Just in time for gifting season!
Five of the best beginner knitting books, tutorials and resources for knitters looking to make their first sweaters or accessories.
All my recommendations here are clearly written, have excellent illustrations, and even video content – very important for beginner knitters!
I either own all of these skills building books or have worked with the companies or authors – sometimes both. Either way, they come highly recommended and I hope they support your knitting for many years to come.
Beginner Knitting Books | A-C Techniques (formerly Arnall-Culliford Knitwear)
Technically, there are five books in this top entry, so I could leave you to get on with these! But in all seriousness, you can’t go wrong. A-C Techniques, like Patty Lyons below, is at the top of my list because their tutorials are in a variety of formats (printed book, ebook, and YouTube video tutorials).
This accessibility makes them perfect for beginner knitters and versatile besides. Video is best if you’re learning from scratch – nothing wrong with books, but you need to actually SEE it.
These beginner knitting books are a perfect fit for your project bag, so you can refer to them on the go. Two are photographed above (A Year of Techniques and Boost Your Knitting), and two more are shown opposite.
- A Year of Techniques
- Boost Your Knitting: Another Year of Techniques
- Confident Knitting
- Something New to Learn About Cables
- Something New to Learn About Lace
I recommend purchasing these knitting books via Purlescence, because you can choose from the printed book or ebook via this retailer. Other outlets offer the printed copy only.
More personally, working with A-C Techniques on the Something to Knit Together: Winter Edition was wonderful. We created a 5-piece collection especially for beginner knitters who want to learn how to knit cables. This is one of my favourite things about A-C Techniques – every bit of learning is consolidated with a pattern or project for all-important context. And having something to show off besides tiny swatches!
Beginner Knitting Books and Tutorials from Patty Lyons | Patty’s Knitting Bag of Tricks + Workbook + Class
A brilliant instructor who’s also at the top because of the variety of formats available. Patty also has a wonderful YouTube channel full of even more tutorials, live streams and more. I have also been an honoured guest and seen first-hand how helpful she is to the knitting community.
Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag of Tricks is suitable for all knitting skill levels. Choose from:
- The original book
- The accompanying workbook (you’ll need the original book too)
- The video class
- Or a bundle! You can get both books together at a discount and some knitting gifts besides.
I recommend purchasing directly from Patty’s website so that you can have a really good look at her offers. All the formats listed above are there too – you cannot get the videos elsewhere.
As with A-C Techniques, video tutorials are best if you’re starting from zero. All the books I’ve recommended have excellent illustrations, but there’s nothing like seeing a moving image. Patty has PLENTY of videos!
This is a wonderful gift to yourself, especially if you can’t get to a knitting group, knitting shop, or there are no knitters around you to help you learn how to knit. Patty is VERY hands on and full of practical advice, which is why she’s so popular!
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
This book doesn’t go into as much depth with knitting tutorials as A-C Techniques and Patty Lyons, but it’s still a goodie. This is more of a coffee table book, or a reference for when you need to look up something quickly.
There’s enough information for you to decide whether you’d like to learn something more about a topic – or if buying a separate book is a bit too much. It’s a good start for knitters who aren’t sure where to begin, or if you’re buying a gift for a beginner and aren’t a knitter yourself. This knitting book will capture a beginner knitter and has plenty of variety to inspire them and make them want to try all the techniques 🙂
The edition I have (photographed opposite) is an older one, so don’t worry if the cover of the book linked looks different. It’s had a big update since I bought mine!
At the moment the best place to get Vogue’s Ultimate Knitting Book is via Amazon. Sadly for us knitters, Vogue Knitting Magazine no longer exists, so their publications are even more precious.
You can look through all of Vogue Knitting’s publications here.
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Quick Reference Book
This is a more portable title than the Ultimate Knitting Book above. It fits into a project bag, and, being a hardcover book, will take a lot of wear and tear.
Vogue’s Ultimate Quick Reference Book is a companion to the Ultimate Knitting Book – you can have one at home, and the other out and about with you. This also means that you don’t get a lot of information about one particular topic, unlike A-C Techniques above. You’ll get everything you need to know about making a start with the knitting technique, but if you want to take yourself further, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
For this reason I recommend Vogue’s books as gifts, or if you really want a starting point, or to play it safe. Then you can point the recipient to books written by specialist instructors like A-C Techniques or Patty Lyons.
On the other hand, if the knitter receiving your gift already knows what they like or has a favourite technique, A-C Techniques is the way to go.
If you really want to treat yourself or a very special knitter in your life, buy this and the Ultimate Knitting Book as a pair. I suggest doing this via Amazon or via Vogue’s website.
You can look through all of Vogue Knitting’s publications here.
Ultimate Knitting Bible: A Complete Reference with Step-by-Step Techniques, by Sharon Brant
This is by far the largest of the books (bigger than A4 or US letter size), but no less helpful or useful. It’s here because the diagrams or illustrations are the largest of all – so brilliant for visual learners!
I often refer to the illustrations in this book when teaching because the diagrams are so clear. It’s hard to strike a balance between portability and usability; this book was NOT made for carrying around! My edition is a very meaty hardback, but the Ultimate Knitting Book is now paperback only. The hardback edition (mine’s photographed opposite) is out of print.
An ebook is available from HarperCollins, and the paperback is available anywhere (I’ve linked Waterstones).
I am a bit concerned about this change, because it’s a big book – and we all want books to last. So this is why it’s fifth on the list. It’s not to do with the quality of the material inside – just the quality of the binding. Yes, hardbacks are heavy, but there’s a practical reason for them.
On a more positive note: If you’re part of a knitting group and want to buy a book to share, or work from all at the same time, this is the one. You’ll all be able to see the images and words if it’s on a table in front of you, even from awkward angles. (Or dim light, if you meet in a pub!)
As with Vogue’s books above, this is definitely more of a reference book with taster tutorials to get you started.
So there’s my tuppence worth! These are my five best beginner knitting books, all vetted by me so you don’t have to be overwhelmed by all the choice out there.
And if you’re wondering what’s next after getting through all these beginner knitting books…
…then the next step is beginner knitting patterns!
If you choose A-C Techniques (first on the list above), you’ll have received a gentle introduction to knitting patterns and terminology with all-important context. When you’re feeling ready to move onto garments, you’ll have everything you need to make a start, find your way with the instructions, and make good buying choices.
Beginner-friendly knitting patterns from the shop
Unite | Cable Knit Jumper Pattern
Alyssum | Textured Sweater Knitting Pattern
Reunite | Cable Cardigan Knitting Pattern
The Reunite Cardigan is a delightful journey into classic Aran cables and a cozy basketweave texture, offering plenty of soothing plain knit rows that allow your mind to unwind. This is your perfect companion for finding stress relief, whether you’re knitting by the TV, during appointments, or at a sports game – it’s thoughtfully designed so you can work on individual pieces, making it wonderfully portable.
This cardigan delivers on fit and quality. Its timeless crew neck and classic set-in sleeves ensure a silhouette that is both elegant and comfortable, designed to flatter your unique shape. While knit in pieces, the generous support of full photo and video tutorials for the finishing process means you’ll easily achieve a beautifully assembled garment.
When you wear your finished Reunite Cardigan, you’ll feel that powerful sense of accomplishment and genuine pride. It’s a garment you will treasure, not only for its beautiful craftsmanship but for the joy it brought you during its creation. Soft, classic, and easy to style, it embodies that quiet rebellion against fleeting trends, offering comfort and authenticity that lasts a lifetime.
I wish you all the best with your next steps in the world of knitting, and thank you for stopping by 🙂
First time visitor? If so, hello and welcome! I’m Natalie.
Natalie Warner | Knitting Pattern Designer and 4th Generation Dressmaker
I design size- and shape-inclusive modern knitting patterns for clothes makers who want their garments to fit well. Clothes should serve you, not the other way around. You alter clothes to fit you, not alter yourself to fit the clothes. This is at the heart of everything I do. I also offer a range of online knitwear design courses, covering everything from illustration to pattern grading, and consultancy services.
If you’re enjoying my content, you can get more by reading my blog, which features several articles on garment fitting, alterations, knitwear design and sewing pattern reviews, following me on Instagram or Pinterest @natalieinstitches, or signing up to my newsletter. And you can find out more about me here. Welcome!