZ will guide you through the process in detail and finish with the advice to drink a glass of wine, lie on the bed and recover.

I'm a serious knitter and while I've mastered the technics of the book long ago, I still pick it up for EZ's wonderful, chatty style. The typos drive some people crazy but make the book all the more real for me.

-- Not exactly a beginner book -- 7/9/2000
I'm a beginning knitter. I bought this book because I am terrible at following directions and everything I'd read about it indicated that EZ would help you learn to modify patterns so they worked the way you wanted. They were right.

This isn't really a learn how to knit book tho. It's more an introduction to sweater design book. You are walked through several basic styles of seamless sweaters, given a good stern lecture on why gauge is important, and shown pictures and charts you can use as a jumping off point. I would expect a learn how to knit book to cover several styles of knitting, multiple castons and castoffs, and lots of techniques, all with extensive illustrations for those of us who aren't very good with written instructions. This book does not fit the bill. It is one I will consult frequently as I begin to knit my first sweaters.

It works very well in conjunction with Vogue Knitting or one of the other basic learn how to knit books. Don't buy it as the only knitting reference you'll ever need.

-- Not for visual learners -- 5/8/2000
Elizabeth Zimmerman's popular book, Knitting without Tears, almost left me in tears. It has very few illustrations, so if you are a visual learner, be forewarned. Although her instructions are clearly written, I found the lack of illustrations frustrating.

-- Indispensable fun for the serious knitter -- 5/6/2000
I'd repeatedly read and heard about Elizabeth Zimmerman (or "EZ" as she was/is fondly known) but never read any of her books. I was, however, skeptical that her books could be as wonderful as they were reputed to be. The photograph on the cover of "Knitting without Tears" did little to entice me; the sweaters looked, well, a bit dowdy and boxy for my taste. Eventually I gave in and bought this book. Now I am a believer. EZ won me over with her very first sentence: "Most people have an obsession; mine is knitting." Somehow she managed to take knitting very seriously without ever taking herself very seriously. The book is full of practical tips and tricks for improving your knitting, conceptual ways to create your own patterns, and EZ's very decided opinions about the craft (worth considering whether or not you agree with them all). Best of all, anecdotes and humorous, often ironic commentary abound. Even if you never knit a seamless sweater, you'll be glad you bought this book.

-- An Excellent Reference Book -- 3/22/2000
EZ is so generous in sharing her knowledge and tips. Full of useful information and techniques. This is a must amongst other reference books in your own knitting library.

-- Knitting Freedom -- 2/11/2000
I had been doing knit and purl stitches for most of my life with very unsatisfactory results until I found this treasure. Unlike most patterns which are for flat knitting with very rigid instructions, EZ gives guidelines for a personal approach based on knitting "in the round." No stiff seams to pop open! A stitch more or less doesn't worry her. Want a sweater for a Barbie Doll or Michael Jordan? With her formula, you can do it.

And, at last, someone said that knitting scarves is *boring.*

This book decreased my "knitting" tension/anxiety enormously. Knitting is now a stress reducer for me.

-- Not for most beginners -- 10/19/1999
If you are looking for a good how to knit book, with step-by-step instructions on the basics this book isn't it. It is a wonderful book--take a look at it once you've mastered the basics and are ready to move past patterns and create something entirely your own.

-- A wonderful reference and learning tool. -- 7/30/1999
This book finally gave me the courage to design my own sweater. I have been knitting for several years and never ventured into the untamed world of design...Elizabeth's wonderful instructions, comments, and faith gave me the okay to go ahead and have fun. I made a patterned yoke sweater that not only looks great, but fits as well. I can't say that happens too many times with patterns! If you are looking for a great reference and addition to your knitting shelf, this is it.

-- For ANY knitter, beginner thru expert -- 1/26/1999
This book, with E.Z.'s (as the author is known to thousands around the world)simple philosophy, shares a hidden world of knitting with us. She touches on her own learnings, "unventions" as she calls them. She brought me back into the woolie fold of knitters many years ago and I haven't looked back since. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in learning to knit their own designs and creations. She also includes "pithy directions" for those of us who still feel we need line by line directions. Read this book with wool and needles in hand.

-- EZ rocks! -- 8/28/1998
This is the best knitting book I've seen. Besides challenging knitters to go beyond the basics of published patterns, Zimmerman provides a large helping of her unique attitude and way of describing things. She has a very distinctive "voice" in this book (and all her other books). I think of her as the M.F.K. Fisher of knitting. This book is both informative and funny. I hope other knitters who read this will forgive my casual one-line above, but that's the best and quickest thing I can think of to say about her style. I think anyone who reads this book would be inspired to learn to knit.

-- This is the book that really taught me to knit. -- 4/17/1998
This book will take the blind follower by the hand and get you too knit your first hat and sweater while learning important techniques as you go. Some people might require a a simpler break down of the knit and pearl stitches but I found that this was the book that taught me to knit. Use as a jumping board to other Zimmerman books and then you can do anything!

-- Knitting in layman's terms with several sweater patterns -- 4/8/1998
This book is good for beginners but better for advanced to experienced. EZ uses direct, simple explanations to take one by the hand and lead one through the knitting of a sweater from start to finish. However, a working knowledge of basic stitches and construction is very helpful. The illustrations leave much to be desired and if color, detailed illustrations were included I'd give this book a big, fat 10.

-- If I could have only 1 knitting book, this would be it. -- 3/18/1998
This book will not only teach you the basics, but it will make you an insider to the mysteries of knitting. It will painlessly liberate you from being a slave to pattern directions. Before you know it, you will be making your own sweaters to your own designs. Get it!

-- NO ONE knows more about knitting than EZ ! -- 1/20/1998
Elizabeth Zimmerman is the Master when it comes to knitting and writing books about it. She has enhanced my love of knitting more times than I can count. My husband wears many sweaters with her inspiration in them. My book is worn and torn and notes written all over... and I still get that 'warm, fuzzy feeling' everytime I look up something. She taught me to knit and read at the same time and there's nothing I like better than to read about her 'unventing' adventures with the 'Old Man'. Has her daughter written a book on knitting, also? If so, I certainly would want purchase it because she has to be taught by the Master!

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