The Complete Book of Knitting

by Barbara Abbey

Book Overview

Excellent guide for learning how to knit well, undertake new projects, and even create new designs. All basic procedures thoroughly explained--from casting on and binding off, to inserting zippers and lining garments. Over 500 illustrations show how to knit and purl, increase and decrease stitches, knit left-handed, knit with more than one color, make cables, and much else. Includes chapter on Abbreviations and Terms.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670233994
• ISBN13: 9780670233991
• Release Date: January 1971
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam
• Length: 239 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Good condition

Full of information for a beginner knitter

Good Basics

I am a recent born-again knitter, having started again after 35 years of never touching a knitting needle! I forgot everything I had ever learned. Once I re-learned how to cast on, I found this to be a good reference book for the rest of the basics. Abbey begins with all kinds of needles, regular and "special needs", then proceeds to the extra equipment like counters, stitich holders, ring markers, etc. The next chapter covers all types of yarns, man-made and wools that include vicuna, cashmere, and alpaca. Also included is a description of how yarns are made and the history of yarn. A really valuable section was the part on abbreviations since every pattern uses them extensively. All basic techniques are covered: casting on, yarn over, increasing and decreasing, casting off, cross-overs, measuring, assembling and finishing. The illustrations are good if no-nonsense, but I am glad I have a friendly knitting/yarn store nearby to demonstrate for me! I was fascinated with the large section about knitting with ribbons, but I have a long way to go before I am proficient enough to do this gorgeous technique. The final section was devoted to a huge variety of pattern stitches which I may someday be able to do--with lots of practice.

A good, clear, solid reference

I bought this book many years ago when it was first published, but only recently have begun to appreciate it. After a hiatus from knitting, lasting nearly 20 years, I have taken it up again. I have bought some of the newer references to review the more advanced stitches and techniques, many of which I'd completely forgotten, but I have found this book, originally published in 1971, to be more complete and clear than any of the newer books I have. The text is good in explaining the techniques, and the illustrations are outstanding! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it contains none of the glossy, color illustrations or projects that characterize the newer references and which most of us have come to expect. As noted in another review, this is a no-frills reference; but the information is solid, and I'm sure I will be consulting this book often.

Reliable, no frills knitting reference

First, a warning. This book has absolutely no frills. No patterns, no color pictures, just a lot of good kntting advice. Also, since it was written in the 70s, some of the knitting techniques are given different names than what a modern knitter is used to. For all this, the book is a wonderful addition to a knitter's library.It is a book of a "knitter's knitter", I agree that it is not for a total beginner. The basics are rushed through in favor of more advanced techniques. There is a wonderful section on ribbon knitting and a very well researched chapter on various yarns, their origins and history.Most of all, there is a section on knitting terms translated from other languages. Included are British terms, French, German and Swedish. This is a great help when dealing with the great number of wonderful knitting patterns available from other countries. (The very poular German magazine Rebecca, for example, though it comes with a translation booklet. Then again, if you ever lose it...) I consider this section a very valuable source.Last of all, there are many fascinating stitch patterns to be tried, two handed fair isle knitting explained (though other books explain this technique too) and tips on argyle knitting.The book is full of good information and you simply can't go wrong. Every knitter needs a good general reference book (or ten!) and this one is certainly going to be on my shelf.

A Good Basic Reference

This was one of the first books I bought when I decided that I needed some reference books. I still turn to it regularly, especially for the pattern designs in the back. This book provides a good overall reference and covers the basics that everyone should know, especially a beginner. I don't know if I would want to teach myself to knit from this book, although it does cover the very basics. I especially appreciate the breadth of the book and the pattern reference which is a good starter reference, rather than buying a second book. My first knitting book was the Leisure Arts "Learn to Knit" booklet and this book would make a good companion to that for a complete beginner. For the price I think it is one of the best overall references for a beginning or relatively inexperienced knitter. For a more advanced knitter, or one who is adventuresome, I recommend Montse Stanley's "Knitter's Handbook" although that does not have a stitch pattern guide.