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Knitting: Two Sticks & A Piece of String
*** This Guide is No Longer Being Actively Maintained ***
by Elyse A. Meltz, Librarian
Knitting has been undergoing a new popularity in the last few years. The variety of beautiful yarn available and the enjoyment to be had by creating all sorts of things (from traditional garments, to trendy fashions) is being discovered by many people and there are many more sources of information and inspiration available than ever before.
While not being exhaustive, this guide is intended to be representative of some of the best resources available on all aspects of knitting, both for those who already know the joys of knitting and those who have just discovered it.
Knitting’s "soaring popularity can be directly attributed to a need for stress reduction and calm, especially among younger women. The percentage of women under 45 who knit has doubled in the past six years." (Body and Soul, Oct. 2004)
Please Choose from the Following:
Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
Directories
Books & Video
Magazines
Databases
Websites
Programs & Events
Local Resources
Associations
Related Pathfinders
Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
A Treasury of Knitting Patterns
by Barbara G. Walker (1968)
For those who want to design their own patterns, Walker’s books are indispensable. This is the first one, with stitches logically grouped and black and white, clear photos.
Vogue Dictionary of Knitting Stitches
by Anne Matthews (1984)
Patterns for every type of knitted stitch from basic, traditional and modern including ribs, textures, cables, Aran, openwork and lace, Fair Isle, borders, motifs and more, with full color illustrations.
Many of the books listed below also have stitch guides included.
Directories
Many of the books listed below include directories of yarn and equipment sources, local yarn stores, books and websites.
Books & Video
Browse for books on knitting in the Dewey
Decimal Numbers 745 and 746 or try searching
the OCPL
catalog for the following subject
headings:
Knitting
or subdivisions such as:
Knitting - Handbooks, manuals
Knitting - Patterns
Knitting - Scandinavia - Patterns
Sweaters
General Instruction and Technique
The Big Book of Knitting
by Katharina Buss (1999)
A lavishly illustrated reference for basic and more advanced aspects of knitting, illustrating various techniques and stitch patterns.
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book (2nd ed.)
by the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine (2002)
An indispensable reference, covering every possible aspect of knitting with clear illustrations and beautiful photographs.
Projects and Patterns
Bliss, Debbie
Any of the many books by this leading designer, known especially for her baby and children's designs, will instruct and inspire.
Glorious Knits
by Kaffe Fassett (1985)
This book helped start the current knitwear revolution. The popular designer’s inspired use of color and his technique for accomplishing it encourages knitters to devise their own color schemes. Includes garments for adults and children and, as in all his books, they are photographed in gorgeous surroundings.
Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting
by Alice Starmore (1988)
Teaches the history, patterns and traditional techniques for the colorful, stranded knitting style that originated in a tiny island off the coast of Scotland. The author explains how the natural environment as well as everyday objects inspire her. Her work with classic motifs and color schemes to create original patterns and designs encourages readers to do the same.
The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges
by Ann Budd (2002)
Ann Budd, the editor of Interweave Knits magazine, explains how to calculate the numbers to create your own projects with your own choice of yarn from toddler size to extra-large adult in any weight of yarn.
Knitting Without Tears:
Basic Techniques and Easy-To-Follow Directions For Garments to Fit All Sizes
by Elizabeth Zimmermann (1971)
The classic and influential book which inspired a new generation of knitters, written in a lively, conversational tone. Includes clever solutions to frustrating problems and step-by-step instructions for timeless designs.
Stitch'N Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook
by Debbie Stoller (2003)
Written by the co-founder of the Stitch'N Bitch circle in New York, this is the book for the new generation of 20 to 30 year old knitters. Includes basic techniques and unusual projects like cell phone covers, backpacks, and bikinis, with commentary about knitting, its history, and why young people are knitting again.
Knitting In America
by Melanie D. Falick (1996)
The author traveled around the U.S. exploring studios, galleries, yarn shops, farms, festivals and museums getting to know knitters for whom the craft is a way of life. Includes interviews and more than 30 patterns created specifically for the book, with beautiful photos.
Knit Socks!: 15 Cool Patterns for Toasty Feet
by Betsy McCarthy (2004)
For those who know the basics of knitting, but not much about knitting socks, with step-by-step instructions and color-coded charts. Includes 15 patterns in various types of stitch designs for adults and children.
Men In Knits: Sweaters to Knit That He Will Wear
by Tara Jon Manning (2003)
Offers help in choosing the right fit, color, texture and style so men will actually wear a hand knitted sweater. The patterns include both classics and trendy fashions, and many will appeal to women also.
Dogs in Knits: 17 Patterns For Our Best Friends
by Judith L. Swartz (2002)
The first book from a major publisher to provide a pattern wardrobe for dogs. The designs combine ethnic traditions with a modern sensibility to create “sweaters dogs can wear with dignity.” Includes appealing yet practical canine styles and instructions on sizing patterns for a perfect fit with color photos.
The Art of Knitting: Stitches, Colors, Fashion(2004) (3 hrs. 39 min.) - DVD
Clearly demonstrates techniques for beginners to advanced, explains types of yarn, tools, color theory. Provides, in a well-organized format, information on designers, knitting circles, organizations and events, a stitch library, glossary of terms, inspirational music to knit by, the history of knitting, ergonomics and how to prevent injury.
For Children and Teens
Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit
by Jennifer Wenger (2004)
Shows how knitting can appeal to teenagers as a way to get exactly what they want to own. Includes patterns designed especially for teens and how to start a knitting club.
Knitting
by Judy Ann Sadler (2002) (for ages 7 & up)
An easy to follow guide to get started. The instructions are straightforward, photographs and illustrations clear, and the projects simple but appealing for children.
History
No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting
by Anne L. MacDonald (1988)
Covers from colonial times to the 1980s and shows how women have always used knitting as a practical outlet for their creativity. Many primary sources are used for an entertaining social history.
Inspiration
Knit Lit: Sweaters and Their Stories … and Other Writing About Knitting
by Linda Roghaar & Molly Wolf, eds.
A collection of stories and essays of knitter’s personal remembrances.
Fiction for Adults
Knitting: A Novel
by Anne Bartlett (2005)
“A story about the healing power of friendship enriched by knitting details.” (Library Journal, Mar. 1, 2005)
Fiction for Children
Derek the Knitting Dinosaur
by Mary Blackwood (1990)
Derek, a little green dinosaur, is somewhat worried that he likes to stay home and knit instead of acting like his ferocious brothers, but the onset of cold weather allows his knitting to become useful.
Magazines
Vogue Knitting International
(published 4 times a year)
Available at Central, Beauchamp Branch, NOPL @ Brewerton
In addition to the latest in designer fashions and trends and interesting articles every issue contains book reviews, reviews of new yarns, an index to advertisers, techniques, a list of retailers, and a yarn buying guide. The ads provide a useful source for yarn and patterns.
Knitter’s
(published 4 times a year)
Available at Petit Branch
In three sections: “Features” has letters, instructions, classified ads, book reviews; “Articles” on design issues, common problems, designer profiles, reviews of classes; and “Projects” which are usually sweaters but often include some home decor, with many ads.
Online Databases
The online databases do not index the magazines listed above, but interesting articles can be found from other magazines and newspapers. Try searching Gale General Reference Center Gold or Proquest Platinum with "knitting" as a subject.
Websites
About.com Knitting
The author is a knitter and designer and offers free patterns (many with photos), articles on all types of knitting, a forum with questions and answers, and more.
Woolworks
Non-commercial, volunteer run site includes extensive listings of links about books, magazines, guilds, software, events, charities, and more.
Knitty.com
A free web-only magazine published 4 times a year, gathers patterns from both new and established designers and offers them for free, with photos and schematics always included.
Knitting Pattern Central
A directory of free knitting patterns available online;
well-organized by type of pattern (baby items, sweaters,
hats, children, mittens, etc.).
KnittingHelp.com
Features online videos demonstrating the basics as well as a few more complex knitting techniques, with very clear and easy to follow instructions. Great for newbie knitters who still need help with their purl stitch as well as experienced knitters who can't quite remember the correct way to Kitchener!
Knitter's Review
"A weekly online magazine for fiber enthusiasts" - and much more! Knitter's Review features reviews of the latest yarns, knitting tools and books, as well as reports from fiber festivals and conferences across the United States. The Knitter's Review forum is an online knitting and fiber community where you can post questions and meet virtually with knitters from around the world.
KnitCast
An online radio program and podcast about knitting. The host, from Great Britain, interviews designers, store owners, magazine editors and other knitters from all over the world.
Programs & Events
Hazard, Petit & NOPL @ Brewerton libraries have had knitting groups at various times.
From the OCPL homepage click on Events Calendar.
Local Resources
Twisted Stitches of Central New York Knitting Guild
Find out about the activities of the local group affiliated with the national Knitting Guild Association.
Associations
The Knitting Guild Association
A national organization, publisher of “Cast On” magazine. Sponsors conferences, correspondence courses and a charity knitting program.
Craft Yarn Council of America
The trade association for the yarn industry. Website includes free patterns and basic instructions.
Related Pathfinders
Last updated: June 26, 2010