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The Urban Knitter
It's not just Grandma who loves knitting nowadays. Young urban professionals and Hollywood celebrities are turning a centuries-old pastime into a hip, stress-relieving hobby. No one knows this better than Lily M. Chin, named "Master Knitter" by Vogue Knitting and cited in major media for her chic designs. In this book she profiles the most inventive, diverse, and inspiring young knitters in the country who are giving the craft a fresh new look.
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2002
About the author
Lily Chin
14 books5 followersPublished as Lily M. Chin and Lily Chin
Lily Chin, named a “Master Knitter” by Vogue Knitting International, has designed knitwear for magazines and yarn companies for nearly 25 years, and she has worked with designers Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, and Isaac Mizrahi. Her work has been on the backs of celebrities and super models, from Racquel Welch and Vanna White to Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. She is the author of Knit and Crochet with Beads, The Urban Knitter, and Mosaic Magic, and she has written the “On Designing” column for Knitter’s Magazine and the annual “Focus on Fibers” report for Knit ‘n Style.
Lily also is the reigning champion fastest crocheter in the world, a title she defended in October 2004 at the world championships in London. Lily Chin regularly appears as a spokesperson for the yarn industry in media across the U.S., including Time, the New York Times, USA Today, the David Letterman Show, the CBS Early Show, DIY’s Knitty Gritty, E! Style Network’s Craft Corner Death Match, Lifetime’s Handmade by Design, HGTV’s Sew Much More, and CNN.
Lily Chin has lived in New York City nearly all her life and has been involved in some aspect of the fashion industry since age 13. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, and was educated at Queens College, City University of New York.
Lily Chin, named a “Master Knitter” by Vogue Knitting International, has designed knitwear for magazines and yarn companies for nearly 25 years, and she has worked with designers Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, and Isaac Mizrahi. Her work has been on the backs of celebrities and super models, from Racquel Welch and Vanna White to Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. She is the author of Knit and Crochet with Beads, The Urban Knitter, and Mosaic Magic, and she has written the “On Designing” column for Knitter’s Magazine and the annual “Focus on Fibers” report for Knit ‘n Style.
Lily also is the reigning champion fastest crocheter in the world, a title she defended in October 2004 at the world championships in London. Lily Chin regularly appears as a spokesperson for the yarn industry in media across the U.S., including Time, the New York Times, USA Today, the David Letterman Show, the CBS Early Show, DIY’s Knitty Gritty, E! Style Network’s Craft Corner Death Match, Lifetime’s Handmade by Design, HGTV’s Sew Much More, and CNN.
Lily Chin has lived in New York City nearly all her life and has been involved in some aspect of the fashion industry since age 13. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, and was educated at Queens College, City University of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 24, 2025
Took a few classes with Lily Chin and had this book for awhile. Thought I should read it, and I wasn't disappointed!
March 1, 2016
As general pattern books go this is fairly average - the patterns are certainly more interesting, and much more wearable than a lot I've seen. I agree with other reviews that the plates are kind of odd - the knit garments are just laid out, not on forms, let alone models.
The text portions of the book are actually quite interesting. Yes, some of them are just "meet a knitter", but the information about how the patterns are designed is actually quite valuable to knitters who are just starting out and think that patterns are necessary/must be followed. A better understanding of the design process is the first step to knowing how to use patterns well.
The patterns themselves have a few issues. While they all come with proper schematics, some of the more creative projects (such as the shoes or the bra) don't really have enough information in the schematics, because the shape isn't obvious enough, like it is with sweaters. I found the "Materials" section confusing in the way that the recommended needle size and yarn were lumped in with notions. The biggest flaw, however, is somewhat inevitable considering the age of the book. The needles are just given as the US numbers, not the actual sizes. So make sure you have a needle conversion chart if you want to use this book. (And remember - US needle sizes are NOT gauge sizes).
The text portions of the book are actually quite interesting. Yes, some of them are just "meet a knitter", but the information about how the patterns are designed is actually quite valuable to knitters who are just starting out and think that patterns are necessary/must be followed. A better understanding of the design process is the first step to knowing how to use patterns well.
The patterns themselves have a few issues. While they all come with proper schematics, some of the more creative projects (such as the shoes or the bra) don't really have enough information in the schematics, because the shape isn't obvious enough, like it is with sweaters. I found the "Materials" section confusing in the way that the recommended needle size and yarn were lumped in with notions. The biggest flaw, however, is somewhat inevitable considering the age of the book. The needles are just given as the US numbers, not the actual sizes. So make sure you have a needle conversion chart if you want to use this book. (And remember - US needle sizes are NOT gauge sizes).
March 22, 2008
i bought this used after hearing so much about lily chin. it's terrible!! mainly, if not all, black and white text/photos. the patterns were sooooo dated and gross. i'm glad i only paid a few dollars for this book.
January 20, 2014
This book has some interesting patterns but the sizes are all quite small. I am of normal size so they don't apply. Also, all the pictures are in the middle so most of the book is writing which is not particularly appealing.
May 9, 2007
BORING! I bought this book when I first learned to knit - the shopkeeper said it was mandatory for a young knitter. I wish I hadn't listened...
June 20, 2008
Good for teens and 20 somethings!
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April 4, 2009746.43 Chi
November 29, 2015
I enjoyed reading people's knitting histories and how they managed to fit it into their busy working lives. However, the patterns are all hideous (and I'm a teenager of the 90s!)
April 26, 2017
This one really surprised me, and not in a good way. I'd encountered so much of Ms. Chin's writing and designs in the late 80s, early 90s—come to think of it, I was quite jealous of her success, and that was the driving factor of my purchase all these years later. Woe to betide, now I'm more resentful than jealous...although I'm pretty sure that her skills have grown, as have mine...Maybe it's time to invite her to a knit-off? Or I need to stop fussing and stick to my own fabulous endeavours! Would that we all had such a devoted team enabling us to publish a collection of ditties and their backstories...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews