Pam Allen Trisha Malcolm Rich Tennant Cheryl Fall
Knitting for Dummies
Pam Allen Trisha Malcolm Rich Tennant Cheryl Fall
| Binding | Paperback |
| ISBN | 076455395X |
| NumberOfPages | 384 |
| PublicationDate | 2002-02-22 |
| Publisher | For Dummies |
| $14.29 | Buy New Book From Amazon.com |
| $9.50 | Browse For Used Books At Amazon.com |
Reviews --
Avg. rating 
in 39 reviews
-- Disappointing -- 4/3/2006
I'm sorry, this was kind of boring for me. I'm a new knitter and I need lots of pictures and patterns to keep me going. This doesn't have that. It is all about the nuts and bolts of knitting -- not cute patterns that I HAVE to run out and buy yarn and make.
-- Knitting for Dummies -- 3/24/2006
Directions are straightforward and fairly easy to understand. I purchased the book because of the other reviews - my nieces want to learn to knit and have decided that I am the one to teach them. I am making progress and have almost finished my first scarf. Excellent reference book for stitch combinations that I had no idea existed.
-- Good, but not the best. -- 3/7/2006
This book taught a dummy like me how to knit.
Some of the basics I wanted to know at that time were answered by the book (really small things like where to put the yarn while changing stitches --- questions other books assumed I knew the answers to). Some illustrations were really good, but some were a little hard to understand).
But like other reviewers before me, this book didn't help me with some things I wanted to know. I ended up reading this with a few other books at the same time (comparing instructions and methods that weren't clear).
I use this as a reference book occasionally, but I haven't finished it and don't think I ever will. It's good, though not the best book on knitting.
-- Knitting for Dummies -- 2/24/2006
This book did not help me as much as I had hoped. The "casting on" instructions are not clear and the use of circular needles misleading. My hope was that the book would allow me to be an independent knitter. Perhaps the use of color illustrations would be helpful.
-- Best General Knitting Reference I've Seen -- 1/30/2006
This book is terrific whether you're a novice or have been knitting for a while. Though I have a shelf of knitting books, this one consistantly proves to be the most helpful when I'm learning a new technique or have a specific question. The explanations are clear and assume you know nothing, which is exactly what you need when you're trying something new. The only drawback is that the black and white illustrations are sometimes not as easy to understand as actual pictures or color illustrations would be.
Don't let the title fool you, there's a lot of great information packed inside.
-- Handy reference for my knitting bag -- 12/29/2005
I started my first "real" knitting project this summer (wool soakers for my baby) and I was kind of intimidated, but I found out that between a good pattern and my library copy of Knitting For Dummies, I was able to figure it all out without any outside assistance. For that reason alone I bought my own copy last week, so I can keep it in my knitting bag and open it whenever I get stuck.
I like the style of illustration that shows the stitches, although I wish there were more of them. I really like that I can find just about any stitch or technique in the inedex, either in abbreviated form ("what the heck does k2tog mean?") or by its full name.
I think it's true that the book isn't the best way to actually learn the very basics of knitting. But once you've had your grandma, your friend or someone from your local yarn store show you how to cast on and knit the garter stitch, keeping Knitting For Dummies around will probably be helpful in working through your first couple of projects. If you also have a pattern with a good appendix and if you take advantage of knittinghelp.com, you should be set!
-- Would make a wonderful Gift -- 12/12/2005
Even though I am a "seasoned" knitter, I was very impressed with the information in this book. I found the tutorials easy to follow, no confusing information and very well put together. If you know someone who wants to learn, this would be a great starter book.
-- My Knitting Bible -- 10/23/2005
Being inspired by all the cool yarns out there now, I decided to learn to knit a couple of months ago. After being frustrated with a "learn to knit" kit that came with a dvd, I bought Knitting for Dummies. The pictures and instructions are so clear that I was soon knitting up a storm. The simple projects really help you master basic skills. I've graduated from knitting scarves to hats and ponchos and sweaters. I would recommend this book to every new knitter, and to every experienced knitter. I use it whenever I start a new project to look up new stitches or unfamiliar terms.
-- Likely the best purchase I have ever made -- 10/8/2005
I have been trying to pick up knitting for quite awhile, but I was always put off by the confusing language of patterns. This book lays everything out in simple, easy-to-follow directions with pictures and little hints that prevent you from making all of the common mistakes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interesting in knitting, whether a beginner or a seasoned knitter. Yay!
-- I love it -- 9/8/2005
This is a great book. Very clear, and it gives you great ideas. I would recomend getting this book along with "Stitch n' Bitch" because the two together cover all!!!
-- Great book for knitters of all experience levels -- 9/4/2005
I LOVE this book. I have done crafts for 20+ years, but never really got into knitting. A year or so ago, I decided I wanted to start making sweaters. This was the first and only book I bought to teach myself. I found the directions very simple to understand and very straightforward. This book teaches BOTH English and Continental stitching and encourages the reader to learn both. If you start doing Fair Isle, being able to do both English and Continental comes in very handy.
I'll admit, I really didn't read the entire book page by page. Instead, I use it as a reference that is never far from where I am knitting. The book not only gives the patterns for many "fancy" stitches and different cables, but takes the fear out of these. I recommend this book for all knitters.
-- Excellent book -- 8/21/2005
This is an excellent book, it explains both Continental and English style of knitting and shows how to do many things in detailed illustrations. It teaches all of the basics and some intermediate designs and it makes it all simple to learn. I am so glad that I purchased this book. I already knew some basic knitting but I needed a book that explained the rest of what I did not know.
-- Great book, with help -- 8/17/2005
I had a difficult time learning the basic knitting stitches alone with this book. It would be better if there were more pictures of what each stitch should look like when completed correctly for us beginners who have never picked up knitting before.Once I took a short class to teach the movements of the very basic stitches, the book was very easy to follow. It is becoming a great reference item.
-- Great book for a new knitter -- 8/1/2005
I bought this book when I decided to teach myself how to knit and I found it to be indespensible. I refer to it often and have recommended it to many other people who have expressed interest in learning how to knit.
-- A Great Place to Start -- 7/28/2005
If you are very new at knitting (just a few months) then this book is worth a good read. Easy instructions and explanations on pattern reading.
-- IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A GOOD KNITTING BOOK KEEP LOOKING -- 3/30/2005
This book is okay but if you are looking for a good how to knit or reference book I highly recommend: The Knitters's Companion or Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Reference
-- Great for Beginners!! -- 1/8/2005
Written well and with beginners projects, makes this book essential for anyone that wants to learn to knit. Great Reference Book!!
-- Maybe I need the book for idiots..... -- 12/31/2004
KNITTING FOR DUMMIES was written for me- or, as the cover says "A Reference for the Rest of Us." I am starting again at the beginning with the urging of my 10-year old granddaughter who wants me to teach her how to knit. I told her I would, and now I have to come through or I will be a grandmother who makes promises she can't keep. I told her I was just relearning myself, and that I would teach her as I learned. Thank goodness for the DUMMIES book.
The KFD pages are marked with little "wizard" icons like those that pop up on your computer software packages to indicate, technical stuff, knitting tips, and "remember" notation to remind you of something you should have learned a few pages back. I haven't progressed very far, but the steps I have followed have been very straightforward and relatively uncomplicated. This is a good book for a beginner like me, but just in case I'm going for the idiot book too.
-- Wow, so much positive to say! -- 7/30/2004
Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make - it is indeed possible to learn knitting from a book, and this one is a spectacular teacher. I shopped around for a book to learn knitting for a long time, and this one proved to be the winner. Here's why:
1. Meticulous instructions and great diagrams. Surprisingly, it's not the instructional books with the glossy pages and photographs that are the best for learning knitting. This book is mainly black-and-white and has drawings rather than photos. Nonetheless, Knitting for Dummies has the best instructions on what to do with your needles and yarn in an easy-to-follow format.
2. The information is not overwhelming. Many beginner knitting books start out by explaining everything about knitting - all the different tools, yarns, etc. How overwhelming! Knitting for Dummies teaches you to do some basic knitting first, and only later (in Chapter 4), when you're more familiar with knitting, you get to see all the variety of techniques and tools. Literally, on the third page of the book you learn to cast on! Tell me of another book that does that.
3. You don't have to spend a lot of money. Many books out there teach the basics by encouraging you to do a project, and suggest you buy expensive yarn and needles to learn. That's ridiculous, don't you think?!? If you can hardly make two stitches the same size, why would you invest dozens of dollars in a fancy yarn to make a crooked scarf? In Knitting for Dummies, you get to practice your skills and learn knitting at the same time by knitting samples of different patterns. That's right, cheap samples with whatever cheap yarn you want. Sure, there are projects to try as well, but doing them isn't the only route to learning knitting skills.
4. Knitting for Dummies is comprehensive. This book covers everything from basic knitting and purling to knitting with color, finishing items, picking up stitches for collars and pockets, cable knitting, etc. It is also full of helpful tips for even a more experienced knitter, such as nifty ways to make edges of knitting neat and avoiding super-big holes in lace patterns. The beginning of the book has a glossary of techniques and a list of abbreviations, which is very handy.
Are there any negatives? Well, I did find two typos, but they were pretty obvious. I'm not crazy about the projects (scarves, couch cushions, simple bags, hats, sweaters, and socks) but fortunately you don't have to do the projects to learn (unlike most of the other beginner knitting books out there). Knitting for Dummies isn't as pretty as some of the other books, but trust me, pretty gets frustrating very quick if the instructions aren't clear. It doesn't have a spine that allows it to lie flat, but once again, if it lays flat but is full on nonsense, you don't want it anyway.
Overall, I taught myself to knit from the book in about one month, following it from the first page to the last (except skipping all the projects). I'm glad that it covered both ways of holding needles (English and Continental styles) because the Continental style felt much more natural to me but isn't that popular in the States. I don't know how this book would work for a left-handed knitter. Knitting for Dummies is not fancy, but it works!
-- my favorite beginner's knitting book -- 4/15/2004
I found the instructions to be clear and the projects to be very cute. Highly recommended!
-- Best knitting book on my bookshelf! -- 4/6/2004
I have been knitting for 40 years, since I was 8 years old. I have taught Adult Ed home ec classes in needlearts, and I have taught people from kids to seniors how to knit. I wish I had this book years ago! It is a wonderful resource in so many ways: great diagrams, easy to understand explanations, and stylish patterns that are easily accomplished for beginning to intermediate knitters. I am knitting one of the little multi-colored purses right now, and just love it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to knit or how to improve their knitting. It is a fantastic reference book, and I do have most of the well-known knitting reference books.
-- Knitting the Allen way... -- 3/11/2004
As an experienced knitter, I didn't think I would be interested in a "beginner's book" - but I was so wrong. While I don't like the title - the contents are clear, directions and information articulate and clearly advocate for the craft/art of knitting and those who are drawn to it.
Pam Allen helps to make so much of the basics of knitting accessible to almost anyone. I keep my copy by me as I knit - a silent but ready teacher.
I found it so useful, I bought my town library a copy.
-- Wonderful -- 2/17/2004
This book is wonderful - it taught me how to knit. It is straightforward, has clear pictures, and is easy to understand. I've gotten many other books since, and am happy I learned with this one. From a great author, it is unpretentious and very helpful.
-- Finally!! -- 1/30/2004
After years of trying learn to knit I've finally done it! This book is terrific. I've tried so many other books, web sites, even CD's with no luck. None other source has the clear, step-by-step instructions that are provided here. I love how there are projects (real things, not just giant scarves) at every skill level - most crafties want to be able to make something right away, not just keep plugging through more instructions. In addition, like others in the Dummies series, it is an easy to use and valuable reference book.
-- Inspiring.. but a little difficult to follow -- 1/29/2004
I was extremely happy to receive a "starter knit kit" that included this book. However, I barely went through a chapter before I was lost. Little details about holding the yarn and doing something as simple as casting on somehow got away from me. I was frustrated for a few days and then went to a site online, instantly printed out instructions and sat down to cast on my first rows without a problem. Now that I've been knitting for a few months I have gone back to the book many times for useful information, but did need a different explanation to get me off the ground. Even now that I know what I'm doing, I still can't follow how these directions would have made sense
-- A great book for Starters! -- 1/27/2004
I love this book. I wanted to pick up knitting and no matter how many times people showed me I couldn't pick it up. I have only had this book for 5 months now and have knitted a purse, change purse, makeup bag and scarves. I find it very easy to read and follow. I am getting ready to practice the other patterns they give. They have an extensive set of patterns to try and they are cute ones. I recommend this book if you want a great refrence to get started.
**Still a great book a year and a half later!**
-- Knitting For Dummies I have the New Book by The same Author -- 1/27/2004
I just Love this book, it is great! I have been knitting for the past 30 years but I really never learned to do the harder stitches in knitting but these books really helped me develope more skills!! I have yet to master the circular needles but I won't give up! I have a hard time coprehending information and this book really did help me understand better.I have allot of Dummie Books and I love them all!! I 'am just starting to learn how to quilt and even have that Dummie book, love it too!! hope this helps those who are beginning to knit! believe me!! I consider myself a beginner!! Thanks to this book I learned to do the cable stitch and made a sweater coat last year and gave it away as a gift! The person could'nt believe that I made it! Thank you Pam Allen!! Keep writting the books so I can keep buying them!!! Glenda
-- A great book to teach you the basics and help you go beyond -- 12/3/2003
Probably one of the best books to get you started with knitting and then take you beyond the basics to learn more advanced techniques and topics: color knitting; cables and other patterns; knitting on circular and double-pointed needles; and blocking and finishing a garment. A good first pick for your knitting library.
Has clear illustrations, a glossary of knitting techniques and abbreviations, and helpful tips. Like "Vogue Knitting," it's a good reference, but the advantage of this book is that it gives more info to help you get a real understanding of techniques that are new to you. Vogue Knitting is a bit drier. (Vogue Knitting's advantage is that it seems to cover a wider variety of techniques and has more info to help the knitter who wants to start designing his/her own knitwear.) Plus "Knitting for Dummies" is cheaper than Vogue Knitting.
Most chapters in Knitting for Dummies include practice projects at the end to help you learn the techniques described. The sweater pattern at the end is very clear and helpful, introducing the new knitter who isn't yet used to deciphering the alphabet-soup of a typical knitting pattern to each technique used and explaining the whys and wherefores of each step. The book also includes exercises to help with sore wrists and repetitive stress injuries.
-- If you are a beginner this is one of two books you must have -- 11/8/2003
This book is a must for beginners, along with the perpetual calender which showcases 365 different easy to learn stitches. Knitting for Dummies makes every aspect of knitting understandable. The pictures are excellent! I use this book as a reference all of the time. Anything you need to know is in this book! I wouldn't be knitting today without it. I have checked out many beginners books and none of them compare to this one! Definitely buy this!
-- Must have for beginners -- 7/9/2003
I took one lesson and bought this book to supplement. It's THE book for an absolute beginner to have. It very clearly explains the techniques, terms and necessary steps in order to start and complete a project. It has plenty of pictures (critical for a newbie) and a few projects to get you started.
-- A Great Book and Reference tool -- 5/2/2003
After trying over and over to learn how to knit I grew frustrated, then I bought this book. What a relief! I knit all the time now and whenever I have a question about a certain technique I refer back to this friendly manual. If you can't find someone to sit next to you and teach you to kniw-- buy this book its as close as you'll get to a real live knitting teacher.
-- Even I Learned to Knit -- 3/17/2003
Unlike crocheting, rug hooking, sewing, and quilting, KNITTING was the one thing I tried and miserably failed to learn growing up that I really wanted to. A "non-crafty" friend's recent conversion to knitting gave me the bravery to try, and after much comparison shopping I settled on this book. In less than a month, I've worked all the exercises in the first 5 chapters and have begun my first scarf. Good illustrations, very detailed explanation, lots of encouragement, and a good sense of humor have made this my favorite new hobby. Only downside, if any, is info on selecting needle size/length and yarn is not well covered before the exercises begin ... so, buy the book, spend a few bucks extra for real wool yarn, get nothing bigger than a Size 9 needle, and when you get to the Garter Ridge Scarf and you're buying your Size 8 needles, remember length matters ... 38 stitches cast on to 10-inch needles is a pretty tight squeeze. Should have gotten 12-inch needles for the scarf, but the book is definitely a keeper!
-- Apparently, this one is too smart for this "dummy" -- 3/16/2003
There are a lot of glowing reviews for this book. That's why I bought it to begin with. I am an experienced crafter and have successfully designed latch hook rugs for others, as well as done weaving, latch hook and other needle arts. I also have a college education and I actually read for a living, so reading comprehension is not a problem for me.
I had never knitted and wanted to learn -- ironically enough, to relax -- so I thought that buying this book would be a great way to get started. I have learned other crafts through books, and I didn't think this one would be any different.
Boy, was I wrong! After two frustrating days with "Knitting for Dummies," I am still on page 15, and I am about ready to throw it into the trashcan.
You would think that a book devoted soley to teaching people how to knit would have more than three -- THREE -- poorly drawn illustrations on the knit stitch.
But it doesn't.
You would think that to show people how to cast on, that the author would start with the easiest method first, with plenty of clear drawings.
But she doesn't.
You would also think that the needle wouldn't magically jump from one hand to the other in the illustrations of casting on, even though the written instructions with them say something totally different.
But I think you know by now that unfortunately, that's exactly what happens. (Check page 13, those of you who own it.)
If you are a person who needs visual aids to learn something new, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy this book. Find a video. Find a real live knitter. Call your local craft store and see if they can hook you up with someone who actually knows what they are doing for heaven's sake.
Ms. Allen, I'm sure, knows how to knit. But she sure doesn't know how to write a book that can teach this "dummy" how to.
-- Much better than its title -- 2/26/2003
I strongly recommend this book as a beginning reference. It's extremely clear, gives basic information I couldn't find anywhere else (like what to do when your gauge is off in only stitches, or only rows), and really good practical tips that I haven't seen anywhere else. Has good patterns to get you started also. I first bought a similar title (not "for dummies" but something similar- the covers are orange), and I took it back to the store and exchanged for this one, which is MUCH better.
-- A must Have for all Knitters -- 2/4/2003
I bought this shortly after I began knitting. It is a wonderful book with all sorts of techniques. It lets you make mistakes and there are easy finishing tips. I have seen this in many bookstores and I have even told others if you are going to buy a book to give you tips on knitting this is it.
-- good book for average beginners, but not for dummies! -- 12/22/2002
This is a great book if you wanna learn how to cast-on, cast-off, knit and purl. It teaches you how to do those things in great details!
But that only account for the first couple chapters.. the rest of the book, maybe its just me but it gets real difficult.
For someone like me, a real dummy, who has no one to actually show me some of the knitting technique, I have to learn everything from the book. Even though I do think the book would be a great reference for someone who already have a little knitting experience, it is still too much for a pure beginner
For example, some of the most basic detail, the author still fails to elaborate. (I still have trouble understand exactly how to do mattress seam.)
ANywayz, it is still a good book for beginner, if you have someone to teach you when you get stuck and don't have to completely rely on the book.
-- I am so thankful for this book -- 11/29/2002
I had never bought a "for dummies" book before, it seemed like conceding that I was slow at a particular topic... however, I saw all of the good reviews on this one and thought I might give it a shot. All of the other knitting books I read didn't explain things as they need to be explained to a beginner- even if they were meant for a beginner. It seems as though most authors forget how beginners think. This one is just great- friendly, lively tone, well paced, great illustrations. I am just so glad I own this book- it's one of my favorite knitting books I own, and I own a lot of them. I'd recommend this to any beginner as absolutely essential.
-- Good for beginners -- 11/24/2002
This is a good, basic book for someone just learning to knit, but it doesn't really offer anything I could see for anyone with a few years of experience. I picked up a few tips here and there, but not enough to be worth the purchase price.
-- Great for beginers -- 11/10/2002
I have never knitted before until I got this book. If you want to learn, buy this book. The pictures are great and explain everything step by step. If I can learn to knit anyone can.
-- A great beginner's reference -- 10/22/2002
Using only this book, I learned to knit. Now, of course, that's the point... But I have continued to use this book as a reference as I forge on to new patterns, etc. Not only did it teach me the basics of knitting (I didn't even know how to cast on before this book), but using it I have gone on to be able to use other books, free patterns, etc. to make sweaters, mittens, hats, booties--in all shapes and sizes, in only 6-7 months since first picking up this book.
Personally, as a beginner, I found many patterns initially confusing. All the abbreviations...and even after you translate the abbreviations, what on earth do they MEAN? This book will tell you. I would recommend reading the first few chapters before beginning anything (gives you the basics, saves on frustration), then reading on as needed... And I find myself looking things up in the index, etc. when I forget how to do a stitch, or when something just looks wrong. Maybe most importantly for a beginner; this book gives you tips on correcting MISTAKES. I know initially I would get frustrated when I would find a dropped stitch, or an added one... and think I had to tear everything out. This book helps. Plain english, and good pictures (even if they're just black and white) really help those of us who can't necessarily grasp concepts stated in just words. So particularly if knitting classes aren't available to you, or you don't have the time, money, etc. to take one, you can learn to knit all on your own with this book. I have surprised many of my female in-laws (all of whom have been knitting for a long time) with the things I've been able to make, and learning from a book in such a short time.
-- A great starting point! -- 9/22/2002
I've checked out the "Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting" before finding this one, and I have to say that this one takes the cake. It is much more thorough, much less confusing, and there seem to be fewer errors in the text. There were places in which the other guide left you wondering if you just couldn't get it, but with this one, Pam Allen spells it out for you beautifully, and takes you from beginning to sweaters and Fair Isle knitting. I'm only halfway through it, but I've already found it immensely helpful on knitting!
-- Great for Beginners -- 7/10/2002
I've always wanted to be able to knit and once I acquired Colonel (my bulldog) in an all night poker fiasco, I just knew I'd have to learn. You see, I can't have the Colonel stumbling around in the buff and buying dog outfits isn't something I would stoop to (even if I knew where or how). In any case, this book has come to the rescue!
Thanks to the clear, concise, and occasionally amusing writing of Pam Allen I've been able to knit several "uniforms" for the Colonel to strut around in. I've even become proficient enough knit is name into his new uniforms (in case visitors don't recognize the rank). He sure looks good with "Colonel" emblazened across his backside. "Knitting for Dummies" is a great beginning book on knitting and very easy (and enjoyable) to read. Instructions are easy to follow and the diagrams/pictures provide ample guidance to help even the maladroit. Heck, I knew nothing about knitting before purchasing this book and now I'm knitting all kinds of costumes for my bulldog and knitted caps for when I get cold. Even my indolent (and insolent) wife asked me to knit a costume for her annoying tabby Bobo. Unfortunately, she's not convinced that the knitted name on his costume ("Boob") was a misspelling.
-- Pam Allen is my Hero! -- 5/28/2002
If you've always wanted to learn how to knit or have taken a night course and want to learn more/better techniques (like me), you have got to buy this book. I first read about Pam in Melanie Falick's Book Knitting in America, and have come to be a great fan. She breaks down knitting from the types of yarn to the first cast on stitch to elaborate techniques in a simple, non-threatening way. She also shows how to correct mistakes (a given for the beginner!) and explains circular knitting and its applications in simple terms. It is by far the best knitting resource I have come across. I've tried Elizabeth Zimmerman (too advanced and too smug in tone) and Marie Rigghetti (too by-the-book) as well as others and have learned more from this book than any other. For anyone who has ever shed a tear over a dropped stitch or said, "I wish I could make that", this is the book for you! I can't recommend this book enough.
-- Ideal for beginners but great reference book intermediates -- 4/25/2002
I skipped buying this book several times since I consider myself to be an intermediate knitter and I felt that I did not need another learn to knit book. My book shelf is already full of them since I am a book-taught knitter. It wasn't until I thumbed through it in a book store that I realized what a useful book this is.
There is little chitchat, the instructions are clear and to the point. It gives little details that I wish I had known when i began knitting. (Such as what knitting through the back means and how to keep from creating unwanted stitches in ribbing, two things that caught me up) There is a great variety of projects. The book is divided into sections, basic knitting, cables, lace, color and so one. Each section has at least two beginner projects. Bags, hats and scarves. While the bags and scarves were very nice, I found the hats a bit too wild for my taste. But since there are so many projects to choose from, this really is not a problem.
And, once the new knitter's confidence is up, there are three sweater patterns to try out as well as socks and from-the-top-down hat.
As I said before, this book covers almsot anything a knitter will need to know to get up past intermediate including short rows and intarsia. There is no coverage for such newer techniques and entrelac and intarsia-in-the-round (some say THAT is impossible but others swear by it) but as a rule, such techniques are not used much in the first year of knitting. Also, this book certainly has the younger knitter in mind with its patterns. Just something to keep in mind.
This book is a very complete knitting reference with clear instructions and good illustrations. However, when learning this or any craft from a book, I suggest buying more than one book on the subject so you can compare intructions, get a second opinion, etc. This book is a great place to start you on the road to knitting. Have fun!
-- Excellent book -- 4/11/2002
Excellent book for beginners. It included some very good tips and techniques. My only quibble (the only one) is the chapter on knitting using circular needles is skimpy. For example: I couldn't find instructions on how to join the circle after casting.
-- A must for the beginning knitter! -- 3/8/2002
I just re-taught myself to knit, waiting 24 years since my mother first taught me to "cast-on" and "knit" to actually practice the craft and make a scarf. This book has excellent directions and photographs to explain and display how to make different stitches and prevent (or correct) mistakes. It is an essential for the self-taught beginner, as well as Vogue's Guide to Knitting (which I had to buy at auction)! I am now ready to begin my first sweater! (Let's keep our fingers crossed!)
-- Best Learn to Knit Book -- 3/1/2002
This new book by Pam Allen is one of the best books for beginning knitters I have ever seen. Like all in the "Dummies" series, it is set up clearly and has excellent diagrams and pictures. "Knitting for Dummies" will guide the knitting newbie through all those rough spots that knitters experience at first. Pam is a super designer, a superb knitting teacher, and a wonderful person; her keen sense of humor and fun peeps through, and keeps you going. The projects she includes are fun and truly easy. This is not your Grandmother's learn to knit book!
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