Teach Yourself Visually Knitting

I had given up on ever learning to knit until I found this book. I had many hours of frustration and tears under my belt because I could never see clearly and for sufficient time to get the picture in my head of what to do next. This book has very clear color photos with sufficient explanation that even someone who is awkward using their fingers like me can finally learn to knit. I'm definitely a "visual" learner in all areas of my life. Finally a craft book for me! My own personal opinion is that the continental style seems quicker once you learn it than the English style, so if you are just starting out go with continental. You will move your hands less to make stitches with the former method hence more stitches per minute. Just be aware that most knitters in the US seem to have learned the English method, so may have fewer people who can help you initially.

Chock-full of great, detailed photos, this book shows everything you need to know to learn to knit in the first place or to brush up on particular skills. Even with nearly 20 years of knitting under my belt, I still learned some great tricks from this book. (Ever had trouble with stair-stepping when knitting a striped hat in the round? This book shows how to fix that problem.) The projects are beautiful, and none of them are terribly difficult. I've already made the Tweedy Pointed Hat and the Cozy Mittens. I've also used some of the finishing techniques shown, such as how to make a twisted cord and how to crochet an edging. When you're done with this book, check out Monkeysuits, the author's book of beautiful knitting patterns for kids.

I have tried several times to get the hang of knitting, but for some reason have never been able to put it all together. This book was instrumental to my finally figuring things out. Plus, unlike so many other knitting books out there, it actually had patterns a person might actually be interesting in wearing. The book isn't just for beginners like moi, however. A close friend of mine, who is a very experienced knitter, has also enjoyed using this book.

In the past few years, I have had neither the time nor the patience to seek out a knitting instructor, for what other college student in Texas wants to learn how to knit? But I wanted to learn the basic stitches just so I could knit myself a scarf for my trip home to New York. I bought this book on a whim, and have been delighted with my purchase! The writing is straightforward and insightful - the author Sharon Turner is clearly incredibly intelligent. And the accompanying pictures make it the perfect book for any beginner. I have fallen in love with knitting, and also feel confident enough with my technical ability to take on more ambitious projects. I am so impressed that this book really did teach me how to knit - I was hoping just to learn some basic stitches so I could make a scarf, but now I feel comfortable experimenting with more interesting garments. I have since purchased Sharon Turner's other book "Monkeysuits" and knit some more complicated patterns. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be knitting up a storm, but this book has truly been amazing!

I have literally used this book every day since I bought it. What especially appeals to me are the photographs. Having up-close picures of actual knitters' hands make the direction more clear than in any book I have ever used before. Anybody could really follow the simple directions. Even though I call myself an intermediate knitter, I have discovered some very basic things I was doing wrong, and using the clear text and photos, I have corrected myself. I sincerely recommend this book over all others I have ever used.