The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits: Patterns for Babies and Toddlers

Although I learned to knit as a child, I've always been a much stronger (and more skillful) crocheter. Since becoming a mom, I've decided to work on improving my knitting skills, but since I mainly knit on the train to and from work, I didn't want patterns that involved too much complexity or concentration. I also didn't want to keep knitting the same baby blanket/scarf patterns I'd started out with. Enter this book. I love the fact that the patterns are truly designed to be knit up quickly and with a minimum of fuss. The review section at the beginning of the book was perfect for me - I could easily check how to do things I'd forgotten or never learned (increasing and decreasing come immediately to mind). I also REALLY like that these baby/toddler patterns aren't 40 years out of style. The Yarn Girls really came up with some updated classic-style patterns that won't go out of fashion any time soon. It's also very helpful to see each project knit up in two different color schemes - it gives me lots of ideas when choosing colors. Overall, this book provides clear instructions for stylish patterns that knit up in a breeze - what more could a knitter want? I highly recommend this book!

I am a seasoned knitter who found myself with a lot of baby and kid sweaters to get out. I guess they come in bunches. Patterns are simple yet cute and work up quickly on larger needles. The size range is outstanding. All patterns go from 0-3mos to 3 yrs.If you are a beginner you will love this book. Nothing to guess about, clear step by step instructions. Don't hesitate. Mostly cardigans, pullovers and hats. All stitches and techniques clearly explained.

I am an intermediate level knitter and pregnant with my first child. Early in my knitting career I spent weeks on intricate baby sweaters using sport-weight yarn and small needles. While the sweaters were lovely, the recipients grew out of them in less time than it took to make them. I am so happy to have found this book! The sweaters (hats, blankets, ponchos, dresses) are simple and attractive. Best of all, they work up on large needles (the smallest gauge is 5st=1"; many are 2-3st=1"). The Yarn Girls provide the name of the yarns used to make the creations as photographed in the book. These yarns are typically expensive and require hand washing (not surprising - The Yarn Co., the store owned and operated by the Yarn Girls, sells high-end yarns). It is, of course, possible to order the yarns listed. I prefer to use washable yarns for children's clothing and will be substituting with yarns available in my local craft store (which have improved TREMENDOUSLY in the last few years as yarn-craft has reemerged). I can see a beginner being a little intimidated by trying to figure out what yarns can be substituted. Fortunately, the first 1/3 of the book provides excellent beginner instructions, including the best description for making a gauge swatch I have read. Overall, a terrific book. I would recommend this to any knitter of any ability.

This is the ultimate best children's knitting pattern book I have seen yet! I loved the first yarn girls' book, but after a while found the patterns to simple and the gauges to big, but this one has something for everyone. From a basic pullover to a complex cardigan in a range of guages from 2sts/inch up to 20sts/inch. Not to mention sizes from 0-3 months up to 3 years, though I think they'll fit an older child too. Any newby to knitting could pick up this book and make a sweater, and the more experienced knitter will still find something in the great variety of the patterns. All kinds of yarns and styles and no dorky pictures in the middle of a sweater, just great knitting. In addition, the patterns are well written, and I love the stories(some continued from tha last book) about the knitters who inspired the patterns. This book sent me into my stash to start knitting for my kids ages 2 and 4, and hoping that my friends and family have a baby soon, so I can make a tiny little baby set for them from this book.

This is a welcome book with patterns for children in bulkier yarns, including chenille and trims with the new fun fur yarns. Most kids' patterns use thinner gauge yarns for baby and toddler, so if you don't enjoy knitting with baby or fingering weight yarns, this book should light up your knitting life. And if you deplore the fact that fine gauge knitting takes time--while Junior is rapidly growing out of the knitting project on your needles, these projects are pretty fast. Most are done in plain stockinette or garter stitch, fast and easy, but effective in the decorative yarns used. The patterns are for infant to about three year old. No reason, however, you couldn't adapt these patterns for school age kids by adding on some rows and stitches to make them larger and longer. The patterns include basic pullovers and more elaborate ones, cardigans and variations, v-necks--cardis and pullovers, hats, ponchos, dressing blankets and snuggies. There is a section on fundamentals of knitting for the beginner and a glossary as well. Grammies and friends-of-babies take note: there is an adorable coat and hat set in chenille that works for boy or girl. A poncho in varigated yarn with a fun fur trim for a girl--in simple stockinette stitch. One cardigan is simplicity in itself, in plain knit in vivid purple--but a contrasting light color single crochet trim makes it look finished and very stylish. This is a very fun book of patterns for kids knits that will have you diving into your fancy bulky yarn stash with plenty of new ideas for children's knits. Joanna Daneman