Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook
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Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook

3.99 of 5 stars 3.99  ·  rating details  ·  2,852 ratings  ·  348 reviews
Knitting is hot, with 4 million newcomers in the last few years joining a core group of 38,000,000 knitters nationwide. And these are primarily young, creative, connected chicks with sticks who are coming together in living rooms, knitting cafes, and chic yarn stores, and making everything from funky hats to bikinis.
In "Stitch 'n Bitch," Debbie Stoller-founder o...more
Paperback, 248 pages
Published September 3rd 2004 by Workman Publishing (first published September 29th 2000)
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Stitch 'n Bitch by Debbie StollerElizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth ZimmermannKnitting Without Tears by Elizabeth ZimmermannKnitting Rules! by Stephanie Pearl-McPheeThe Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
Must-have Knitting Books
1st out of 49 books — 39 voters
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth ZimmermannStitch 'n Bitch by Debbie StollerKnitting Without Tears by Elizabeth ZimmermannYarn Harlot by Stephanie Pearl-McPheeOne Skein by Leigh Radford
Knitting Nonfiction
2nd out of 52 books — 45 voters


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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,741)
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Dyah
Dyah rated it 3 of 5 stars
Shelves: artsncrafts
Debbie Stoller berusaha mempopulerkan kembali kerajinan merajut karena ia melihat kegiatan ini dipandang sebelah mata dan dianggap tidak cool, 'terlalu kewanitaan, terlalu oldies'. Sebagai seorang aktivis feminis ia tidak rela akan bias gender masyarakat terhadap kegiatan merajut. Tulisnya, "why couldn't we all -- women and men alike -- take the same kind of pride in the work our mothers had always done as we did in the work of our fathers?".

Beberapa tahun yang lalu ia mul...more
O'Donovan
O'Donovan rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: beginning knitters, style kitten knitters, endocrinologists
I'm not saying I wouldn't have learned to knit without this book, but I certainly wouldn't have had as much fun and I wouldn't have gotten up and running so quickly.

Some good patterns mixed with some completely impractical ones (although, if you're the sort of person who wants to spend time knitting a pair of sweatbands, you're probably the sort of person who might wear them too, which makes them practical in an odd way).

But the clear, basic instructions for knitting skil...more
Lilly G
not your grandma's knitting book!

this is an excellent knitting 101 primer, and i'm not just a member, i'm the fan club president. it made a knitter out of me. who else can explain stitches to you using When Harry Met Sally?! idiot-proof instructions to get you on your way and a great reference book to keep coming back to to brush up. the patterns are actually something you would make (witness the very cute wristbands i knit my first week) and the illustrations are very clear. yay ...more
Jennifer
Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: Knitters
Shelves: knitting, non-fiction
This book opened my eyes to so many possibilities in knitting! Having grown up in the 70's with garish acrylic yarn afgans on the back of the couch of not only our home but every home I went to and every home on tv... to open this book and see what people thought up? Awesome! It's hipster knitting at it's best- because it's not Hipster SNOTTY!

I have made the Hot Head hat in this book several times. The patterns are well written by actual knitters. Debbie Stoller has a wonderful writ...more
Samantha
Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars
Shelves: knit-craft
This book has more potential than it lives up to. It was the first knitting book I ever bought and I relied heavily on its instructions for how to knit/purl. As a result I can knit, but my purl is backwards (not a knit, not a purl, something peculiar - but effective as far as I'm concerned). I've since found better instructions on the internet.

I appreciate the attempt to create a guide for the 'younger' set, but besides the scarves, there are no patterns I'd care to follow. Skul...more
Adriana
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Kat
Kat rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: reference
Very easy and fun to read. I know some people have trouble learning to knit from a book, but I found SnB to be very accessible; Deb Stoller really gives you all the basic tools you need to go off and start knitting. Her writing style is laid-back and humorous while still being informative -- and I loved all of her little illustrations. I was 18 when I learned how to knit, and it was nice to have a book that wasn't geared toward old ladies with old lady patterns. (No offense to any old ladies...more
Abigail
I moved into my aunt and uncle's attic seven winters ago, graduated from college but without a job. No friends except my five-month-old cousin (who was good company, but still!). I had never lived in Minnesota before, but I had heard that the winters were long, cold, and dark. I decided to take up a hobby. Given my newfound nordic surroundings, I thought knitting was just the thing.

I didn't have the money to take a class, so I checked out Stitch 'n Bitch from the library and got ...more
Riona
Riona rated it 4 of 5 stars
Shelves: crafts
I've recently taken up knitting again, so I checked this book out of the library, having heard great things about it over the years. It's super informative, with neat drawings, photos, and diagrams as well as very clear text that explains all steps in detail. There are lots of useful tips and it's all presented in a cute, witty way. Apparently I knit wrong, though, so I may need to unlearn and relearn some things. I'm not very advanced at all so that shouldn't be a problem.

Almost all...more
just sarah
in my opinion, this is the best basic knitting book on the market. the illustrations are easy to understand, the instructions are clear and the patterns are fun & funky. it was perfect for me when i was a newbie & continues to be my reference book of choice for all the basics i forget from project to project. if i could only own one knitting book, this would be the one.
Lisa
Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars
I'm so inspired after visiting Hill Country Weavers in Austin (http://www.hillcountryweavers.com/main/) and talking with knitting buddies Kristen and Chaiti!

The instructions in this book are clear and I look forward to making some of the patterns... but does anyone actually wear knit bikinis? Ew.
Joline Pruitt
I haven't followed any of the patterns yet, but I love this book without them. The author has a PhD in psychology of women and is the founder of a feminist magazine called BUST, which also happens to be very cool. Along with some of her own family history, which I thoroughly enjoyed, she gives a short history of knitting. Who knew that Egyptians knitted blue and white socks in 1000 A.D.?! I also loved the American Red Cross poster from WWI asking women to "Knit Your Bit" because "...more
C(h)ristine
I was looking to learn how to knit and was recommended this book as a learning manual by both a friend and a reliable knitting store in my neighborhood. And so I enthusiastically purchased it.

I have to say that for cold start beginners (I knew how to crochet had NEVER knitted before, had never closely inspected anyone knit before), you're better off watching a video of knitwitch.com (which is really how I learned how to cast, knit, and purl--it's an amazing site!) It's just way t...more
Margot
A phenomenal book for anyone new to the world of knitting. Stitch 'N Bitch explains every stitch and technique in a clear and easily understandable way. The book is written so that it's actually a fun read at the same time as being extremely informative. I actually just read it cover to cover (aside from the patterns at the back of the book, which I plan to make my way through in due time). The book also includes sections on further on additional knitting reference books and joining knitting com...more
Meredith
This wasn't the first knitting book I bought, but it's the first I've certainly dog-eared and loved. And it's the one I recommend to friends who are just starting out.

The first part of the book is great. Some parts are Stoller's personal narrative, which is actually very nice. Most of it covers the basic techniques in a clear, detailed and well organized way.

After that, it jumps into the patterns. While I don't love every pattern, I think it's a well edited range of proj...more
Kate
Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars
I was really happy with this book! Granted it's a little hard to learn techniques from a book, but I think Stitch 'N Bitch gets as close to perfect as a book can. The snarky 'tude maintained throughout the book only adds to the delightful how-to's and also serves to provide several clever (and cute!) mnemonic devices. There's also a short history of knitting in the first chapter and a very touching personal account of the author's relationship to her grandmother and also to knitting.

...more
Johnida
Johnida rated it 3 of 5 stars
Shelves: crafts, knitting
This was the first real knitting how-to + projects book I ever purchased. I actually bought it before I had taken any knitting classes in the hope that I would be able to teach myself. Ultimately, that little plan didn't work out. I also attempted a pattern from this book as one of my first non-supervised projects: a felted bag. Despite my vast lack of knowledge and expertise, the bag turned out pretty well, but I ended up donating it to Goodwill.

There are a few intriguing patterns i...more
Carolynz
Carolynz rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: knitting
In my opinion, Deb is the reason a new generation of people started knitting in the past decade. She literally is the reason I started knitting. I don't think the recent hurricane of interest in fiber arts would have been as big with out her.

From her sly inclusion of knitting patterns in Bust magazine over the years, to my own hands on learning from her during a moment in time when I belonged to the NYC Stitch'N Bitch, I give her 100% credit for my personal interest in the sport. He...more
Joanie
Joanie rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: non-fiction, own
I have to say that for a beginning knitter, this book is great. It has simple, step by step instructions on just about all aspects of knitting. While I don't know that I could have picked it up if I didn't have someone also showing me in person, the book has been a huge help when I'm sitting there by myself trying to figure out what to do next. With it, I was able to learn to cast on and bind off by myself though so maybe the book would be enough for someone looking to do it on their own. Som...more
Hollie
Hollie rated it 5 of 5 stars
One of the first knitting books I discovered that was actually COOL...before the yarn-crafting revolution of the last few years made it easier to find patterns that were hip, youthful, and well-fit. Debbie definitely led that revolution.

The humor, easy explanations, and fashionable project ideas motivated me to learn the craft. A few years later and I can do pretty much anything with 2 sticks and a ball of string. Things that are actually cute, and that are definitely not gross, boxy...more
Catherine
Catherine is currently reading it
So far I have learned to knit a scarf. Well, any kind of rectangle. I knit in the English style, but I am getting ready to teach myself the continental. I can knit and purl in English. I can change colors, start a new ball, do stripes. Sounds impressive, but they are all the same thing, really. I can also do stockinette, rib and seed stitch. Also sounds impressive, but it is really just knit and purl in different orders. Basically I am the most beginningest of all knitters. And I starte...more
Erin
Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars
The book that taught me to knit. It might sound like learning to knit from a book would be difficult, but I found it to be really effective and straightforward. Granted, I kind of gave up the first time -- but not because of the book; I was just frustrated with my own beginner slowness, and crochet was so much easier and faster. But after a little break -- during which I read Stoller's book on crochet, The Happy Hooker, and spent a lot of time crocheting -- I revisited the book and knitting, and...more
KatieCamarena
Knitting is not just for grandmothers anymore. This book is great for a beginner and someone who wants to knit for a younger crowd. The first half of the book consists of directions for the basic stitches, increasing and decreasing, sewing seams, and other basic knitting skills. What I liked about this section was the pictures--you can actually see the stitches up close and what the finished product is supposed to look like (unlike the cheap how-to book that came with a kit I bought). The second...more
Karen
Stich 'n Bitch teaches knitting with clarity and wit. The instructions make knitting seem less scary, and the illustrations are helpful--you can tell what piece of yarn is s'posed to go where. Also, the projects look great. Even if you never get around to making them, you can look at them and think, "Yeah, next year I'll be good enough to make that!" Finally, I like some of the extra material in the book, such as the list of famous knitters. Now I can say that I have something in commo...more
Jennifer
This book outlines knitting basics for beginners really well. I've been knitting on and off since my freshman year of college, so I frequently forget the basics and feel I'm still a beginner at it. This book gives clear directions for fun projects. It's my go-to book when I have questions about knitting in general too. I think some of the projects aren't really my cup of tea (a knitted bikini? really?) but there are many others I hope to make. Plus, there certainly a lot of room for variety (jus...more
Liz
Liz rated it 5 of 5 stars
I bought this book 4.5 years ago and started the basic swatch and put it down proclaiming knotting as BORING! But, when I found out I was pregnant this time, I felt an incredible itch to knit (go figure). So, I picked it back up and started with the projects they suggest, with the yarn and large-size needles they suggest. I am hooked. I have already made 3 projects from the book and I'm going to start my fourth this month. A great reference book and trendy patterns.
Mimi
Mimi rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: art-craft, how-to
I knew that basics of knitting... really basic basics, but wanted to become a "knitter." So one day when I was sick and wrapped up in a blanket I decided to start from the beginning and work my way through. Debbie is so witty and down to earth that learning to knit was a really simple and fun process. Much like sitting down with a friend and learning. I highly recommend this for a first time knitter. It really launches you off into the world of knits!
Mel
Mel rated it 5 of 5 stars
Love, love, love this book. This is my third time trying to teach myself how to knit and this book is what finally helped me succeed. A great guide with lots of pictures and helpful descriptions on pretty much every topic you need to get started and then some. There are also several cute patterns included to get you started. Highly recommended for those interested in learning to knit, or those wanting some additional tips and recommendations.
Katharyn
Katharyn rated it 3 of 5 stars
Shelves: crafts
A great book for women who are starting to knit, or preferably have a small amount of knitting knowledge and want to become a knitting queen.

More of a work book than a knitting guide, better to sit down with your needles and scrap yarn and do everything in the book. Layout is not friendly for those trying to look up how to do one thing; most male knitter's I know do not like the book for that reason.

Patterns are fun and funky
Stacy Pershall
I love this book! I've made five of the patterns in it, and they all came out beautifully. The illustrations are very clear and ideal for the beginning knitter. Plus, Debbie Stoller is just funny and awesome (read BUST!) If you're just starting out and you can only buy one knitting book, buy this one.

Her crochet book, Happy Hooker, is great too -- I taught myself how to crochet in a night using only that book (no web videos needed!)
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Stoller is the co-founder, co-owner, and editor-in-chief of the third wave feminist, popular culture magazine Bust magazine.
More about Debbie Stoller...
Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker Stitch 'n Bitch Nation Son of Stitch 'n Bitch Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics [With 41 Patterns] The Bust DIY Guide to Life: Making Your Way Through Every Day

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It's the shizKNIT!!!
It's the shizKNIT!!!
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last activity Dec 18, 2011 06:04pm
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