The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits: Patterns for Babies and Toddlers

by Julie Carles, Jordana Jacobs

Hip designs and simple patterns are hallmarks of the Yarn Girls’ style—the very things that made their first book, The Yarn Girls’ Guide to Simple Knits , a smash hit with knitters of every stripe. Now Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs return with a whole new collection of fast-knitting, colorful patterns, this time for the littlest members of the family.

Forget about baby-weight yarn and fussy patterns for sweaters that are quickly outgrown. Created in the Yarn Girls’ signature style, with fabulous yarns and big needles, these projects are perfect for new knitters who want to see their creations shape up quickly. And for experienced knitters, more advanced patterns explore changes in color and texture and allow for plenty of experimentation on a manageable, kid-sized scale. Patterns include a variety of pullovers and cardigans, plus hats, dresses, blankets, and even ponchos, all perfectly suited to babies and toddlers. Best of all, the sweater patterns are great for boys and girls, making this collection versatile enough to use again and again.

Many of the projects take just days to complete, and all are presented with easy-to-follow steps accompanied by beautiful photography. With straightforward, jargon-free instructions, plenty of personal knitting stories, and old-fashioned encouragement, success is a foregone conclusion. Never will kids look more adorable, or more comfortable, than in these smart, easy-to-make knits.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2004

Reviews

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Yarn Girls series delivers! I've enjoyed all of their books so far, they don't disappoint. I got this from the library the other day, though clearly I didn't need any more books right now!! I'm addicted to knitting pattern books, apparently. The projects in here are simply adorable! There's mostly sweaters for babies and toddlers, which are a bit over my head. But I found two patterns for baby blankets that I really like. I'm getting bored with scarves (it's about time!) so maybe that's what I will move towards next.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing for me.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! The designs are easy and use nice, chunky yarn so they knit quickly. The garments are classic so your kids won't wind up scarred for life after wearing them. Nothing goofy looking in here!

It's nice that the book isn't just for babies. Many knitting books are, and they don't include patterns for the bigger kids, but this one only goes up to sizes for three-year-olds. It would have been great to go beyond the toddler stage and include stuff for 4-6 year olds, as well since books tend to be for babies, 10 year olds, or adults. There isn't much for the preschoolers.

Overall, though, nice book! Lovely patterns!

[Lee]

I'm skimming through this quickly because it's a library book due back soon. I love the dress on the cover and may attempt it at a later date. There is a decent how-to section at the front of the book and the patterns and photos inside are really adorable. The book focuses on sweaters with a few hat, dress and blanket patterns at the end. Nice yarn choices showing the item knitted in colours for both sexes.

[Melissa Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a beginner knitter I have found the beginning of this book very useful w/ its easy to follow illustrations and simple instructions on how to knit. Plus there was a nice guide to all the knitting abbreviations, which one would find in patterns. The pictures in the book were beautiful. I loved some of the sweater patterns and will be keeping this book in mind to a poncho pattern for a my daughter when she's older.

[Sydney-Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with loads of fantastic and fun patterns. All of them are fairly easy to create yourself if you have basic knitting knowlege. The best part is that these all knit up rather quickly so you are not spending forever making a sweater, only to have the baby grow out of it instantly, or worse, be too big before you finish the sweater.

[Mashmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

great, simple patterns with regular sized yarn. I've made two baby sweaters and two hats from this book. Has some of the best finishing instructions I've found. They do use much more expensive yarns than I can afford, but my results have been good. I would love to read more of their books.

[Molly Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the jester hat, it was very easy and quick to make. i think i've made about 5 for presents so far. a very good pattern for beginners or advanced who want to take on an easy project.

[Drusilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great patterns for children!