Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book

by Vogue Knitting

With input from more than 50 leading specialists, no other book covers the field so comprehensively. Need guidance on yarns, needles, tools, basic techniques, specialized applications, terminology? It’s in here—with lots more, from diagnostics to blocking to designs. “This indispensable reference has...up-to-the-minute designer patterns.”--Family Circle Homecrafts. “The ultimate reference guide.”--House & Garden Magazine.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Reference, Nonfiction, Art, How To, Sewing

351 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Vogue Knitting is SoHo Publishing's flagship title. Launched over twenty-five years ago, VK has set the bar for knitting, working with the biggest and most talented names in fashion today, including Michael Kors and Anna Sui. Led by Editor Trisha Malcolm, VK is published quarterly.

Reviews

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though they deserve to relinquish a star for declaring themselves "Ultimate" (because it just ain't true), this is a very important book for your knitting reference library. I read it cover to cover for my TKGA Master Handknitter program, and it's one of the most influential books in my knitwear design studies. Even if you only want to knit others' patterns, it's useful when you're in a bind—not only over binding-off. The descriptions are clear and concise, and the index is straightforward (an important point when you want to get right to it). And I assuredly recommend this for anyone who wants to master the craft.

[Lisa]

Clearly organized with a nice layout and helpful illustrations. The book seems fairly thorough, at least to a novice knitter. The book's a little clunky for easy reference, the downside to its large format. (I noticed that Vogue Knitting published a smaller version of this book.) It does seem a little dated—there's a page on how to knit shoulder pads!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

it really is that good!

[Alice Seidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably THE premier knitting book out there. Everything is here, from how to choose yarn and needles to picking cute patterns and knitting stitches to start with. There really is nothing you won't find here, and if you are looking to learn how to knit, or improve your already good skills, this is the one book you can't do without.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful book, especially for beginners, explaining all knitting terminology, models, with visual examples.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly useful

This book changed my mind about the Vogue label. I half expected a lot of gloss and advertisements. Was I ever wrong and surprised? This book is well-designed and informative. The pictures are clear, and the variety is astounding. If you ever dream about going beyond Afghans this is the book to inspire you.

What I found interesting were the two ways to hold needles, English, and continental. Now when I watch old movies, I look at the way the needles are held. Naturally, Aunt Jane Marple holds needles the English way.

[Peep1031 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those references you should have on your shelf if you are a knitter. It covers the basics with clear diagrams. It has a very comprehensive discussion on sweater construction and design, and a pretty extensive stitch encyclopedia. I like the patterns included in this version. For the most part they are very classic and can be easily modified for modern details.

[Mmfniteowl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a $39.95 book. But what a book it is. This book is good for a novice knitter to have in his/her library. Covers everything. But, it also has enough things in for the advanced knitter. All in all, a wonderful reference book. I checked it out from the library to see if it was a good book to add to my library. It certainly is and will show up on my Christmas list.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is an essential book.

[Jonna Gjevre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid reference.

[Leslie J Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most useful knitting reference.

[GladysNight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I don't get every issue of Vogue Knitting magazine. This is a good book. I like some of the patterns in it.

[KnitterGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Vogue, even though it's a bit pricey. The hardcovers are less expensive than a subscription over time. Vogue recycles their pattern from the magazine to the print books eventually.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another inspirational knitting reference.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book covers a lot of topics. If you had a book of knit stitches as a supplement, you could probably start designing your own patterns.

[EditorDevil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for knitting lovers. It covers all the basic knitting techniques from casting on to making buttonholes you need to know before you flying with your knitting skills. Happy knitting with no pain.

[Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not so bad, it may deserve more than the two stars I'm giving it. The reasons I rate it with such a bad score are:

1. Claims by the publishers such as "the ultimate book..." or "no other book covers the field so comprehensively" are plain lies, this book is anything but comprehensive and there are much more complete books out there.

2. I regret buying this book, not only because there are better books than this one, but mostly because the instructions are so brief and incomplete that more often than not, when trying to use it, I've found myself being forced to look for another source (either another book or the Internet).

The only thing good about this book is that it comes with lots of illustrations. I think this must be the reason people like it so much, after all we, human beings, are visual learners. Unfortunately, my experience is that these illustrations are not enough to make the book readable. The downside of it is that illustrations occupy a lot of space and in order to include them the authors chose to cut heavily on the text.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five star rating is based more on my affinity for this book due to the fact that it was the book I learned to knit from while being taught by someone else. The book is good for someone who has someone teaching them and they only need to refer to what the knitting shorthands mean. Though there are ok picture diagrams for basic techniques. There is an ok stitch dictionary, but I have never done a project from the book. Vogue works with the most up to date fashions, but this also means most of their projects go out of style in a few months. Thus the projects looked dated by the time I got the book. In short this book is great reference for someone who already knows how to knit or for someone who has a teacher, but would like a reference for when they are working alone. I would not recommend this book if you want to learn how to knit.

[Tonileg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vogue Knitting book is a comprehensive introduction to knitting for beginners and there is also a great photo/chart/explanation of lots of different cords, patterns, techniques to personalize your favorite patterns. This is not a pattern book, but a reference for knitters.
There is a little history of European knitting, basic to advanced techniques, correcting errors, and the important finishing and blocking techniques which is so so difficult to master!
Designing is discussed as well as embellishments (once again for personalizing your patterns or even store bought sweaters).
279 pages and hardback square-ish format book
3 stars

[Destiny Dawn Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for something entertaining, this isn't the book you want. But, if you are looking for a comprehensive reference that you can use from beginner through advanced knitting skill, this is a great selection. Recently, whenever I've had a question about a technique, I check this book. I also consulted it quite a bit when I decided to try my hand at designing my own toddler dress pattern (turned out beautifully).

If you're looking for a gift to give to a knitter, this would be an excellent choice.

I'm going to be heartbroken when I move and can't borrow my MIL's copy anymore.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my #1 knitting guide. It has clear, easy to understand instructions (with pictures) of basic and not-so-basic knitting techniques, plus a huge section on knit patterns and the basics on making a sweater -- if you get that ambitious. I refer to this book anytime I'm returning to knitting after a long break and need to remember how to do intarsia or other nifty knitting tricks. I highly recommend this book!

[Meredith Henning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is also lovely and a no nonsense stratight forward knitting book from beginner to advanced techniques! Excellent photographs of the stitches being knit and finishing work. There's also a beautiful section in the beginning on the History of Knitting, hmmm, I'm sensing a knitting unit coming on :)

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading many reviews I decided to add this to my knitting library. Three words (for the knitter): best book ever. It's got a little bit of everything, from beginner to advanced. It won't have "this is how to knit a sweater or socks," but it does offer a mini stitchionary,knit care, finishing, etc.

I have several "how to" books and this is by far the best.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good reference guide. I don't use it often, but it is occasionally useful to look up a specific technique or to peruse the stitch library. It a classic book and a general worthwhile investment, but I tend to recommend other books for those asking about specific topics or those who are new knitters.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really simple instructions laid out smartly. This was a good "teach yourself how to knit" book for me. Many other books I looked at lacked the detailed cartoon illustrations that made this one easy to use.

I don't think it matters if you use this outdated book just to learn how to knit. Just use it for basics and look elsewhere for modern inspiration.

[Victoria Evangelina Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot claim reading this book from cover to cover, let alone, practicing all the secrets it shares. BUT, I looked closely enough through it to realize, that this is THE ultimate knitting guide, clearly and fully answering ANY question one might has. The illustrations and photos are superb. A gorgeous reference book.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of useful info about pretty much everything related to knitting. Stitches, constructions for all sorts of garments and accessories, etc. It's also got tons of details on sweater elements, like plackets, pockets, necklines, and more. The sweater section is quite hefty. There's also a lot of interesting history on different knitted items.

[Chelsea Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been able to decipher knitting patterns... until now. This manual describes every knitting technique under the sun with very understandable instructions and photographs. My knitting has become much more fun and exciting!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't looked through this edition of Vogue Knitting. My version is 1989.

This is the one book on my knitting shelves that I value above all others. Although I have a number of other knitting books, this one is the most complete overall resource I've found.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource. Only a handful of full patterns. Mostly how to, what to do, and texture patterns. Great for when you make a mistake, a lot of pictures, or making wash/dish cloths, or to build a scarf from.