5 books that no knitter should be without. Knitting books you should have in your craft library.

My top 5 books that every knitter should have in their craft library.

March 25, 2024

Books that no knitter should be without... ever. Below are my top 5 books that every knitter should have in their craft library.

Here is my selection of knitting books that I could not live without if I was forced to choose.

Every knitter should have these books in their craft library, whether they are new to knitting or an aficionado in the art, these books are sure to inspire time and time again.

I've said "top 5" but I don't rank these in order of importance. These are just the books that I would choose if I could only pick 5 for when I'm stranded on an island with nothing but my knitting.

This blog post does contain affiliate links which means that any purchases made as a result of visiting the links generates a small commission for me at no cost to you.

1. Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmerman.

If a knitter hasn't heard of Elizabeth Zimmerman before, they certainly will. At some point in your knitting journey, Zimmerman will be mentioned. This is her amazing book titled "Knitting Without Tears" is a well-loved, essential rescue pack of resources for all knitters. Whether you're running out of yarn, making something that doesn't fit or struggling with working on the wrong side, Elizabeth is there to help. In her well known conversational tone, Zimmerman will talk you through all of your knitting problems.

Inside the book you will also find:

Colour-pattern Norwegian ski sweaters
Seamless patterned-yoke sweaters
Hooded garter-stitch jackets for babies
Watch caps, socks, slippers, mittens, and more!

The book is available to order on Amazon.

2. KnitOvation stitch dictionary by Andrea Rangel

KnitOvation was released in August 2023 and includes more than 150 brand-new colour work motifs to expand your creative possibilities. This book is a dictionary of beautiful colourwork designs including botanicals, animals, and geometric patterns. The eye-catching motifs are accompanied by a selection of accessories and garment designs to illustrate how the themes can be used. You will also find plenty of technical information on new topics, including charts and adding flourishes with duplicate stitches.

You could use this to jazz up projects that you already enjoy making or design your own with these gorgeous stitch patterns.
"More knitters than ever are enjoying colour work, so now is a fantastic time to give them another tool for their knitting toolbox."

The book is available on Amazon.

Knitovation stitch dictionary. A book for knitting colourwork.

3. Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook

This is one of the books that started it all for me. I was new to knitting and the cheeky, fun tone of Stoller's knitting guide was engaging, informative, sassy and enjoyable. Whether you're tackling your first stitches or ready to look at patterns for the first time, Debbie is there to help! I think I gushed over every single pattern in this book. I didn't make them all but I wanted to! It's a brilliant book for any new knitter, especially one who is ready to rebel against the stereotype of "knitting is for grandmas."

This book is perfect for the absolute beginner.

Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook is available on Amazon.

4. Knitty Gritty: Knitting for the absolute beginner by Aneeta Patel.

Another absolute gem from my time as a beginner is this brilliant book by Aneeta Patel. Knitty Gritty takes you from step 1 in a fun, gentle way. You learn how to hold your needles, how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off. Aneeta then takes you through a handful of easy, manageable projects from baby cardigans to knitted shawls.

What is particularly special about this book is that if you're not in a position to have a friend, relative or neighbour teaching you how to knit, this book is all you're going to need.

You can knit a scarf if you want but the projects in this book are much more satisfying.

I loved this book when I was learning. You will too!

This book is available on Amazon.

knitting for the absolute beginner. Knitting for beginners. How to knit.

5. 400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete Stitch Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns.

This book is just a stitch dictionary but it does cover the basics in the introduction. I would recommend this book for any knitter who knows the basic stitches but wants to explore other stitch patterns. With so many inspiring photos and straightforward instructions, you'll feel inspired to knit a range of things!

Whether you want texture, knit and purl stitches, colourwork or intricate lace detailing, you need to have this book on your shelf or at least on your coffee table for when you need to feel inspired!

This book is available on Amazon.