Knitter's Handbook : A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Techniques of Handknitting

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Summary: I LOVE this book
Review: A perfect reference book with all detailed instructions and information on handknitting. A must have for all handknitters!!!

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Summary: Most used knitting book in my library
Review: At first I was a little weary about the way this book is edited. It seems awfully complicated, but I found that once you read it while doing the movements it is clearer than anything I have read so far. So this book actually turned into my go to book whenever I have a question about knitting techniques. It not only covers the main topics but has also some variations on some techniques that are interesting and challenging.


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Summary: The Ultimate Knitting Book
Review: Briefly, I am just learning to use this book. It sat on my shelf for quite a while, until I realized I couldn't find information I needed in Vogue Knitting, The Big Book of Knitting, or any of the other popular knitting books. After learning the basics, when you need more complex information on an unfamiliar or obscure technique, this book is more likely to have it than the newer, flashier, and more expensive books. The number of options she offers for any given technique is astounding, and once you get over the feeling of being overwhelmed with too much information, you begin to appreciate the differences and are able to make an informed choice. This is rapidly becoming my primary resource. I can get the basics out of Vogue, but for more advanced techniques, this is my first choice.

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Summary: Knitter's Handbook A comprehensive guide
Review: I am an experienced knitter. I own many knitting how to books. I have made knitted things I actually wear and enjoy.

This book is comprehensive alright, but I think it would absolutely snow under most beginners.

It is reminiscent of Military Specification Manual writing style with a chapter numbering system that sends you to figures 1.29, 2.301. And it shares a lot with old computer manuals in how generous it is in telling you all the things you can do in general definitions and not telling you how you do them in steps.
If you already know how to do something, this is great.

I wanted to design a chevron stitch sweater. So I went to this book for various chevrons. The index gives you dozens of reference pages for chevron stitch, and page 124 is in boldface to indicate this is the main reference. This is what I read on page 124 in disbelief:
Quote:

Two diagonal fabrics side by side moving in opposite directions. Figures 2.172 and 2.173 show row directions and shaping on a square. Work progress is at right angles to row direction--horizontal stripes emphasize the effect, while vertical lines will appear perpendicular to the rows. Experiment freely with overall shape, away from squares and rectangles. (pp 100,251)
End Quote

Page 100 has a photo of a project where it is hard to tell what is a chevron stitch even if you know what it looks like. Page 251 is another photo of a knit top by the author illustrating a drop stitch boat neck top. I did not see any chevrons on that page, there is an inset of the model's huge wire wrap earring!

If you read the quote above, you might think you are reading a comprehensive English dictionary rather than a knitting how-to book. A definition of the chevron stitch and its parameters, and the direction of color changes in this stitch in a few words is very erudite. And LESS THAN USELESS to a knitter.

The approach to most decorative or different stitches is pretty similar to the chevron treatment. I know this is not a stitch dictionary, but its level of obtuseness to common stitches (like a chevron!) is amazing.

It is good for the many descriptions of casting on, holding needles, (shows even the Peruvian/Greek/Macedonian hold) working short rows, yarn overs, grafting and joins.

If you are an experienced knitter, you can learn some things from this book.

If you are a rank beginner, this is definitely not the book for you.

Total beginners should check out "I Can't Belive I'm Knitting" from Leisure Arts. That has just enough detail and nice drawings to get you started making a few things without scaring you.

Rating:
Summary: The best book yet
Review: I have been knitting for many years and I have many books on the subjet, old and new. Most of these books are too brief, too basic. This book has more details, more specialized techniques, than I knew existed. When I looked for "K1B", I not only found it, but it was WELL illistrated. I looked up some other details that I have not found anywhere else, they were there. The instructions are clear, the pictures are very good. When other knitters ask me to recomend a book, I always choose this one, my teacher in advanced knitting class agreed with me.

Rating:
Summary: The best book yet
Review: I have been knitting for many years and I have many books on the subjet, old and new. Most of these books are too brief, too basic. This book has more details, more specialized techniques, than I knew existed. When I looked for "K1B", I not only found it, but it was WELL illistrated. I looked up some other details that I have not found anywhere else, they were there. The instructions are clear, the pictures are very good. When other knitters ask me to recomend a book, I always choose this one, my teacher in advanced knitting class agreed with me.

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Summary: Comprehensive Reference
Review: I started out looking for Principles of Knitting. Due to the exorbitant prices being asked for a used copy of this book, I decided to look at other recommended titles. In my opinion, this book is an excellent substitute and stands on its own merits. Ms. Stanley is very thorough in her explanations and is easily understood by beginners as well as experienced knitters alike. There are TONS of line drawings and many full colour pictures for the visual learners. I personally find these very helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone needing a solid knitting reference for their personal library.

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Summary: A very informative Book
Review: If you have not already added this book to your collection, then you should do so now. Someone recommended this book to me, and I have not regretted getting it. This book has over thirty techniques to cast on, it explains the correct way to hold the needle and yarn and teaches you everything from color change to beaded knitting. Great Book!!!

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Summary: Excellent, Must-have Reference for Knitters
Review: Most of the time I rely on a combination of knitting reference books for help. I somehow expect Vogue Knitting or The Big Book of Knitting to have everything, but it's The Knitter's Handbook that actually does. It's not as sexy as the other two, and maybe that's why I forget I even have it. I have an older edition of this, and it could be vastly improved with more photographs. The graphics provided are okay, but they're just weird to my eye in this age of easy-to-reproduce color photographs. This book is a knitting reference book. so it may not be the greatest for someone trying to teach themself to knit, but if the person learns and keeps knitting, s/he'll end up loving this volume.

Rating:
Summary: a definite must
Review: the knitter's handbook is a great reference for both beginners and more advanced knitters. i learned so many new techniques for every phase of the knitting process, i can't believe i got along without this book before. if you are interested in learning something new, look here. the only complaint is that some of the instructions leave you to goof around to understand them; they could be a little more clear. in general, i love this book and would recommend it to other knitters.