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
Getting Started
Allen, Pam
Knitting for Dummies
TT820.A515 2008x
This is an updated second edition of the bestselling dummy book which can be used as an introductory guide or an easy-to-read, fun reference book.
Knitting for Dummies
TT820.A515 2008x
This is an updated second edition of the bestselling dummy book which can be used as an introductory guide or an easy-to-read, fun reference book.
Breiter, Barbara
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting: Illustrated
TT820.D58 2006x
This new edition includes color photos. An older edition is also available online through NetLibrary.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Crocheting: Illustrated
TT820.D58 2006x
This new edition includes color photos. An older edition is also available online through NetLibrary.
Carles, Julie
The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits
TT825.C37 2002
In a friendly, down-to-earth style, the authors explain basic techniques, and then take readers step-by-step through ten projects with simplified instructions and easy-to-follow photographs.
The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits
TT825.C37 2002
In a friendly, down-to-earth style, the authors explain basic techniques, and then take readers step-by-step through ten projects with simplified instructions and easy-to-follow photographs.
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.
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.
Jensen, Candi
Knit Scarves: 16 Cool Patterns to Keep You Warm
TT825.J48 2004
Do you want a quick and easy project for beginners? Try a scarf!
Knit Scarves: 16 Cool Patterns to Keep You Warm
TT825.J48 2004
Do you want a quick and easy project for beginners? Try a scarf!
Mackin, Hilary
So simple knits: a fabulous collection of 24 fashionable and fun designs
q TT825.M1595 2006x
So simple knits: a fabulous collection of 24 fashionable and fun designs
q TT825.M1595 2006x
Macris, Gina
Start to Knit: from casting on to binding off
Are you interested in becoming a serious knitter? This book will teach you the basics.
qTT825.M163 2005x
Start to Knit: from casting on to binding off
Are you interested in becoming a serious knitter? This book will teach you the basics.
qTT825.M163 2005x
Stoller, Debbie
Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook
TT820.S86 2003
"The percentage of women under forty-five who knit or crochet has doubled since 1996," says Stoller. This is a "sassy" nonconformist guide to knitting that will also tell you how to start your own "Stitch 'n Bitch" knitting group. See also her later Stitch 'n Bitch Nation.
Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook
TT820.S86 2003
"The percentage of women under forty-five who knit or crochet has doubled since 1996," says Stoller. This is a "sassy" nonconformist guide to knitting that will also tell you how to start your own "Stitch 'n Bitch" knitting group. See also her later Stitch 'n Bitch Nation.
Teach yourself visually knitting & crocheting
TT820.T368 2004x
TT820.T368 2004x
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 topBeyond the Basics
Durham, Teva
Loop-D-Loop: More Than 40 Novel Designs for Knitters
qTT825.D77 2005
With more than 70 color photos and a thought-provoking text that brings together eclectic references to philosophy, art, and popular culture, the book creates a contemplative, enchanted realm that resonates with beauty and meaning.
Loop-D-Loop: More Than 40 Novel Designs for Knitters
qTT825.D77 2005
With more than 70 color photos and a thought-provoking text that brings together eclectic references to philosophy, art, and popular culture, the book creates a contemplative, enchanted realm that resonates with beauty and meaning.
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.
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.
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.
Knitting & Crochet on DVD & VHS
The Art of Knitting (DVD)
Demonstrates the intricacies of knitting in an effective manner and presents the history, the basics, the experts, the fun, and the creativity that make knitting a popular craft
Demonstrates the intricacies of knitting in an effective manner and presents the history, the basics, the experts, the fun, and the creativity that make knitting a popular craft
Learn to Knit (DVD)
Presents techniques for beginner to advanced level knitting projects, including: casting on and off; multiple stitches; increasing; decreasing; knit gauge; mitten sizing; stitch markers; stitch holders; thumb placement; seaming; patterns; changing colors; double sided cables; scarf length; blocking; and fringe.
Presents techniques for beginner to advanced level knitting projects, including: casting on and off; multiple stitches; increasing; decreasing; knit gauge; mitten sizing; stitch markers; stitch holders; thumb placement; seaming; patterns; changing colors; double sided cables; scarf length; blocking; and fringe.
Learn to Knit with Laura Jean (DVD)
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. (DVD)TT825.L388273 2005x
The Art of Knitting & Crochet 2 (DVD)
Whether you're a beginner or advanced knitter, several designers and instructors will show you how to knit and crochet with simple, understandable demonstrations that you can play over and over again.
Whether you're a beginner or advanced knitter, several designers and instructors will show you how to knit and crochet with simple, understandable demonstrations that you can play over and over again.
Knitting, Crochet, Quilting: Advanced Methods (VHS)
Instruction in advanced quilting, crochet, and knitting techniques.
Instruction in advanced quilting, crochet, and knitting techniques.
Browse the Catalog
For additional titles, browse the library catalog under the subjects
Web Sites
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About.com: Knitting
Web resources on knitting maintained by Barbara Breiter -
Interweave Knits
This is the website of the print publication. It offers the table of contents of the current issue plus some "web exclusive" project 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. -
Librarians' Internet Index: Knitting
Links to a variety of online knitting websites and magazines. -
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. -
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 from the Craft Yarn Council of America. They have abbreviations for both knitting and crocheting. -
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. -
Wool Works
A noncommercial, volunteer-run site full of information for handknitters. Here you can find knitting guilds and stores in your area.
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 East Knitting Guild
Pittsburgh East Knitting Guild promotes hand knitting within the greater Pittsburgh community by offering a monthly meeting place, in the eastern suburbs, for all knitters from beginning to advanced levels. -
Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival
An annual event in February that offers classes and exhibits.
