How Do I
Knitting
See also: Crocheting
Knitting is hitting a peak of popularity these days, and what better way to try it out than by checking out some knitting books from the library? Here are a few titles that can help you get started, plus some to try once you've mastered the basics!
Selected Books
Bristow, Janet
The Prayer Shawl Companion: 38 Knitted Designs to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life
TT825.B74 2008
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group that reaches out to people of all faiths in sadness and celebration. Even if you don't pray in cold temples and churches, shawls are very useful to wrap up in when you are reading or conserving energy. There's also A Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion for crocheters.
The Prayer Shawl Companion: 38 Knitted Designs to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life
TT825.B74 2008
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group that reaches out to people of all faiths in sadness and celebration. Even if you don't pray in cold temples and churches, shawls are very useful to wrap up in when you are reading or conserving energy. There's also A Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion for crocheters.
Druchunas, Donna
Ethnic Knitting Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and the Andes
TT825.D745 2007
Donna Druchunas presents traditional knitting designs and techniques from across the globe in step-by-step fashion. For each location, she offers brief knitting-specific history, key techniques, and a handful of versatile patterns (texture or color).
Ethnic Knitting Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and the Andes
TT825.D745 2007
Donna Druchunas presents traditional knitting designs and techniques from across the globe in step-by-step fashion. For each location, she offers brief knitting-specific history, key techniques, and a handful of versatile patterns (texture or color).
Druchunas, Donna
Ethnic Knitting Exploration: Lithuania, Iceland, and Ireland
TT819.L57 D79 2009
Working as she did in Ethnic Knitting Discovery, Druchunas covers traditional knitting designs and techniques of three new regions and more complicated structures, including raglan, yoke, and saddle-shoulder sweaters.
Ethnic Knitting Exploration: Lithuania, Iceland, and Ireland
TT819.L57 D79 2009
Working as she did in Ethnic Knitting Discovery, Druchunas covers traditional knitting designs and techniques of three new regions and more complicated structures, including raglan, yoke, and saddle-shoulder sweaters.
Durant, Judith
Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Small Indulgences
TT820.L89 2008
One-skein projects are portable, fun, quick to finish, and the perfect answer to that stash of orphan yarns. Check out Durant's other One-Skein Wonders.
Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Small Indulgences
TT820.L89 2008
One-skein projects are portable, fun, quick to finish, and the perfect answer to that stash of orphan yarns. Check out Durant's other One-Skein Wonders.
Durant, Judith
Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks!
TT825.S655 2010
For those of you who can only handle short books and one skein knitting projects!
Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks!
TT825.S655 2010
For those of you who can only handle short books and one skein knitting projects!
Greer, Betsy
Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch
TT820.G828 2008
Betsy Greer, creator of Craftivism.com, has written this handbook for the new culture of "activist" knitters. By highlighting the subversive, revolutionary, and political aspects of knitting, Greer shows readers that knitting can be a profound way to connect to ourselves by embracing the personal, creative, and meditative aspects of knitting, reach out to our community through sharing our skill and through charity knitting, and subvert producers of mass manufactured merchandise.
Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch
TT820.G828 2008
Betsy Greer, creator of Craftivism.com, has written this handbook for the new culture of "activist" knitters. By highlighting the subversive, revolutionary, and political aspects of knitting, Greer shows readers that knitting can be a profound way to connect to ourselves by embracing the personal, creative, and meditative aspects of knitting, reach out to our community through sharing our skill and through charity knitting, and subvert producers of mass manufactured merchandise.
Høxbro, Vivian
Knit to Be Square: Domino Designs to Knit and Felt
TT820.H8164 2008
Featuring small projects that are perfect for the beginning knitter, this book covers how to make modular squares that can be connected to create a variety of eye-catching designs. Most of the projects are made with wool yarn knitted at a slightly looser gauge than recommended by the manufacturer so that the finished piece can be felted in the washing machine.
Knit to Be Square: Domino Designs to Knit and Felt
TT820.H8164 2008
Featuring small projects that are perfect for the beginning knitter, this book covers how to make modular squares that can be connected to create a variety of eye-catching designs. Most of the projects are made with wool yarn knitted at a slightly looser gauge than recommended by the manufacturer so that the finished piece can be felted in the washing machine.
Isager, Marianne
Inca Knits: Designs Inspired by South American Traditions
TT825.I827 2009
These projects, suitable for any intermediate knitter, innovatively combine knit-and-purl techniques in lightweight yarns, with the colors, stripes, and zigzags of South American patterns.
Inca Knits: Designs Inspired by South American Traditions
TT825.I827 2009
These projects, suitable for any intermediate knitter, innovatively combine knit-and-purl techniques in lightweight yarns, with the colors, stripes, and zigzags of South American patterns.
Kandis, Mags
Folk Style: Innovative Designs to Knit, Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More
TT820.K257 2007
Very attractive folk designs for a variety of items for the more advanced knitter.
Folk Style: Innovative Designs to Knit, Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More
TT820.K257 2007
Very attractive folk designs for a variety of items for the more advanced knitter.
Knit Prayer Shawls: 15 Wraps to Share
Knitters of all faiths are creating handmade shawls for people in need. What started as a grass-roots movement has quickly grown into an international cause, with countless numbers of shawls being given to grateful recipients around the globe.
Knitters of all faiths are creating handmade shawls for people in need. What started as a grass-roots movement has quickly grown into an international cause, with countless numbers of shawls being given to grateful recipients around the globe.
Leapman, Melissa
Mastering Color Knitting: Simple Instructions for Stranded, Intarsia, and Double Knitting
TT820.L388 2010
Leapman's clear instruction proves that knitting with multiple colors may appear complex, but it doesn't have to be difficult. She includes the quickest, easiest, and most intuitive methods for each technique.
Mastering Color Knitting: Simple Instructions for Stranded, Intarsia, and Double Knitting
TT820.L388 2010
Leapman's clear instruction proves that knitting with multiple colors may appear complex, but it doesn't have to be difficult. She includes the quickest, easiest, and most intuitive methods for each technique.
Linden, Stephanie van der
Around the World in Knitted Socks: 26 Inspired Designs
TT825.L54 2010
Drawing inspiration from signature local textiles such as Turkish kilim carpets, Japanese sashiko embroidery, Belgian lace, American quilts, and Scottish argyle tartan, each pattern is distinctly tied to both country and culture.
Around the World in Knitted Socks: 26 Inspired Designs
TT825.L54 2010
Drawing inspiration from signature local textiles such as Turkish kilim carpets, Japanese sashiko embroidery, Belgian lace, American quilts, and Scottish argyle tartan, each pattern is distinctly tied to both country and culture.
Parkes, Clara
The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn
TT820.P28 2007
This book begins with a discussion of the fibers that compose the various yarns and how they behave. It goes on to give patterns for specific types of yarn.
The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn
TT820.P28 2007
This book begins with a discussion of the fibers that compose the various yarns and how they behave. It goes on to give patterns for specific types of yarn.
Radford, Leigh
AlterKnits Felt: Imaginative Projects for Knitting and Felting
TT825.R278 2008
Through 30 colorful, vibrant projects, Radford shows readers how to knit and then felt their own handiwork, as well as how to create gorgeous felted objects from recycled knits and unspun fiber. An introductory chapter on felting basics explains everything you need to know.
AlterKnits Felt: Imaginative Projects for Knitting and Felting
TT825.R278 2008
Through 30 colorful, vibrant projects, Radford shows readers how to knit and then felt their own handiwork, as well as how to create gorgeous felted objects from recycled knits and unspun fiber. An introductory chapter on felting basics explains everything you need to know.
Righetti, Maggie
Knitting in Plain English
TT820.R54 2007 (2nd Ed.)
Righetti is a teacher of knitting and crocheting, author of Universal Yarn Finder and contributor to craft magazines, including Knitters.
Knitting in Plain English
TT820.R54 2007 (2nd Ed.)
Righetti is a teacher of knitting and crocheting, author of Universal Yarn Finder and contributor to craft magazines, including Knitters.
Tatar, Steven
The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book: Patterns Celebrating Four Decades of American Sweater Style
TT825.T342 2010
Cleveland's Ohio Knitting Mills operated from the 1920s-2000s and produced designs and patterns for American designers and department stores. Tatar offers some of their vintage patterns from the 1940s to the 1970s.
The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book: Patterns Celebrating Four Decades of American Sweater Style
TT825.T342 2010
Cleveland's Ohio Knitting Mills operated from the 1920s-2000s and produced designs and patterns for American designers and department stores. Tatar offers some of their vintage patterns from the 1940s to the 1970s.
Turjoman, Julie
Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere
TT820.T86 2010
Welcome to the world of knit blogging! Turjoman invited 26 of her favorite knit bloggers to contribute patterns to this collection.
Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere
TT820.T86 2010
Welcome to the world of knit blogging! Turjoman invited 26 of her favorite knit bloggers to contribute patterns to this collection.
Zimmermann, Elizabeth
Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes
TT820 .Z55
This is a classic!! Learn how to knit without a pattern.
Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes
TT820 .Z55
This is a classic!! Learn how to knit without a pattern.
Return to the topKnitting on DVD
The Art of Knitting & Crochet 2
(DVD) TT820.A785 2005x
Whether you're a beginner or advanced knitter, the best designers and instructors in America will show you how to knit and crochet with simple, understandable demonstrations.
(DVD) TT820.A785 2005x
Whether you're a beginner or advanced knitter, the best designers and instructors in America will show you how to knit and crochet with simple, understandable demonstrations.
The Brand New Knitter: a comprehensive guide for the never-held-needles-before knitter-to-be
(DVD) TT820.B8255 2009x
Lucy Neatby presents knitting instruction for the beginner, covering: knitting and purling using either hand; casting on; binding off; shapings; joining yarns; common problems adn how to avoid or fix them; an introduction to knitting terms and abbreviations; how to read a pattern; cables; knitting in the round.
(DVD) TT820.B8255 2009x
Lucy Neatby presents knitting instruction for the beginner, covering: knitting and purling using either hand; casting on; binding off; shapings; joining yarns; common problems adn how to avoid or fix them; an introduction to knitting terms and abbreviations; how to read a pattern; cables; knitting in the round.
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Ribwarmer
Meg Swansen shows how to knit 3 "ribwarmers". The classic ribwarmer is a utilitarian and attractive garment, the knee length version is a warm, long over-layer and the butterfly is sleek and graceful. Elizabeth Zimmerman might be considered the grandmother of American knitting.
Meg Swansen shows how to knit 3 "ribwarmers". The classic ribwarmer is a utilitarian and attractive garment, the knee length version is a warm, long over-layer and the butterfly is sleek and graceful. Elizabeth Zimmerman might be considered the grandmother of American knitting.
I Can't Believe I'm Knitting!
(DVD) TT820.I233 2006x
Melissa Leapman provides beginning knitters with basic instructions so that even novices will be able to learn enough stitches and techniques to complete the simple projects that are included.
(DVD) TT820.I233 2006x
Melissa Leapman provides beginning knitters with basic instructions so that even novices will be able to learn enough stitches and techniques to complete the simple projects that are included.
Learn to Knit
(DVD) TT820.L4276 2005x
Learn to knit beginner to intermediate projects in multiple lessons. Knit a kitchen cloth, mittens, and a multi-colored cabled scarf.
(DVD) TT820.L4276 2005x
Learn to knit beginner to intermediate projects in multiple lessons. Knit a kitchen cloth, mittens, and a multi-colored cabled scarf.
Learn to Knit with Laura Jean
(DVD) TT825.L388273 2005x
Demonstrates the basics of knitting, with a separate index menu of techniques. Shows how to knit a sweater, a hat, a dog sweater, a purse, and a baby sweater.
(DVD) TT825.L388273 2005x
Demonstrates the basics of knitting, with a separate index menu of techniques. Shows how to knit a sweater, a hat, a dog sweater, a purse, and a baby sweater.
Web Sites
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About.com: Knitting
Web resources on knitting maintained by Barbara Breiter -
Craft Yarn Council of America: Standards & Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting
Do you ever scratch your head over abbreviations in knitting patterns: p2tog, psso, wyif? Next time check this website. They have abbreviations for both knitting and crocheting. -
Interweave
Interweave publishes Knits, Knits Scene, Knits Weekend and Knitting Traditions. -
ipl2: Knitting
Links to a variety of online knitting websites and magazines. -
Knit 1 Magazine
Their website offers basics and patterns. -
The Knitting Guild Association
Includes chapter guilds throughout the United States, including the Pittsburgh East Knitting Guild #149 and Three Rivers Knitters #164. They also publish a magazine, Cast On. -
Knitting Help
This site includes online videos that you can download and view. Both British and Continental methods of knitting are shown. -
Knitty
An online knitting magazine, community, offering patterns. -
Lion Brand Yarn Company
Free knitting instructions and patterns. -
Socknitters
Socknitters is a mailing list for anyone interested in knitting socks by hand. Their website includes many patterns. -
Victoria & Albert Museum: Knitting
Not only does this British museum have information on knits from its collection, it also has patterns that you can download and use, links to knitting websites and webblogs. Very good for an English perspective on this ancient craft. -
Vogue Knitting
The website of the print publication, also includes links to yarn manufacturers.
Pittsburgh Resources
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Berroco: Yarn Shops in Pennsylvania
This is a page from Berroco Yarns listing yarn shops in the Pittsburgh region carrying their yarns but it is a good list for anyone looking for yarns. Pittsburgh shops are at the top. -
Carol's Needleworks
Designer yarns, buttons, classes, finishing in Bridgeville, PA. -
Jo-ann Fabrics
Go to store locator to find a superstore near you in the Pittsburgh area that offers classes. They offer both knitting and crocheting. -
Michaels
This arts and crafts store chain has multiple stores in the Pittsburgh area. Search for Pittsburgh in their store locator and then click on "This Store's events" to see when they offer "Learn to Knit" and "Learn to Crochet" classes. -
Natural Stitches
A full service yarn shop featuring a wide array of natural and man made fibers as well as classes. Located in East Liberty near Trader Joe's. -
Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival
An annual event in February that offers classes and exhibits.
