The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting: Illustrated

I needed a refresher course so I purchased. When younger did a lot of crocheting, really needed help to start again.

I taught myself to knit - and knit only - off of a pamphlet in a store. I could start, I could do the basic knit stitch, then I could make the world's longest scarf, because I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to stop! This book helped a great deal, with simple instructions and ways to fix all those mistakes you make in the beginning.There aren't a LOT of illustrations, but the ones they have were very helpful. I can't imagine true photographs would be better - hello? yarn is fuzzy! It blends together in a photo, but in a drawing can be more distinctive. The special sections which help prevent snarls and give helpful pointers are great, and make it easy to follow. Also fun are the suggestions of dialogue heavy movies (so you can watch your hands more as you knit) and various "famous" knitters and how their styles have influenced the knitting world. There's a bibliography at the back (I'm looking at it right now - 8 books on knitting, 7 on crocheting) as well as a glossary, and perhaps most importantly - how to fix mistakes without ripping out and starting over!!! The overall format is easy to read, and very approachable!To quote the owner of a frequently visited yarn store - you'll never need another book on knitting!

I originally bought this book in the hopes of learning to crochet. I figured I would never be able to learn how to knit. It always seemed so complicated. Well, I stand corrected. I just finished the section on knitting and low and behold I looked down and THERE REALLY WAS A PATTERN FORMING ON MY NEEDLE. I have learned how to knit! So for all of those of you out there who have went to stores and bought these "be knitting by nightfall" books before and have not been able to unravel the art of knitting....this book is for you. The authors not only give you detailed instructions and pictures, but they also provide tips for enjoying knitting, improving your kitting posture and possible pitfalls you will encounter. I also found the little stories that were included a refreshing break from the instuctions. I haven't actually started the section on crochet yet, but I am confident with the help of this book I will do fine.

I have been crocheting for approximately 30 years. There were several stitches that I never learned and no one could "tell" me how to do. I have tried to learn the stitch by reading various books and trying to follow their examples. This book is the first book I have been able to actually follow the entire explanation of a stitch and complete it. I can now do a half-double crochet stitch! I first learned about this book through the public library. I now plan to buy it for my own reference purposes. A great book to add to your library.

I read this book and in a week I had already picked out an afghan and started it, within a month I am now half done with the afghan and it looks good! I haven't started knitting yet but I am eager to start with this book by my side.

I've seen an advance of this book and am impressed with how easy it is to follow, and how entertaining it is. The authors are experienced knitters who seem to anticipate the very elements which inspire terror in the novice knitter's mind. It's also filled with hints and ideas that immediately "put you in the know". It'll make you proud to be a knitter and proud to own a Complete Idiots Guide.