25 Best Selling Knitting Books


Which knitting books are best sellers? Which are trending? The number one best seller isVogue Knitting, from the editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine. Vogue Knitting and any of the well-loved books listed below would be a great addition to a knitter's library, or a great gift for a knitter-to-be.


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1

First published in 1989, Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book instantly became a beloved resource for knitters. The second edition, released in 2002, further cemented its place as the most trusted knitting resource. The past 15 years have seen many exciting advances in knitting, and this update encompasses them all. It features an expanded library of cast-ons, increases, decreases, and bind-offs. It covers in-depth sections on newly favorite techniques such as brioche, entrelac, double knitting, and mosaic knitting. And, it includes design and construction chapters that go beyond just sweaters, and encompasses dozens of options for hats, mittens, socks, gloves, and 25+ shawl shapes. Comprehensive chapters cover lace and cabling, and provide even more information than before on knitters' tools, correcting errors, finishing, embellishing, and garment care. This fantastic book will give you a masterly understanding of every stage of knitting.

2

Every knitter, whether a beginner or an expert, wants easy projects for travel, gifts or those times when following a complex pattern is impractical. Sequence Knitting introduces a radical and simple approach for creating amazing fabrics by working a sequence of stitches over and over again. Beginning with 1-row patterns, the book delves into the possibilities of this technique, expanding into methods for creating complex designs that can be worked back and forth, in the round, or in shapes like triangles. The book includes stitch dictionaries with over 190 fabrics, many of which are new and reversible, as well as over 40 patterns for simple and elegant accessories. This groundbreaking book is sure to become a classic must-have for every knitter's reference library.

3

Originally released in 1993, Beth Brown-Reinsel's bestseller, Knitting Ganseys, is a classic. This completely revised and updated version of the perennial bestseller includes new photography, new patterns, and more.

This special edition showcases patterns for sweaters in the traditional Gansey style as well as new explorations of modern Gansey-inspired patterns. Full-color, step-by-step photography walks you through a variety of traditional Gansey techniques and construction methods. As a bonus, contemporary sources for traditional Gansey yarns are shared, making this as vital to your knitting library as the original.

4

Reading The Principles of Knitting is like having a knitting mentor by your side who can answer any knitting question you have in an honest, intelligent, and informed manner. A treasured guide beloved by knitters everywhere, the classic book The Principles of Knitting is finally available again in a fully revised and updated edition. While the basics of knitting have not changed much, June’s understanding of the material has deepened over the last twenty-five years.


This is the definitive book on knitting techniques, with valuable information for everyone from beginners to experienced knitters. June Hiatt presents not only a thorough, thoughtful approach to the craft, but also a passion for carrying on the art of knitting to future generations. She has repeatedly tested the various techniques and presents them with clear, easy-to-follow instructions—as well as an explanation of what each one can contribute to your knitting. Informed by decades of experience and thousands of hours of practice, this comprehensive resource offers a variety of ways to approach every skill and technique and offers solutions that can help solve the most challenging aspects of any knitting project. 

5

From Brioche master Nancy Marchant (Leafy Brioche) comes another striking book, dedicated to the fascinating tuck stitch, a reversible texture stitch. Tuck Stitches presents ninety original stitch patterns, as well as scarf, cowl, and blanket designs to help you practice and to inspire you to make your own projects using tuck stitches. This book is beautifully photographed and clearly presented.


Nancy Marchant first discovered brioche stitch when she moved to the Netherlands in 1976. She became fascinated with brioche knitting and wrote about it in Vogue Knitting Magazine, as well as in a number of other knitting magazines. She maintains a web site on the subject at www.briochestitch.com and teaches brioche knitting both locally and at large yarn shows.

6

Over the past 30 years, Norah Gaughan has contributed an astounding 120+ patterns to the iconic Vogue Knitting magazine. From inspired textures to spellbinding cables and innovative constructions, she has created a legacy that will last for generations. To honor her achievements and contributions in knitwear, 40 of her patterns from Vogue Knitting magazine have been gathered into a single volume: Norah Gaughan - 40 Timeless Knits. From a timeless cabled vest, her first Vogue Knitting piece published in 1987, to a striking Fair Isle pullover from 2018, each garment will dazzle knitters. Fun and engaging to create, these patterns and their construction will broaden a knitter's understanding of what knitwear can be.

7

Finally, the first book by Melanie Berg! An internationally successful knitwear designer, Melanie, also known by the trade name Mairlynd, has been creating and publishing designs since 2011. Melanie has compiled a collection of her most beautiful shawls along with three new shawls published exclusively in this superbly designed book, Shawls. Her fans as well as knitters all over the world will enjoy knitting from this bilingual edition with instructions in both English and German.


Melanie Berg combines texture and color into wearable modern designs that are both playful and beautiful. She designs to surprise - from matching cheeky stripes with elegant lace, to choosing unexpected color combinations. She loves to collaborate with other creative types around the world and her patterns have been published by yarn companies and knitting magazines large and small. 

8

Unexpected Knitting is a great book for knitters who want to try out new techniques. Author Debbie New's background in math and science is evident in her designs, which include: Form knitting, Scribble Lace, Swirl, Sculptural, Virtual, Cellular Automaton, and Labyrinth knitting.


Debbie New is the most innovative knitter since Elizabeth Zimmerman, and Unexpected Knitting is a book that provides inspiration and new directions to even experienced needlers. New has an organic sense of her projects; she knows her materials and is willing to experiment. She has the gift also of being able to explain clearly, in words and in charts, exactly how she has produced her groundbreaking designs. Not all her designs or techniques will appeal to all knitters, but there is some new insight to be gained in every project she describes, and everyone will find something wonderful among the sweaters, jackets, and art pieces beautifully displayed and explained in this volume.

9

This one-of-a-kind encyclopedia shines a spotlight on more than 200 animals and their wondrous fleece. Profiling a worldwide array of fiber-producers that includes northern Africa’s dromedary camel, the Navajo churro, and the Tasmanian merino, Carol Ekarius and Deborah Robson include photographs of each animal’s fleece at every stage of the handcrafting process, from raw to cleaned, spun, and woven. The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook is an artist’s handbook, travel guide, and spinning enthusiast’s ultimate reference source all in one.

10

From Elizabeth Zimmermann, who “revolutionized the art of knitting” (New York Times), Knitting Without Tears is the classic knitting bible that removes the frustration and puts the fun back into knitting with easy-to-follow instructions and timeless designs.


Do you love to knit—and hate to purl? Have you ever started a sweater without enough yarn from the same dye lot to finish it? Elizabeth Zimmermann comes to the rescue with clever solutions to frustrating problems and step-by-step instructions for brilliant, timeless designs. 


In Knitting Without Tears, you’ll find elegant designs for: color-pattern Norwegian ski sweaters, seamless patterned-yoke sweaters, hooded garter-stitch jackets for babies,

watch caps, socks, slippers, mittens, and more.


11

In this second in a series of knitting books by Barbara Walker, A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, you'll learn: Knit/purl (texture) combinations -- solid, colorwork, and fancy, slip-stitch patterns (both solid and colorwork), mosaic patterns, fancy color patterns, twist-stitch patterns, cables and cable-stitch patterns, yarn-over and eyelet patterns, lace, lace panels and insertions, and borders and edgings.

12

Elizabeth Zimmermann was a British-born master knitter who, after immigrating to the United States, wanted to supply handknitters with pure wool and circular needles (both a rarity in those days), as well as books, tools, and original designs. Elizabeth's humor and unique approach to seamless garment construction gradually attracted followers through her semi-annual Newsletter, a steady stream of designs in magazines, two television series taped for PBS-TV, the annual summer Knitting Camp, and books. Knit One Knit All is about using the knit stitch exclusively - no purling. You will find sweaters, coats, jackets, and vests for adults and kids, baby garments, plus a wonderful array of small projects including sideways gloves and socks, several brimmed hats, an ingenious pattern for knitted clogs, and more.

13

In this complete guide to wool, expert Clara Parkes translates the vast world of sheep and their wool into the language and context of knitting. This book covers the transformation of a mass of dirty fluff from shorn sheep into the yarn that's for sale in shops worldwide. She explains how to best knit with yarns made from their fibers, and explains how to determine which yarn is best for various projects - explaining the different breeds of sheep, and the qualities each type of wool has: fineness, staple length, crimp, luster, felting qualities, and best project choices. She delves into care for wool items, and includes 20 patterns that highlight the qualities of specific types of wool. The Knitter's Book of Wool will teach you what qualities you can expect from wool that you'll come across, so you'll know which wool to choose for any given project, and why.

14

In Stitch 'n Bitch, Debbie Stoller - founder of the first Stitch 'n Bitch knitting group in New York City - covers every aspect of knitting and the knitting-together lifestyle: the how-to, the when-to, the what-to, the why-to. Writing with wit and attitude (The Knitty-Gritty, Blocking for Blockheads), she explains the different types of needles and yarns (and sheep, too) and all the techniques from basic to fancy, knit to purl, to cast-off. She also shares her special brand of corrective surgery for when things go wrong, and offers fun and informative sidebars on such topics as how to find the best yarn for less, how to make a buttonhole, knitting etiquette, and what tools to keep in your knitting bag. At the heart of the book are forty stylish patterns: Alien Scarf, Big Bad Baby Blanky, Mohair Hoodie, Kitty and Devil Hat, Cell Phone Cozy, and Wonder Woman Bikini. And for anyone interested: how to start a Stitch 'n Bitch group.

15

Fiber and yarn enthusiasts nationwide will celebrate Ann Budd's latest addition to The Knitter's Handy Book series, Top Down Sweaters. Answering to a growing interest in knitting sweaters from the top down and knitting seamless sweaters that require little finishing, this handy book offers instructions for knitting five basic sweater types: circular yoke, raglan, modified-drop shoulder, set-in sleeve, and saddle shoulder. Patterns are offered in multiple sizes and yarn gauges and for a broad age group.

Following the basics for each of the five sweater types are three diverse patterns from top designers that illustrate some of the many ways that instructions can be used as springboards for creative expression, including color, texture, and shaping variations.

Also included for intermediate to advanced knitters are personal design touches, detailed charts, clear instruction, and quick tips to expand knitting possibilities and maintain creative originality. A key reference for knitters of all skill levels, this is the new essential knitting resource on your bookshelf.

16

AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary takes an unexpected look at stranded colorwork with 200 new motifs. These non-traditional colorwork charts are perfect for the creative knitter looking to break away from the ordinary. Derived from graphic design elements, these fresh motifs include everything from geometric mountains, waves, and spirals to modern bikes, skulls, and sheep. Included are sections on reading charts, working floats, and choosing colors. Learn how stranded colorwork can be used in design with five accompanying projects including mitts, cowls, and sweaters. Plus, use your imagination to modify, deconstruct, and combine the unique motifs to create your own designs.

17

Yarn and fiber enthusiasts everywhere will celebrate the latest addition to Amy Herzog's beloved knitting series (which includes You Can Knit That, Knit to Flatter, and Knit Wear Love) - Ultimate Sweater Book. This essential guide details every aspect of sweater knitting, starting with instructions for four basic sweater types: yoke, raglan, drop shoulder, and set-in sleeve. Patterns are offered in multiple sizes and yarn gauges for broad appeal. Following the basics for each of the four sweater types are a diverse range of customizing options, including how to add a hood, cowl neck, turtleneck, pockets, and zip or cardigan front, just to name a few. Amy's clear instruction and expert tips expand the many knitting possibilities, creating the essential knitting resource for knitters everywhere.

18

750 Knitting Stitches is both a stitch guide and a how-to knit primer, all in one volume. Based on The Harmony Guides, which have been a longstanding and valued reference for handcrafters for more than thirty years, this book includes all the information you'll need to get started, including how to: choose yarn and needles, read patterns, work basic stitches, check gauge, increase and decrease, join pieces, finish projects, and care for your knitted items.

The comprehensive pattern library includes 750 knitting stitches, from simple to ornate, including knit and purl patterns, basic and complex cables, Fair Isles and intarsia designs, and rib and edging patterns. Each is fully explained with instructions and accompanied by a full-color photo of a sample knitted swatch. All swatches are worked in updated yarns, beautifully photographed, and accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions.


19

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop guides knitters from beginner to master status through carefully created lessons. Included are: Learning to knit, Knitting with two colors, Elizabeth's Percentage System (EPS) for sweater design, Yoke style sweaters, Drop-shoulder sweaters, and Knitting garter stitch, lace, arans, guernseys, and fair isles. Zimmermann's workshop, originally a PBS television series, has been a bestseller since its release. Now, it has been updated with color throughout and expanded with editorial notes, technique photos and drawings, and more detailed directions and sizing for some garments. The pattern section contains Elizabeth's famous Baby Surprise Jacket (now with row-by-row instructions), the Epaulet Sweater, the Heart Hat, and many more of EZ's beloved designs. A wonderful book for beginning, intermediate, and master knitters, who often remark that they return to Elizabeth's books time and again to remind themselves of her innovative knitting techniques and construction methods. The updated and expanded edition enhances an already classic reference and pattern text for modern knitters.

20

Debbie Bliss is one of the world's most respected knitwear designers, authors, and teachers—and The Knitter's Book of Knowledge is the distillation of her decades of experience into a single, indispensable reference. With information on everything from needles and yarns to tensioning and casting on, from basic stitches to buttonholes and beading, from cabling and entrelac to finishing embellishments, it's the ultimate guide for beginners and experienced knitters alike.

As well as publishing her own Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine, she is the author of bestselling knitting pattern books, including Debbie Bliss Baby and Toddler Knits: 20 gorgeous jackets, sweaters, hats, bootees and moreThe Knitter's Year: 52 Make-in-a-Week Projects - Quick Gifts and Seasonal Knits, and Knits for You and Your Home: 30 Blissful Knits to Indulge, Cocoon, Pamper and Detox, which was the winner of Best Book 2013 at the British Knitting Awards.

21

Rowan: 40 Years features the work of such renowned knitwear designers as Kaffe Fassett, Martin Storey, Louisa Harding, and Sarah Hatton. The book celebrates the magazine's legacy with gorgeous sweaters, cardigans, wraps, and more, including a gallery of covers, never-before-seen images from the original magazines. Half of the featured designs have been knit again using modern colors, and have been newly photographed with updated styling to prove Rowan’s designs are as fashionable today as they were years or decades ago. Every knitter will turn to this book for patterns and inspiration.

22

Sock Architecture is perfect for both experienced and novice sock knitters. This thorough, imaginative collection of sock shapes and patterns gives you the tools to construct an astounding variety of custom socks. All heels and toes are carefully explained and clearly photographed, and you can plug in your own numbers to work at the exact size and gauge you want. If you'd rather just pick up the needles and start knitting, Sock Architecture also includes 17 fully designed patterns. Most span five sizes, from women's extra small through men's large. And most of the patterns offer guidelines for an adjustable size so you can choose your own gauge, size, or both. Make socks that are as unique as you are!

23

In Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible, Hitomi Shida's strikingly original designs and variations on every imaginable classic stitch result in intricate patterns that form the basis for beautiful and unique knitted fashions. This is the perfect book for the experienced knitter who is looking for new stitches that yield spectacular results! This Japanese knitting book features a wide range of rewarding and intricate stitches, including: cables, popcorn stitches, twisted stitches, edgings, and many more.

A set of detailed, step-by-step diagrams show you how to execute all the basic stitches. Instructions and diagrams for a series of small projects offer practice working with large patterns, lacy patterns, pattern arrangement, and round yokes, among other things. The knitting projects include: a classic hat made using large patterns, an elegant scarf in lacy patterns, fingerless mittens, thick socks that can be made using various patterns, a feminine collar using round stitching, and more. This Japanese stitch dictionary is sure to become a valued reference for experienced knitters.

24

Love knitting socks but sometimes hit a snag? Carry this handy answer book in your knitting bag! Well-known experts Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott demystify all aspects of sock knitting in their book The Sock Knitter's Handbook - Expert Advice, Tips, & Tricks. This book includes: clear instructions for both toe-up and cuff-down sock knitting; multiple techniques for knitting: casting on and binding off, working heels and toes, making size adjustments, and more; and, a stitch dictionary of favorite texture patterns. You'll have many choices for options for creating your own unique socks.

25

Alice Starmore's Glamourie 

Glamourie is a Scots word meaning a charmed condition in which everything is invested with magical properties and possibilities. In this unique book, Alice Starmore leads us into the realm of glamourie and — like the witches of Gaelic folklore — casts spells with needles and a single thread. Taking her daughter Jade's supernatural stories as inspiration, she uses the art of hand knitting to bewitch and bedazzle, and illustrates the tales with elaborate costumes and accessories that portray fanciful and extraordinary ideas. 
In creating these costumes, she has powerfully demonstrated the glamourie that can flow from the twin wands of a master magician.
While the first half of this book is an unrestrained flight of fancy, the second half contains full instructions for knitting simpler and more practical garments inspired by each costume, all written with Alice Starmore's trademark accuracy and precision. 
By developing each of these patterns from its associated costume, she has revealed how her mind works and how her imagination led her from the initial inspiration through to the final design.
Alice and Jade Starmore are from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, and its moody Celtic landscape is the backdrop to the stories, costumes and designs they have created. The final stage of Glamourie was to take their creations back out into that landscape to be photographed. They trekked to special locations, far off the beaten track, and Jade's spectacular photographs depict both the sweeping panorama and the minute detail of their beloved native isle. Three years in the making, this combination of photography and fable, of highly conceptual design and practical instruction, will enchant not only knitters but also those in the fashion and costume world and readers fascinated by Scottish and Gaelic legends.

Do you need to learn about the basics to help you get started knitting? Need to refresh your memory about yarn, needles, and instructions? This free ebook will help you understand how to choose the right yarn and needles for each project. You'll learn how to read a pattern. We've also included links to some of our favorite free online knitting teachers.


Click through to get your free Learn to Knit: An Absolute Beginner's Guide.

For more curated books and crafting supply suggestions, explore our Crafting Resources, The Brooklyn Refinery Shop, and our Materials Source ListThe Brooklyn Refinery is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

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