Knitting Tools and Knitting Book Reviews
By Sarah E. White, About.com Guide to Knitting
You can have all the knitting skills out there, but if you don't have knitting tools -- like needles and yarn -- you won't actually be able to knit. Here you'll find information on all the tools you need and some tools that are just nice to have for knitting.
In addition, you'll find a ton of knitting book reviews and reviews of other resources that can move you forward in your knitting skills or give you access to great patterns to knit in your favorite knitting genre.
- Knitting Needles
- Knitting Yarn
- Book Reviews
- Books for New Knitters
- Books About Yarn
- Books on Knits for Babies
Knitting Needles
There are all sorts of knitting needles to choose from, from basic aluminum needles to bamboo, wood, plastic and more. Here's a look at some of your choices and why you might choose one type over another, as well as information about knitting needle sizes and how to pick the right sized needle.
- Knitting Needle Sizes
- What Size is that Needle?
- Bamboo Knitting Needles
- Lion Brand Speed Stix
- What is a Cable Needle?
- Addi Turbo Needles
- Boye Needlemaster
- Denise Interchangeable Needles
- Knit Picks Options
- Knit Picks Options Harmony
Knitting Yarn
Probably the most attractive part of knitting for a lot of knitters is getting to play with the yarn. There are so many different kinds of yarn out there, it can sometimes be difficult to choose what kind of yarn to use.
Learn more about different kinds of yarn, the pros and cons of different fibers, and see reviews of different kinds of yarn here.
- Understanding Yarn Weights
- How to Substitute Yarns
- Knitting with Wool
- What is Mothproof Wool?
- How Should I Store My Wool?
- Knitting with Cotton
- Knitting with Bamboo Yarn
- What is Mercerized Cotton?
- What is Organic Cotton Yarn?
- Recycled Silk Yarn
- What is Ribbon Yarn?
- Rowan Big Wool
- Vanna's Choice Yarn
- Farm Yarn Alpaca
- Black Water Abbey Yarn
Book Reviews
There are tons of books published every year having to do with knitting. Whether you're looking for patterns in a particular knitting genre, books that will help you increase you knitting skills, knitting fiction or knitting nonfiction that will warm your spirit, you'll sure to find a book to fit your needs.
Here are tons of book reviews that will help you find the books that you'll want in your knitting library or to ask for as gifts from loved ones.
- Books for Knitters
- Best Knitting Books of 2007
- Bag Style
- Barbara Walker's Treasuries of Knitting Patterns
- The Best of Interweave Knits
- The Best of Vogue Knitting
- Charmed Knits
- Domiknitrix
- Fitted Knits
- Hats, Mittens & Scarves
- Interweave Knits Holiday 2006
- Knit Along with Debbie Macomber - Back on Blossom Street
- Knit Fix
- Knitted Icons
- Knitting Beyond Scarves
- Knitting Classic Style
- Knitting Color
- Knitting Little Luxuries
- Knitting New Scarves
- When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitters
Books for New Knitters
If you're new to knitting -- no matter what your age -- these books are great ones to start you on the road to knitting success. With good instructions and fun, easy patterns, they're sure to help you get hooked on this great craft.
- Never Too Old to Knit
- Very Easy Circular Knits
- Knit Grrl and Knit Grrl 2
- Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit
- KnitSpeak
Books About Yarn
Reviews of knitting books about yarn: how to spin it, qualities of different yarns and tons of patterns to use those yarns to their best advantage.
Books on Knits for Babies
Knitting for babies and young children is some of the most fun you can have knitting. Baby projects are often small and quick to knit, but sometimes they rise about utilitarian items to the level of heirlooms that will be cherished for generations. These books offer some of both.
- Chic Knits for Stylish Babies
- Easy Knits for Little Kids
- Debbie Bliss Essential Baby
- Natural Knits for Babies and Moms
Knitting for Men
Whether you're a man or a woman who likes to knit for men, there are plenty of books that will help you make knits a man will actually wear.
Sock Knitting Books
If you've got a passion for sock knitting or want to learn what this craze is all about, these books will help guide you on your way.
- 2-At-a-Time Socks
- Favorite Socks
- Knitting Circles Around Socks
- Knitting on the Road
- Sensational/More Sensational Knitted Socks
Felting Book Reviews
Felting is a fun way to alter your knitting by intentionally shrinking it in hot water, whether in the washing machine or in the sink. These books help you learn how to felt and show you all sorts of amazing things you can do while shrinking your knitting.
Knitting Fiction
Books about knitting aren't always true -- check out some great reads from the fiction section of your local bookstore or library.
Knitting Memoir
Knitters love to tell their stories, whether in essay collections or in books that explain just how crazy and wonderful a knitting life can be.
Other Tools
Needles, yarn and books aren't the only things you need to make knitting fun. Here are some more tools you might be interested in that aren't entirely necessary but can make your life easier or help you with a particular part of the craft.
