Speed Knitting: 24 Quick and Easy Projects

by Kris Percival, Randy Stratton (Illustrator), Sheri Giblin (Photographer)

For those with lots of ambition but just a little bit of time, Speed Knitting pulls together 24 stunning projects that take from a few hours to a weekend at most. Whether it's a chic capelet or adorable baby booties, these cozy and stylish patterns make the most of big needles and cuddly, chunky yarns, so busy knitters can make the most of their valuable time. There's a pattern here for every skill leveland for every occasion. The Toddler Tank Dress makes an adorable shower gift; the Men's Crew Neck Sweater is the perfect surprise for dear old dad; and the Button-up Pillow Cover is an easy-to-achieve housewarming present. With the help of simple diagrams, gorgeous photos of each finished project, a comprehensive techniques section, and straightforward language throughout (none of those confusing abbreviations), Speed Knitting makes it a pleasure to whip up warm and woolly masterpieces.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction

132 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2006

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a couple cute projects in here, but most of them are "meh" for me. :P

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some cute patterns in this book and I'm glad I looked at it. It does go beyond simply oversizing everything to work with chunky yarn/needles in order to satisfy the "quick" tag. There are patterns with grace and symmetry, something often lacking in "quick" patterns.
However, I realized that there wasn't a single pattern in it that I don't already know how to do without a pattern. So, for me, it's not a good buy - really glad I checked it out from the library!
For new knitters or those who are married to written patterns I would recommend it without hesitation.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun little book, the layout design is very modern and colorful, you can't help but feel warm while glancing through this book. The patterns in this book were pretty simple, but still resourceful and amusing. I saw a couple things that I might like to knit in the future. Overall I would probably recommend this book.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[yoli · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is all right. If you like knitting big and chunky, this is the book for you. It’s got all sorts of patterns, from wristlets to pillow throws, clothing for people and animals of all sizes to even a few felted projects. Just not particularly inspiring. I made their wristlets but nothing else really caught my eye.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm working on my fourth project from this book, the patterns are easy to follow and pretty neato. Thus far, i've made the hooded mitten scarf (it's my snow queen scarf), a shawl for jessie's little girl, i used the pattern for the bobble purse to make a scarf, and i'm currently working on a sweater-wrap thingy for jessie's smurfday!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures are beautiful yarn porn with brilliant colors, and the patterns go beyond the usual "use chunky yarn, big needles, and knit something easy, ta da it'll be quick". The instructions are very clear and the obligatory back of the book how to knit section is a lot better than many others I've seen. That said, I don't think I want to make any of these things.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

These projects look fun and fairly easy. My only gripe is that by "speed knitting" the authors just mean "knitting with superbulky yarn and enormous needles," and there isn't much more to it than that.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good variety of projects using large needles - mostly 17s - with bulky yarn. Some accessories, apparel and gifts.

[Leanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few cute patterns, but everything was pretty basic. I also don't care for books that combine knit and crochet.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed like it would be perfect for the beginning knitter but everything seemed to be done on gigantic needles or huge circular needles and all patterns called for yarn the size of a garden hose.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice book with some easy patterns, using thick (or bulky) yarns to make things. The items were pretty cute.

[hidwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great patterns! I made the mossy scarf and hat. The hat took only 3 hours to complete. I'll definatelty be checking this out from the library again.

[Anne]

Out of 24 projects I only found 2 of interest: a scarf-hat and maybe the messenger bag. The scarf-hat was of slightly more interest.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Using mostly bulky and super-bulky yarn, none of these patterns really appeals to me.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bulky yarn projects. So really more quick project to knit and finish in a short time. This is not about how to knit more quickly.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

great, quick, easy projects for newbie knitters like me.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic patterns - but more importantly, speedy patterns.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice projects - not for the beginner