The Knitter's Handbook: Essential Skills & Helpful Hints from Knitter's Magazine

by Elaine Rowley

The best articles in Knitter's Magazine 's technique section "Knitting School" are included in this collection of step-by-step instructions on the essential skills of knitting. From casting on the first stitch to fancy stitch maneuvers, a range of key expertises are discussed with pointers that will help knitters prevent problems, fix mistakes, and create flawless projects. Updated information on industry standards in yarn weights, fit and sizing, and skill levels are provided.

Genres: Knitting, Reference, Crafts

128 pages, Spiral-bound

First published June 1, 2005

About the author

One of the original three founders and often referred to as the 'R' in XRX publications, Elaine Rowley has been an editor since the founding of Knitters Universe. She says 'We have knitters in mind' and clearly that has been her focus long before she met David Xenakis and Alexis Xenakis. She met them in her shop 'The Golden Fleece', encouraged them in their crafts, and eventually they founded XRX in the basement of the shop.

Elaine stays busy editing books, and is still a contributing voice in the fiber world more than 100 issues of that first issue of Knitters Universe later.

Reviews

[Apryl Anderson]

It's quite impressive how much comprehensive instruction can fit between two covers. The diagrams are the clearest that you'll find in any knitting reference, with concise definitions to talk you through the steps. The spiral binding is useful for keeping your place as you work along, but oh the squeak of turning pages is like fingernails on the blackboard to me! Never mind; I grin and bear it as I hone my craft.

[Katie]

Found this to be a very helpful and thorough collection of terms, techniques, and advice. Drawings and photos are simple but effective. Good for beginner, intermediate, even as a reference guide for more advanced knitters. I think this would be a good addition to any knitter's resources.

[Liz]

I like the spiral-bound format since it makes it easy to hold your knitting and try a technique at the same time. I think it could have contained a bit more, but for a beginner, this is a nice reference to have. Includes color pictures to show how the described technique looks on a true knit piece. Also has instructions for 3-needle-bind-off...which is always nice for this beginner.

[Diane]

A decent, but short, review of basic knitting stitches, how-to section on fixing mistakes and a list of classic knitting abbreviations.

[Monica]

this is a Great Book that i would say is completely comprehensive, but for the missing chapter on darning

[Ally Belser]

My go-to book for knitting instruction.