Getting Started Knitting

by Jennifer Worick

Like a fun, gossipy friend who knows how to knit, this guide gently initiates novice knitters by getting them comfortable with the rhythm of casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, and binding off—before graduating to simple projects that introduce rib, seed, stockinette, and garter stitches on straight, circular, and double-pointed needles. Advancing from the ribbed scarf and roll-brim hat to "Ballet School Dropout Leg Warmers" and "Belle of the Ball Cardigan," lessons also cover shopping, chart-reading, weaving in ends, starting a new ball of yarn, blocking, and adding zippers and buttons. The appendices offer further enlightenment—with a glossary of knitting lingo, a plan for "The Knitter's Pantry," and a guide to undoing mistakes.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction

136 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

I write. That’s rather obvious. Mostly I write about things that blow my skirt up. Humor is a big—huge—part of everything I do. But then there’s that soft, squishy sentimental part of me that can’t help but rear its heartfelt head. And since I like to tell people what to do every chance I get, I write a lot of how-to books, blogs, and articles.

Humorous. Heartfelt. How-to. Three great tastes that taste great together, at least in my cereal bowl.

So let’s get down to it. I know you don’t have all day to ogle my bio, as much as a girl can dream. Here’s what you should know off the bat: I’m the New York Times best-selling author of more than 25 books and, per Reader’s Digest, one of the four funniest bloggers in the US. Pretty cool, eh?

I’ve written on everything under the sun for national magazines and websites like The Huffington Post, Allure, and Salon, and I currently write a books column for today.com. In addition to bookshelves, newsstands, and your favorite websites, you can also find me online at Things I Want to Punch in the Face.

Along with fellow author and publishing pro Kerry Colburn, I deliver publishing talks, workshops, and webinars to help burgeoning authors get published through The Business of Books. You can also catch me in university auditoriums, where I offer up side-splitting but informative slide-show presentations based on my popular books.

Originally from Southwestern Michigan, I currently live in Seattle, where I eschew fleece while eating more fish and chips than is good for me.

Reviews

[VJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the basics you need to knit well are in this book. Plan to buy it for my library.

[Ligaya · Rating 1 out of 5]

So many better beginning knitter books. This book has a strange collection of garments, from fairly simple scarves, hats, a bag, leg warmers (like those are popular?) and only two sweaters. Of these two most difficult patterns, one is a cardigan that is knit with MOHAIR - a notoriously difficult fiber that is difficult to undo if you make a mistake! Argh! Pass on this book.

[Nicole Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting Started Knitting by Jennifer Worick is a great book for those who are interested in learning to knit, what to know more about knitting, or want to teach someone else to knit.

A basic overview + fun facts and quotes from the book are included.

If you want to know more about my favorite tips and quotes, check out my YouTube video review of this book: https://youtu.be/oqH9EkZAQMw

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simple, quick patterns to learn how to knit.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've nothing against this book; I'm simply not target audience. If I were an enthusiastic beginner, looking for a wide range of techniques and projects, this could guide me from the start.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I think it would be a good book for beginner knitters or even people that have been knitting for a long time and need a refresher. I like most of the patterns/projects in the book and they do not seem like they would be hard. I would probably get this book from the library again and make a couple of the projects listed.

[Stefani]

Wonderful! Tons of basic to advanced techniques. My first book :o)

Super hero hand huggers (pg 44-45)

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad intro. Used this to learn how to cast on.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine, maybe good for a first time knitter. Didn't find a pattern I wanted to make.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! A knitting book I understand.