The Knitting Answer Book

I usually don't write reviews but this book was too much of a treasure to not share its goodness. As a new knitter, I had many questions. Some were hard to find the answers too even on YouTube or blogs; however, this book had it ALL. I could find the answers to my questions quick and easy. I reference this book regularly as my talent grows and I try new things. It stays in my knitting bag! 🧡

After Thanksgiving dinner my sister started a swatch for me in garter stitch. I enjoy a challenge, it seemed easy enough, until I got home & decided to try knitting myself a sweater. Went and got a book, which was far too advanced for my needs. Kept looking for answers on the net, but found it frustrating. Within 10 minutes of reading this book I found out I was trying to learn English-American style, that I'd taught myself knitted casting and simple binding, but was completely unable to begin the first row after casting. Went on to fix each of several mistakes in technique & tried versions of knitting, purling, increasing by accident, decreasing on purpose, stockinette and two versions of ribbing. My versions of each technique looked strange, this book showed me I was making the fundamental error of twisting each stitch and how to fix it! Now I additionally know that I can do all the same techniques purposely with a twist. Now I also know that my project calls for circular and double pointed needles in two sizes, which type of yarn, and two more skills, to increase on purpose and to knit tubular items, then I'll be ready to knit a sweater. I got this book one week ago. Have you ever tried to write CLEAR instructions for anything? Sincere congratulations Ms Radcliffe, all the answers are really here, this is an awesome work!

The book is set up in a question and answer format. There is a good index. The questions are ones that I (I've been knitting 3 years now) find extremely useful. They are right on target and are not over-simplified, but are not overly technical either. The author has a pleasant sense of humor and it feels like she really is on your side. There are not many illustrations, so I would not recommend the book as a stand-alone resource.

This book is small enough to fit in my knitting bag, and I always carry it for reference. The writing is very easy to understand, and very helpful. I've learned a lot from actually reading each chapter. The only negative--the Q & A format of the writing can make it more difficult to find the exact topic you are looking for.

I am an experienced knitter and somewhat questioned whether this book would be worthwhile for me. I am delighted! Its small enough to fit in anyone's knitting bag. It has a very durable binding that you can open all the way without cracking the book's spine. It has a lot of information and easily read diagrams. There is enough basic information for beginners, but I learned a few things the first time I read. For example, it explains and diagrams how to pick up a dropped stitch in the cast on row whether you use long tail or cable cast on. I always thought I had to start all over. If you're knitting with 200 or 300 stitches, it saves a lot of time. Highly recommeded.

Even though I am a seasoned knitter, I love this book. It is easy to slip into any bag and the solutions are very easy to understand with diagrams. It is almost like having an expert right in your pocket. Casting on, binding off, pattern reading, colors, shaping, basics and more all packed into this 386 page book. Be sure to add this one to your knitting library.