Cool Stuff Teach Me To Knit – Book Review
I have received a sample copy of this book for review from Leisure Arts. I am not financially compensated for my blog post and am under no obligation to give a favorable review. Any conclusions and statements about the book are my own. If you do choose to purchase the book, I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), and you are helping support Goddess Crochet, allowing me to create more free crochet patterns. It’s a win-win!
Teach Me To Knit – Book Review
Having only learned to knit a few months ago, I was very excited to receive “Cool Stuff Teach Me to Knit” – the perfect book for building up my limited knitting skills. It’s filled with really cute projects and presented in such a fun way. When my little girl is old enough (and interested enough) in learning to knit, this will be the book I use to help her learn, for sure.
“Cool Stuff Teach Me to Knit” is a great place to start if you want to learn to knit, or if you are looking to teach someone else. This 64 page, full color book will build up your skills progressively as you move through each project. In the beginning you will learn about the materials and supplies you will need, as well as how to decipher yarn labels. Then you will learn how to make a slip knot, cast on, and how to hold your yarn. After you’ve learned those basic skills, you are ready to learn the knit stitch while making a useful coaster. Here you will also learn the ever-so-important skill of binding off, and weaving in ends. Next you will learn the purl stitch, followed by a short lesson on combining the knit and purl stitches to create interesting fabrics. In the projects that follow, you will learn how to seam, slip stitches, increase and decrease stitches, and yarn over to create eyelets. All the projects and instructions come with clear, close up photos to help you, and are explained in very beginner/kid friendly way – and don’t worry, you can complete all of the projects in the book without knowing how to read a pattern. Special tips and hints are provided along the way that will have you feeling like a pro in no time.
Projects in the book include “Knit Coaster”, “Open Petal Posy”, “Purl Coaster”, “Cotton Washcloth”, “Soft Drink Cozy”, “Dog’s Toy Ball”, “Scarf”, “Ripple Lap Wrap”, “Pillow”, “Cat’s Toy Fish”, “Leg Warmers”, “Hand Mitts”, and “Hat”. The last few pages of the book are reserved for “General Instructions” and includes pattern abbreviations (for when you are ready to learn to read a pattern), how to pick up dropped stitches with a crochet hook, how to work in the front or back loops, and how to change colors.
These “Hand Mitts” were the first project I wanted to do (love me some wrist warmers), and were way easier than I thought they would be. Being not completely comfortable knitting in the round with double pointed needles yet, I was super excited to see these wrist warmers are made in flat pieces worked in rows, then joined to make them into tubes (with a hole for the thumb). They seemed a little wonky after I finished, but after seaming up the sides they evened out nicely. Aren’t they cute?!
Using the needle size called for (size 8) created XS wrist warmers, which fit me, but just barely. Perfect size for a child or teen, but if you are looking to make an adult size, definitely go up a needle size or two.
Knitted washcloths are so useful, and the washcloth project in “Cool Stuff Teach Me to Knit” is a great way to practice your knits and pearls. Use a cotton or cotton/acrylic blend yarn for a soft, easy to clean washcloth. I’ll be making washcloth sets for everyone in my family as holiday gifts. Shhh, don’t tell!
“Cool Stuff Teach Me to Knit” has all the information you need to start making fun and useful items right away. Easy to follow instructions and step-by-step photos make learning to knit a breeze! Many of the projects included in the book are great gift-giving, so you can practice your knitting while making a beautiful handmade birthday, holiday, or any-day present. Even if you have been unsuccessful in the past, if you want to learn how to knit, this book might be just what you need. You won’t be disappointed!
Have you learned to knit with this book, or made any of the projects in this book? I’d love to hear what you thought, or see your knits! Leave a comment below, or, lets connect through Ravelry!
