Description
Book SynopsisFrom best-selling author and crafting queen Claire Gelder, this gorgeous mini guide is packed full of knitting know-how, practical illustrations and comes with four simple projects.
Perfect for complete beginners, Claire clearly explains everything you need to know about knitting: how to read a ball band, how to get tension correct, how to choose needles and yarns, how to cast on and how to read abbreviations and knitting patterns. It is structured as a simple three-step course that will help you progress from bronze to gold as your skills and confidence grow. Start with the basic stitches and simple joining, build up a few more stitches for your collection, then finally add in some simple shaping and some pompoms. Before you know it you'll be knitting a garter stitch scarf, herringbone stitch blanket, a loop stitch cushion and a pompom hat.
Filled with positive affirmations and beautifully illustrated, this wonderful book is a perfect introduction to knitting for a complete beginner.
Trade ReviewAlicia Gregov, The Novel Neighbor Booklstore, St Louis, MO“Fantastic introduction to knitting! There really is a need for very clear illustrations and dialog for teaching yourself to knit and I feel like this is a good resource. I will definitely be adding this to my library.”
Library Journal Starred Review by Jacqueline Parascandola
Founder of the UK company Wool Couture, Gelder (
Bonnie the Cow & Friends: 20 Loveable Animals & Birds To Crochet Using Chunky Yarn) has written a welcoming book for readers who want to learn how to knit but may not know how to start. This title offers the usual fare of required tools, appropriate needle sizes, and yarn types. Beginner techniques, such as a slip knot and casting on, are the main focus. Readers are also given clear instructions for executing stitches, such as seed, slipping, and much more. The book includes four easy projects and a wonderful introduction to knitting. The illustrations that accompany each lesson rank as the best feature of this guide. All aspects of this book make this a perfect choice for knitting novices.
VERDICT This book will appeal to visual learners. Best for beginners or knitters who want a refresher course.
Table of ContentsA little bit about me and Wool Couture 6
What's in this book? 12
The three steps to becoming a knitter 13
Your knitting place 16
What you need to start knitting 20
Yarn 24
Knitting needles 34
Your First Stitches
Slip knot 40, Casting on 44, Knit stitch 48, Purl stitch 52, Stocking stitch 54, Casting off 56, Counting rows and stitches 58, Measuring tension (gauge) 62, Weaving in the ends 66, Joining in a new ball of yarn 68, Understanding abbreviations 70, Following a pattern 74, Reading through a simple pattern 75, Bronze level project: Garter stitch scarf 76
Your Next Stitches
Seed stitch 82, Slipping stitches 84, Knitting into the back of a stitch 86, Herringbone stitch 88, Decreasing stitches 90, Silver level project: Herringbone stitch blanket 94
Other Stitch Techniques
Increasing stitches 100, Loop stitch 106, Mattress stitch 110, Gold level project: Loop stitch pillow 114, Rib stitch 118, Making pompoms 120, Bonus level project: Simple hat 122
