Knitting Basics: All You Need to Know to Take Up Your Needles and Get Knitting

I had only one, very thin and limited book that I learned the basics of knitting from, but it left out many techniques that I started seeing in patterns. I bought this book b/c of the clear instructions and the accompanying photographs, the latter being the best part of the book. Many other instruction books only draw pictures, which take away the 3-D effect that's really helpful to have when learning. The patterns aren't that appealing to me, which is why I only gave it four stars; also, there wasn't much said about weaving in seams, which I'm still trying to figure out, and I'm consulting other books for that. Of course, multiple books need to be consulted to learn everything there is to learn. But for the novice knitter, this book is excellent.

For the absolute beginner knitter. Barnden's instructions are clear and straightforward. The photos of the stitch techniques are supplemented with detailed drawings. Explanations about picking up stitches, blocking, getting gauge, etc. are thorough. Barnden covers just the basics stitches: cast on, knit, purl, 2 ways to increase, 2 ways to decrease, bind off. The patterns for practicing the techniques start with a simple garter stitch scarf and end with a fair isle child's sweater. Personally, I found the patterns to be just OK. I wish she had included more and in greater variety. The only other "con" is that some of the yarns she uses are not readily found in the US, e.g., Patons and Sirdar. However, her pattern instructions are very good and easy to follow.Between Knitting Basics and The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville, which I also have and absolutely love, the beginning knitter should have no problems picking up the craft.

I decided one day to take up knitting, and purchased this book to learn how. The color photos and line drawings next to them taught me to knit and purl, as well as the other basics, quickly and easily. None of the other books I looked at spent so much time and illustration on the basics. Highly recommended to those who don't have a teacher and want to learn.