Reddit mentions: The best knitting books

I can help with a few of these.

Stitch dictionaries

IMHO, judging by the first couple, the Vogue stitch dictionaries are far too heavy on pretentious artsy fiddly stitch patterns that are often not even very pretty. There's pretty much nothing there but photos and instructions for each of the stitches. Plus I found the books physically pretty awkward for reading. . . . They are definitely not a good choice if you want a reference for traditional or standard stitch patterns. They seem to be primarily stitch patterns invented for past Vogue Knitting patterns.

Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns (see this and its also-bought items) books are my favorite stitch dictionaries. The patterns shown are a lot more pragmatic, but quite attractive. Besides the actual stitch patterns, she includes a good bit of text with background on different techniques and knitting in general. The Walker Treasury Project is a collection of swatches people have knit from these books--it may give you a better sense of what sort of stitches are in the books. The Walker Treasuries are geared a lot toward traditional patterns (fits with Walker's interest in cultural anthropology), but I believe some (especially in latter volumes) that she or readers made up rather than had handed down.

My other favorite set is is The Stitch Collection. It's a box set, and the individual books are pretty small, so very portable. It's cool for having suggestions on good uses for some specific stitches. It's pretty much patterns with history.

The Harmony Guides series (see here and the "also bought" items) are also good. That series falls kind of between Vogue and Walker. It lacks much content beyond the actual stitch patterns--which is fine if stitch patterns are really all you want, but I personally like having additional information as in the Walker Treasuries or the Stitch Collection.

Online, Knittingfool is a pretty awesome written/photographed reference. It's sorted into categories so you can do some browsing for patterns with similar techniques/effects. . . . New Stitch a Day has videos demonstrating stitches. They are quite popular. (I don't personally learn well from videos, so I haven't looked at them very closely.)

Drapey yarns

I don't have specific recommendations, since I tend to prefer a firmer fabric. But look for fiber content that includes silk, bamboo, and/or alpaca. Besides fiber content, consider larger needles, since a looser gauge will drape more. Sounds like you've already decided on a pattern for this project, but, for future reference, lacy patterns will have more drape compared to knitting cables or ribbing with the same yarn and needles.

I have so, so many knitting books, but I have three favorite how-to/reference type books that are probably the most useful knitting books I've ever owned. The first is Teach Yourself Visually - Knitting. It's an excellent book to have because it has huge color photos, lots of techniques and stitch patterns, and basic pattern recipes for tons of projects like hats, mittens, and sweaters that can be adapted to various sizes and styles. It's definitely the best "learn to knit" book I've ever owned, and I still refer back to it.

The second is Cast On, Bind Off by Cap Sease. I prefer this version to the other one, which is by a different author. It's an incredibly useful book. I had no idea there were so many ways to start and end projects! I love being able to check the book for the perfect cast on or bind off, and I love choosing matching ones. The author describes each one perfectly, describes it's attributes, if it's stretchy or firm, best uses, etc, explains how to do it, and includes photos of each.

The third is The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe. It's a pretty small book, so it's perfect to keep in your knitting bag. It's set up in Q&A format, so if you encounter a problem it's easy to find the answer.

I have an addiction to pattern books. My favorites are those published by Interweave. Their pattern books are beautiful! They always have designs that are stylish yet classic. I love their themed books, like Jane Austen Knits, Knitting Wizardry (Harry Potter themed) and Highland Knits (Outlander series themed).

1. Not a chart, but here's a great blog post about choosing and substituting yarn fibers and weights to suit your needs.
   
   
2. The Knitter's Book of Yarn is an amazing resource for exactly this topic -- check your library if you're not ready to shell out $23 for it yet.
   
   
3. Look for yarn suggestions in Ravelry's project pages. First look up the pattern you want to knit, then click on the projects tab to see pictures of what other people have worked up. The yarns they've used for their projects are visible right from that page, as long as they've included that information. Example: Cedar Leaf Shawlette project gallery. By browsing the project page, you can get an idea of what you want your FO to look like -- whether you'd like to use variegated, solid, or tonal yarns (or a combination), what colors you'd like the best, what fibers you think have the best drape for the pattern, all that kind of thing!

Seconding! I did the dishcloth first because it was under $20, had enough yarn for about 6 dishcloths (meaning I did two, my daughter did 1, and I still have a lot leftover so I can practice new things on it!), had all the other tools I need + a good instruction book + a good video tutorial. I did the scarf one after that for the same reasons (except just enough yarn for 1).

You definitely should learn too -- addictions hobbies are fun to share! Grab 2 dishcloth kits and a copy of Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book and have some fun together. I just got the book so it's not exactly necessary, but it's large and pretty and some really cool info in there to use as you start going down the rabbit hole.

You should both sign up for Ravelry too and perhaps look at Very Pink Knits and her tutorials because they are awesome.

Knitpicks' kit though is a super fantastic start because it can feel really, really overwhelming, and they just toss it all in a box and a ridiculously reasonable price for you so you don't have to freak out.

Not a specific book suggestion, but I always check out knitting books from my library before I buy them.
 

I don't have a sock specific book, but I have been reading Circular Knitting Workshop: Essential Techniques to Master Knitting in the Round by Margaret Radcliffe, Rav Link (just checked out from the library.) There is a nice section on socks. It shows a few different techniques in sock construction.

 
I'm liking that the book isn't just a 'how-to', it's also multiple techniques regarding things such as: Disguising the 'jog', 'stripes without the stair step', etc. It's more of a techniques and how to make your knitting look amazing (handmade vs homemade, if that makes sense). There are some patterns, but they're used a teaching devices more than, "here's a nice pattern". Anyhow, good luck enjoy your gift.
 

EDIT for links

I started with the book Stitch n Bitch which is a great intro. I soon realized that I don't learn well from diagrams, so I would watch Youtube videos while reading. The first thing I knit was a garter stitch scarf from that book.

Then I joined Ravelry. Ravelry is like an entire Reddit just for knitting/crocheting, with every resource you could want. There are thousands of great free patterns. It was overwhelming to me at first, so I picked the most popular easy patterns, like the Honey Cowl and Barley Hat.

Happy knitting :)

I really really love crocheting. Knitting I could take or leave.

I'd say generally if you're more interested in things like dolls and toys, learn crochet and if you're more interested in clothes and scarves, learn knitting. You can do both with either but I think crochet has a strength in shaping things and knitting has a strength in a smooth look which makes clothing decorations like cables look better.

If you do decide on knitting, I highly recommend the book Stitch n Bitch to get you started. It's really clear and has some nice beginners patterns. https://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

I'm a lady, but I'm always looking for patterns and whatnot to knit for my boyfriend. It's hard. Knitting is incredibly skewed towards women. One of my friends got me the Knits for Nerds book, and it's awesome, except that every pattern is made for women. I don't want a ladylike browncoat. I want a knitted replica of the regular, Malcolm Reynold's browncoat. Maybe a version with optional darts for my boobs.

My LYS recommended that I pick up Knitting with Balls for patterns. I haven't done it yet (not a lot of expendable income), but she said it has great patterns.

As far as notions and whatnot... I also have had little success finding supplies that aren't extremely feminine. For needles, there's a brand called Karbonz in black/steel colors. I haven't had the opportunity to try them yet (again, not much expendable income), but have heard nothing but good things.

I hate to agree with WoollySocks, but it's true that some things are just gender-skewed. I've pretty much accepted that I'm going to be treated differently when I go shopping for tools, because I'm female. I'm going to have trouble finding work boots. It is, for me, about quality of product, rather than accessibility for my gender. I would advise not straying away from Knitpicks. I think that Knitpicks is the best inexpensive yarn store out there (that I've found so far, anyway), and it would be a shame for you to lose access to their products. They have a wide and reliable rainbow of wools, and their colors are fairly uniform across fibers (as much as they can be).

Don't be discouraged, we are all here for you!

Have you tried knitting? I taught myself with books and YouTube videos about ten years ago. I just finished this a couple days ago! (It looks like this, I made it to take with me to the movie theater in the summer when I'm always cold.) I know it seems like an old lady hobby, but I started when I was 22, and my goes and scarves and sweaters are nicer, warmer, and hold up much longer than the acrylic junk you buy at Target and Walmart.

This book is what finally made it click for me, as well as the site knittinghelp.com. Another excellent resource is [Ravelry] (http://www.ravelry.com) which is like your own online knitting notebook, pattern search, and forums in one. And it's free!

Exactly! Tiny torsos and huge heads and legs! While that works for character designs that are meant to be chibi, more serious characters should be lanky and proportional to a certain degree.

And ahh my first one was a turtle, so I'll be upgrading to people now. I think I might do it, but I'll look around a bit more first. (: Thanks!

Also, if you end up doing the Tenth, I recommend also making a hedgehog using the pattern from this book (click on the "search inside this book" button under the cover art) using leftovers from his hair. I made two or three for my friends and they are adorable and squishy and oh so wonderful. The increases are a bit troublesome though so look ahead on the pattern and knit loosely on the row before it asks for an increase.

I love Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'n Bitch and Stich 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting! Both include patterns that are actually pretty sweet, so you can practice techniques that directly reference back to where they were explained in the book. I also have Margaret Radcliffe's Circular Knitting Workshop, which is great if you want to take circular knitting to the next level or to delve into new ways of knitting written patterns. She explains how to convert circular knitting to flat knitting, and vice versa. It's pretty awesome! I've always loved reading and I feel like these are my top three reference/fun knit-related reads. Vogue Knitting is an excellent, all-around reference and technique book...but unfortunately it's not available for Kindle.

Ooh! Almost forgot! Amy Herzog's Knit to Flatter is an excellent sweater/cardigan learning tool! She explains the different body types/shapes and which sweater shapes are most complementary. There's also her Custom Fit pattern on Ravelry, but I haven't bought it.

If you're really into learning how to use knitting to create different shapes and the why of knitting, these would be the books I recommend. TECHknitter is my absolute most-referenced learning tool for knitting if you haven't checked out her blog yet. There was a post about a book possibly coming out in the future but I feel like that was ages ago, so who knows. If all of her knowledge and blog posts were succinctly bound together you can bet your ass I would buy it!

I LOVE to youtube everything. Stitch technique? Clarification? youtube. I don't have many books, but I did just get 400 Knitting Stitches by Potter Craft and it's pretty friggin' cool. It has almost every single stitch you can think of (even with SUPER basic knit and purl patterns) along with some other techniques, and it's really helped with my ability to read charts.

I don't thinks so, really! There are lots of great books for beginners, the one I learned from is Stitch 'n Bitch, along with help from my dad. The Yarn Harlot is another great resource - I really love everything she writes.

If you know somebody who knits, they're usually thrilled to help somebody learn. You can also see if you've got a yarn store nearby that does classes, or rec centers will do classes sometimes too.

Cheer up buttercup! It stinks that you didn't get to tell him the way you wanted, but you're safe and healthy and going to have a BABY!

Are you a knitter, perchance? Because if you are, this looks adorable. Or what about a precious little sock dog? Oh, and there's an owl too!

Welcome to knitting!

I'm still fairly beginner too. I just bought this book - recommended on this sub -and I'm finding it super helpful for all of that knowledge on picking yarn/needles, basic stitches, how to fix mistakes, etc. I wish I'd had it when I first got started.

http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-The-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

Good luck, and have fun!

The Vogue Knitting Compendium covers a lot of topics, including garment shaping and construction. It's available at most libraries or could surely be found at a nice discount somewhere.

Personally, I sifted through the free patterns on Ravelry that had elements I liked and just kind of... borrowed them. Things like cast-on count, shaping, etc.- I made a dress out of a tanktop pattern. It looks pretty wonky, but I made it and I'm proud of it.

Also - I highly recommend using wool to design in. It's amazing what can be fixed with blocking.

This appears to be the book you are suggesting. That looks good. Lots of good reviews too!

I have been poking around Ravelry. There are a lot of cool free patterns that I think she would like. There are also a couple pay patterns I might grab because they really suit the interests she listed.

Thanks for the suggestions!

When I learned to knit way back in the day (before YouTube existed), I used Stitch 'n Bitch and liked it a lot. I didn't go crazy with those included patterns, but I made a few of them. I mostly used the book for a reference.

For me it clicked when I understood how the stitches worked. It wasn't so much pattern acronyms or how to use the needles, it was knowing the construction of knit and purl stitches. Then the more complicated stuff fell into place. I think Stitch 'n Bitch actually goes through that.

I also really love Knitty. I ate that place up, especially before Ravelry existed. The site can be a little annoying to navigate, but they have a good selection of articles explaining different techniques. I love how their patterns are sorted by difficulty.

I'm sure Ravelry and YouTube are also amazing for learning, but I haven't used them!

I taught myself to knit, and I can honestly say one of the best resources was Knitting for Dummies. Maybe all the 'for Dummies' books are actually good? All I know is the knitting one is great. There's a cardigan pattern in there which was the first sweater I completed, and though it was daunting as a first big project the book made it pretty easy. Highly recommended.

I have this older edition - I'm sure the newer one is good too, but come on, you can get this one for like 10 cents.

1. This book, so I can learn how to knit. Because I really need a hobby.
   
2. Allegiant is my most wanted e-book right now, I've read the first two in the series, and I would really love to finish the series. :D I wanna know what happens! lol.
   
3. If I were a book, I hope that I'd be a great one.

It depends on where in the sweater I'm binding off. For a top-down sweater body or sleeves, I tend to use Jeny's Super Stretchy Bind-Off, the Invisible Ribbed Bind-Off, or the Sewn Bind-Off. For neck trimmings, I almost always used the Invisible Ribbed Bind-Off. Sometimes I'll just use the standard bind-off, but bind off in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls and slip the first stitch over the second one). When working bottom-up and binding off the top shoulders/neck/collar, I use a standard bind-off since it's easier to Kitchener Stitch together (shoulders) or pick up stitches for the neck trimming (neck/collar).

I will say that my copy of Cast On, Bind Off has gotten so much use! Sometimes I try a new bind off and love it... other times I rip it and use one of my go-to bind offs, most of which I found in that book.

(As an aside, I try to list the bind-offs and cast-ons used in my rav project pages and try to remember to take detail pictures if you want to take a look.)

It sounds like you need something more along the line of reference books and not just pattern books.

>think knitting for dummies

There is both a Knitting for Dummies book and an Idiot's Guide to Knitting. They are both available in e-book format as well. I have both and they are good reference books that explain how to do stuff and have patterns. The explanations are based on the assumption that you have never seen knitting needles so everything is broken down and explained and there are step by step pictures and diagrams throughout to give you a visual idea.

>I need help especially understanding RS vs WS and what each abbreviation stands for.

RS is right side. WS is wrong side. RS vs WS is just about which side is the inside (ws) and which is the outside (rs) or public facing side. (it's the same concept as wearing your shirts or other clothes inside out or right side out.) For some patterns it is obvious which side is which such as when doing stockinette stitch or color work like stranded or fair isle. For other patterns such as garter stitch it can be difficult to tell. For some patterns like a garter stitch scarf it doesn't really matter but for others like a sweater it can be very important. As far as the rest of the abbreviations google and YouTube are your friend. There are a lot of common abbreviations and I've found that usually if the pattern isn't clear enough for me to understand the abbreviation and/or description I can do a google search and get both answers as well as a bunch of videos I can watch that are demonstrating that specific stitch.

Yeah, it definitely is. Barring a teacher though, I recommend taking a look at knittinghelp.com as they have lots of videos and tutorials on all things knitting. The Stitch n' Bitch book also has very good instructions - it's hell to learn from a book, but I know several people who have learned successfully from this one, lots of cute patterns too.

A frugal lesson tip is to try putting up a craigslist ad to trade something you could teach for knitting lessons. For instance, I've put up a few in my day to trade me teaching knitting lessons for Spanish lessons, and it was fun.

A starter kit is a great gift idea, props to you! I'd like to suggest Vogue Knitting as a fantastic reference book! It's got all the instructions for beginners, plus instructions for tons and tons of more complicated techniques as she gets more into it.

This is when it's helpful to knit with other people - while it's definitely possible to teach yourself how to knit on your own, it's way easier if you have a person that can actually show you what to do! I taught myself to knit using YouTube videos and books. For books, this is one that I know some people like. This book is also a popular option. The website www.knittinghelp.com has a lot of good videos for basics.

I learned to knit from this book, Knitting for Dummies - it was actually quite good and helpful! Knitting books are going to have patterns in them (this one had actually project patterns but also a ton of literal patterns (like - knitting in this way will look like that...so I could start designing my own scarves and such based on cool knits that were included). So getting a learn-to-knit book can also help cover you with patterns!

Perhaps not specific to your problem, but somewhat related: One of my favorite resource books is the Knitters Book of Yarn by Clara Parkes. If you ever want to learn about the makeup of all fiber types, why some are scratchy or why wool felts, what makes for good durability or why your tightly-spun yarns tend to bias when knitting stockinette, this is for you. It also includes 40 patterns written with certain fibers in mind. It's changed the way I think about choosing yarn for all my knitting projects. I'd highly recommend it!

For me there are several ways that knitting is interesting. First, it's something repetitive that I can do to soothe my mind and actually have a useful product at the end (using double-pointed needles provides just the right amount of mental stimulation). Second, it's a fascinating topological exercise how a string can get turned into a complex, 3D object, like a sock. Third, cables and lace and designing custom-fitted objects are interesting engineering projects, especially when you take into account the various personalities of the different kind of fibers you can use. (This type of knitting is very mental and not at all soothing, especially when you lose track of where you are or drop a stitch.)

Scarves and hats are boring. My next project (after I finish the mittens for my daughter) is a torus from this book. The fractal shawl also looks interesting. :)

Historically, at least in some places, knitting was unisex, especially among fishermen, who had their own cable patterns in their sweaters to make identifying their bodies easier if they drowned at sea.

We need more men who knit, as well as young women, to break the stereotypes.

As you're in the UK, I recommend going to waterstones or wh smith and looking for The Knitter series of knitting and crochet stuff. Usually at the end of the year, they compile all the masterclass lessons from all the issues that were published during the year and bring out instruction books for the beginner. Weirdly the only time they are available is at Christmas and new year.

I love their magazine and their classes. They are high quality and very easy to follow. Plus it's economical really.

I don't think there is really a guide with everything you'll ever need to know.

However, the knitters bible (you can find it in a lot of book shops as well as in places like the Range and possibly hobbycraft.) it's not a massively expensive book, but it has plenty of pictures and simple easy to follow instructions. It's enough to get you far enough into knitting before needing a more advanced book. It has a glossary of terms and instructions on how to do each stitch and step.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Knitters-Bible-Complete-Handbook/dp/0715317997

I was perusing this book of cast-ons and bind-offs at a local knit-group the other day and it's really pretty awesome. If you're an Amazon Prime member, it's free for kindles.

Yeah, you are most likely not pulling the yarn to the front when purling.

You want to look at the whole row before starting and make sure each stitch is hanging neatly with one loop of thread over the needle. If there is a loose bit of thread hanging over the end, or one of the stitches is pulled half up over the needle so you have both of the stitch "legs" up on the needle, then you need to rearrange your yarn.

Holding the needle with the stitches on it in your left hand, pull the yarn down and to the front before you start purling. That's it!

P.S. Here is a great book for beginning knitters:
http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-The-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

If your wife has a sense of humor, this was my favorite book when I was starting out. Has great illustrations and straight forward patterns. My first sweater was a pattern out of there, and I managed just fine.

Back on the crafty bit: This book helped me a good bit when I needed to uneff my knitgame some. And it's fairly good for teaching yourself to knit from what I remember. Beeen awhile since I last looked through it. I should go back through and reread it. And I've got an extra copy that's in pretty good shape if you're interested. Thought I did. Should look.

There's a book that I've heard about, but haven't seen in person yet. It's supposed to be quite good. Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns - it has over 1000 stitches!

And there is a Vol 2, Vol 3, and Vol 4. They are, or were, out of print, but were reissued a few years ago, so it's a bit easier to find a copy now.

lol. If you like that kind of thing, I recommend this book. https://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Knitted-Monsters-Mischievous/dp/1604680091

She has a ton of cute designs; also check her Ravelry page. The paterns are mostly pretty basic (basic stitches, basic round knitting skills) and can be adapted to make whatever you want.

Very good progress!

I'm a lady but my fave knitting book is Knitting With Balls: a hands on guide to knitting for the modern man. You might like it!

You could get a book like Stitch n Bitch, and maybe pick a pattern from it and get the supplies for it. I learned from this book and it was pretty good for the basics. Some of the patterns seem nicer too.

I would recommend a book or 2 in addition to YouTube. When learning a new knitting technique, I find it really helpful to look at still images or illustrations first, then watch a video to see it in action.

OP, I learned how to knit though a combination of Debbie Stoller's Stitch n Bitch and knittinghelp.com.

It's definitely possible. Just break it down into manageable chunks and do small swatches as you learn. I was knitting simple scarves the first week and moving on to hats and other things within a month. Soon you'll be making cabled sweaters and fancy blankets and all sorts of crazy knits!

Edit to add: Whatever you do, don't knit your first project with Lion Brand Homespun. For some reason, a lot of new knitters (myself included) reach for that yarn for early projects and it just never works properly. Use a simple soft acrylic or wool-blend. Red Heart Soft is a decent choice and quite affordable.

Oooh! I highly recommend the book Stitch 'n Bitch for knitting. It taught me how to knit and it's awesome and funny!

I received "Idiot's Guides: Knitting" for Christmas and I'd 100% recommend it! The photos are great, it covers a wide range of subjects, and the included patterns are really nice. Here's a link: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/1615644105/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?qid=1451598355&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=Idiot%27s+guide+to+knitting

On mobile.

Book about yarn - if you like diving into knowledge!

The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307352161/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_3.aNwb10BQCV

If you want to know about something google it and the word techknitter. Amazing blog - so much knowledge - hard to navigate.

Crochet only has one T :)

I got this book for amigurumi: https://www.amazon.com/Amigurumi-Knits-Patterns-Cute-Mini/dp/1589234359

It's great for learning a lot of techniques like short rows and different types of increases and decreases!

There are some good books out there! I like the Stitch 'n Bitch ones (the patterns are so dated, though) and the Knitter's Companion (I think the illustrations are pretty clear in this one). I found this one called The Knitting Answer Book in a Sam's Club I don't know how long ago. I'm not sure how great it is because I've been able to find answers in the others and online. These books + Youtube are how I taught myself.

I honestly never thought of making this project as a scarf...back in my day (I'm old) we made squares and then sewed them together to make a blanket. I gave up after about four squares though...I couldn't stand the yarn my aunts wanted me to use. Size 11 needles will make any project knit up really really fast...you may end up the scarf being the size of a shall or blanket, now that I think about it. Consider getting some size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn. That's the combo I usually pick when I teach folks how to knit. As to where: Webs has everything...or JoAnn's. Especially for cheaper bamboo needles. Knit Picks is also very popular as they have very inexpensive yarn. Or...take a look at the patterns you have been perusing and see what kind of yarn and size of needles they're using and go from there? As for stitch dictionaries...if you still want to go that route, Vogue used to have the be-all-end-all of them...I was given a set by Debbie O'Neill not to long ago, it's a 5 book collections whose benefit is that you only have to carry the one book with the stitches you're working with around rather than the entire book...(sorry for the long link...I'm not so good with the tiny urls...see "I'm old" above, heh)

https://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Collection-Portable-Guides-Stitches/dp/1600593917/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522023469&sr=1-1&keywords=the+stitch+collection&dpID=51wrht9xluL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

This one has a few pages of zig zag cables, and a decent variety otherwise, but I always recommend having a few different ones since no two ever really cover the same ground, and no one is truly comprehensive. If you have a bookstore or LYS, flipping through them to find one who writes them out in a way you can understand is also a really good bet.

Also, try your local library for knitting books. (Mine is excellent.) Videos normally concentrate on one topic, without much talking around the topic. Books develop stage by stage, and have time to tell you why things are done that way and what alternatives you could use -- making it much easier to learn to do your own thing.

Libraries (or bookshops) let you compare books to see which style you like. These two are often recommended: Teach yourself Visually Knitting and the Stitch 'n Bitch Knitter's Handbook. These two also seem good: Debbie Bliss Knitter's Book of Knowledge and Knitting in Plain English.

• Stitch N' Bitch
  
  
• The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns as well as anything else by Ann Budd!
  
  
• The Knit Stitch Pattern Handbook, should you ever feel like designing.
  
  
• Knitting Without Tears
  
  
• Around the World in Knitted Socks
  
  
• The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques
  
  
• Extreme Double Knitting
  
  I could go on :)

I've got 400 Knitting Stitches, and it's served me pretty well. Stitch patterns are organized based on categories (knit+purl/cables/lace/colourwork/slipped stitches), pictures are clear, instructions are in both written and chart format. It's been worth its price tag for me.

I have the first four Barbara Walker Treasury books, and Vogue Knitting that is pretty amazing.

I have Vogue Knitting and I really like it. It's a good general-purpose knitting book, has good pictures and explanations.

You are not the only guy that knits. Plenty of men knit. I knit and as far as I know I am a guy, have been knitting for over a decade. I would suggest signing up for a Ravelry account, there is a bunch of male knitters there and thousands of very cool free patterns.

To begin: I would suggest getting the Stitch n Bitch book, it begins out very very basic and the patterns gradually get harder. If you don't understand how to do something youtube or knittinghelp to see a person actually do it. If you still cannot understand how to do it drop into a yarn shop or go to a knitting group (you should be able to find a local one close to you on ravelry or yahoo or meetup.org).

Congrats on being manly enough to knit.

I have the first edition of Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting. It's very good, with lots of great close-up photos.

I referenced this book a lot when I did some practice swatches before I jumped on this big project, and it had some great CO and BO tips and techniques. I think I used the ones I found there. For CO I just did a long tail cast on using the opposite color to anchor each loop. For BO I pulled each stitch over the next two in the row, which gives a really nice set of v shapes in alternating colors.

There’s a great illusion scarf pattern in the beginner’s knitting book Stitch and Bitch. It was one of my first successful knits — highly recommend!

https://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

I knit my first scarf with the pattern from this book. (Which happens to be the best name for a guy's knitting book ever).

It's something great to do while watching TV. Just avoid drinking and knitting. I can show you exactly where on my projects where I had a little too much to drink...

http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-The-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

That was the beginner book I was given and it was very helpful and fun.

I taught myself knitting from Stitch 'n Bitch. I'm currently knitting a bamboo-silk cabled cardigan. It is so relaxing to feel the fine yarn slipping through my fingers and the smooth bamboo needles warming to my touch. I am a bit of a yarn snob, though. I can't knit with acrylic... The squeak it makes is like nails across a chalkboard. A good reference book for both knitting and crocheting is the Reader's Digest Guide to Knitting and Crochet Stitches. I usually end up crocheting toys for the kids and, strangely, acrylic doesn't bother me during crocheting at all.

Started off without a pattern, saw some tentacles I liked from a book and tried to recreate. Failed miserably. Then Went back to Amazon to look "inside the book" to see if there were snipits of the pattern. Turned out I could see the whole thing. I don't know if this is bad or not...but cant I just blame Amazon?

Anyways, made this for my sisters Arbitrary Day Match, I am debating whether to attach the hat and 'stache or make them detachable and use a bobby pin? not sure if I should do that or just attach them.


LINKS:
My Ravelry Project Page

Amazon

Ravelry Link to Top Hat

Ravelry Link to Mustache

Edit: Adding my Ravelry Project Page

Edit 2: Not sure if everyone will see this, I'm not very good at posting things. But here is mr. octopus with all parts attached link

Thank you for all the comments, and if you live in Ireland and are a dude then you have a better chance of being the recipient. I don't know exactly who the lucky redditor is, but I do know that much! Also, since this is /r/knitting how do you guys respond when people are like "take my money" I have never been able to sell any of my things, but heck I wouldn't mind. But i'm not sure how to respond....any thoughts?

I highly recommend Circular Knitting Workshop by Margaret Radcliffe. It has a little bit of everything, certainly many new things to try and includes some cool patterns.

Came here to post exactly this. They make learning rather interesting and fun, and the patterns are more in style than a lot of the books I've read. Amazon link, if anyone is interested.

The Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible is one of my favorites. The Knitter's Bible helped me advance my knitting past basics, and the Japanese Stitch Bible is really like a continuation. There are so many beautiful stitches in that book!

Great job! I’m a self-taught knitter, too. I used the book “Knitting in Plain English” by Maggie Righetti.

Are links allowed?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0312353537/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519439860&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=knitting+in+plain+english&dpPl=1&dpID=51DogZXp9DL&ref=plSrch

First off, thumbs up on the name. :P Genetics win.

Secondly, if you're okay with book recs (people have covered the knitting websites I know of and have used), try this book:

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting

I have the Stitch & Bitch books and while they're okay I've learned that the B&W pictures can be difficult to follow. TYVK has nice color illustrations and a couple patterns.

I also like the Knitting for Dummies videos on YouTube if you need more visual assistance.

Thank you so much!!!! I bought the Circular Knitting Workshop and love it, but couldn't find an explanation of how to do this.

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, I've been super ill!

But, anyway, here is the book: http://smile.amazon.com/Cast-Bind-Off-Step-Step/dp/1603427244. I really highly recommend it. I've used it over and over and it isn't too expensive. The kindle version is only 2.99 and the spiral bound is just over 10 bucks!

Try youtube. It has endless patience and hundreds of teachers. I also suggest a book with a lot of clear pictures. When I taught my boyfriend, he practiced various patterns by making potholders. (Scarves are more traditional, but less satisfying unless you wear a lot of scarves.)

When I was just beginning to knit, this was my go-to book. There aren't any real patterns in it, but the book has lots of tips and advice for knitters. As for a pattern book, maybe try one of the one skein books?

I also think throwing in one of these rulers into the kit is a good idea. The information tends to rub off of circular needles (or else it's printed really small), so the little needle gauge on the ruler is so helpful.

Different books have different uses.

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques is an invaluable little reference for making your knitting look handmade rather than homemade. It comes in a spiral-bound version, which is very nice to have.

For sweater design & customizing, you can't beat Sweater Design in Plain English. Again, it's all about the difference between homemade and handmade. Righetti also wrote Knitting in Plain English, which is a more general book and just as invaluable.

My favourite stitch dictionaries are the Walker Treasuries - I use Volume 1 most often.

Garn Studio offers a lot of knitting tutorials They also offer patterns that use the techniques with the tutorials on their site as well.

There is also the Stitch'n Bitch series of books that shows you all basic knitting techniques with patterns to work on.

I would also recommend The Knitter's Bible. It has the order that you're looking for and projects that you can practice with.

Here's the most comprehensive, but really any general knitting book beyond the most basic will have a few :)

Not that I know of. I got it from this book. I also bought this one. I think the projects in the second book are a lot cuter.

EDIT: FOUND IT!

For starters I'd recommend the Knitter's Book of Yarn and the Knitter's Book of Wool, both by Clara Parkes. Both are incredibly informative and have some great patterns to boot. I consider both of these required reading for anyone even remotely serious about knitting.

If you want to get really serious about wool, the Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook goes into crazy detail about the different breeds of sheep and the wool they produce. This book is extreme though, covers a lot of things that you probably would never encounter at your average LYS. It's more geared towards spinners than knitters.

This is a fantastic book: https://www.amazon.com/Circular-Knitting-Workshop-Essential-Techniques/dp/1603429999/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1488238744&sr=8-2&keywords=circular+knitting

All of the pieces, except the ears, were done in the round, starting with CO6. The body and head are all one piece. I think I decreased to 12, and then started increasing again. I had to stuff the body before I got down to 12 sts, though. The muzzle is sewn on, as are the arms, legs, and ears. For the hooves, I just made them the exact same way as I made the arms and legs, except with a larger needle (size 7; I used size 5 for everything else), and binding off after only a few rounds.

Even though I didn't use a pattern for these guys, I learned to knit animals using this book, so I'm sure a lot of the techniques I used came from there. The only difference is, those animals are knit flat and sewn up, whereas I prefer to knit in the round as much as I can to avoid seams. Hope that helps!

I used youtube to learn since no one else was around to teach me. This book helped a lot. ITs a good reference.

I normally knitted plushies and stuff. I also ended up making Dr. Who scarved til my hands bled X_X. This is probably one of my favorites things I've made though

Thanks! All patterns are from this book written by Rebecca Danger. I find her patterns very straightforward and simple!

got little relatives? Big Book of Knitted Monsters

super cute, but requires some dpns and a little patience

Check out the Stitch 'n Bitch book - http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464321120&sr=8-1&keywords=stitch+n+bitch
I basically taught myself a few basic types of stitches with this (and a little bit of guidance from my bff, although this is where Youtube can fill in some gaps!). And really, a cheap pair of plastic needles and yarn from somewhere like Michael's won't set you back more than $20-30 tops. It can be an expensive hobby once you really get into it, but it doesn't have to be.

I learned from reading Stitch 'n Bitch. My first projects were dishcloths: Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth and Andalutheean Dishcloth.

It's from Amigurumi Knits by Hansi Singh. There's a ton of cute patterns in it.

A few years ago I taught myself how to knit. I have a collection of yarns and needles and my mom gave me my grandmother's old knitting basket. I'm a department manager at my work and I'm knitting scarves for the people in my department to wear at work during the winter. If any of you dudes are interested in picking up knitting give this book a shot.

I was going to go "Wait, I thought there was a book on that." Then I realized the book is on knitting.

It does look rather interesting though.

http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-With-Balls-Hands-On-Modern/dp/0756622891

cries looks like im going to need this

1. Learn how to knit.
   
2. Buy this book.
   
3. Create amazeballz.

You're totally fine using a variety of manufacturers. I would suggest keep the plies and fiber the same though. That will make for a more consistent look across the shawl. Different fibers (or fiber blends) will stretch and drape very differently, which could result in a very wonky shawl when you go to block it.

If you are interested in how fiber and ply affect the final product, I'm totally obsessed with Clara Parkes Knitter's Book of Yarn. It will make you feel totally prepared to choose yarns beyond the pattern recommendation.

Circular Knitting Workshop.

It's a good book, but I am having issue with knitting in the round still. I tried to cast on to start a round bag using dishie yarn, and it was not working out at all.

I have this book and love it. There is even a section with just vegetables. I'm a sucker for stuffies.

I have this and it's just under £10 on Amazon:
400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0307462730/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PhPEDbXMXMP34

Wasn't real hard. I got it out of this book http://www.amazon.com/Amigurumi-Knits-Patterns-Cute-Mini/dp/1589234359

but I changed the eyes a bit, to give it that Greyjoy feel.

Most people begin with Vogue Knitting

I taught myself using this book:http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Bitch-The-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182

Also some yarn shops will teach you if you purchase your supplies from them, or they may have classes

If she does a lot of work with children this is awesome and so is this or basically anything in the 20 to make series.

Edited to add: you might also try asking over in r/knitting for ideas.

A combination of the book Teach Yourself Visually Knitting and youtube. Especially youtube.

This is the book: http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Book-Yarn-Ultimate-Choosing/dp/0307352161/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

2 books that have helped me very much:

https://smile.amazon.com/Increase-Decrease-Step-Step-Technique/dp/1612123317/

And https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/1603427244/

I use youtube all the time too, but once I've seen a technique, these books stay near me while knitting. Also, they work when the internet doesn't. :D

Medallion Mitts from Knitting with Balls.
Twisted rib for cuff, medallion cable.
Yarn:
Queensland Collection Merino Spray,
Navy

Slip One, Knit One, Purl

Cadence building, Swish, Swish, Tap

Needles fly, all done.

400 Knitting Stithes because knitting!

Hah. This was also a suggested title.

no, here's the link to the book i snagged it from...tho not many of the patterns are actually accessible from the sneak preview

Stich n Bitch was my book of choice. I taught myself to knit with that and the Knitting Answer Book. I keep the latter on hand in my knitting bag in case I forget how to do something.

https://www.amazon.com/Stitch-n-Bitch-Knitters-Handbook/dp/0761128182/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483985552&sr=8-1&keywords=stitch+n+bitch

https://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Answer-Book-Solutions-Question/dp/1580175996

Thanks, but the link turns up an error. Is this the book in question?

Stitch n’ Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook
Thought I’d include a link for reference 🧶

• Knit to Flatter by Amy Herzog
  
  
  
  
• Knits to Fit and Flatter by Jane Ellison (I meant to buy Knit to Flatter, but realized my mistake after I already ordered it -__-
  
  
• Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann
  
  
• Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller
  
  I paid ~$40 for all between eBay and Amazon. The only book I bought new was Amy Herzog's book for ~$20.