How to Knit: The Definitive Knitting Course Complete with Step-by-Step Techniques, Stitch Library, and Projects for Your Home and Family

I did not use this book to learn how to knit--I bought it for its stitch libraries and these have not disappointed. There are pages and pages of stitch patterns from the very basic to the more difficult that are easy to read and have great variety. I have incorporated several of these stitch patterns into new designs. My brother is in the navy, so I created a fun scarf pattern using the "Anchor" stitch, and it turned out great. However, I would not recommend this book for someone who has never held a pair of knitting needles and has no idea how to knit: the instructions are brief and the diagrams are not very helpful. But if you know your basic stitches and want to transition to something a litle more complicated than garter stitch scarves, this is a great help!

I was recommended this book by a woman who taught me how to knit in a knitting group that met only once. After buying the book, I was able to continue teaching myself. I complement it by using the web which has amazing resources nowadays (how-to videos, free patterns, blogs...). The DB book is a good one to own bc it's nice, with great pictures, nice thin format, hard cover,stays open at the page and it has a very complete references for many techniques you can use while knitting. It's a great reference. Each workshop has a pattern for practicing. I made the 1st one: a simple sweater for my son and it came out great. It's one thing I've noticed when compared with other patterns I have used, is that the ones from DB use very nice yarn and you end up with a refined professional looking garment : it's fine knitting, usually size 6 needles. I really enjoy owning this book.

Overall, this is a good and easy to follow reference book with the bonus of some beautiful knitted items of increasing difficulty to make as you read through the book. There have been some accusations that Bliss's instructions can be difficult to understand and hard to follow but I have never found that to be the case. Her designs are always good looking while being fairly simple and her instructions start with the basics and build on those. In this book she starts, as usual, with simple stitches and builds to some complicated patterns, leading you step by step. She gives variations on patterns and a rather extensive dictionary of stitches and patterns that I particularly find useful. This book has good value as an overall knitting reference book.

This is hands down the best illustrated, best lesson book out there to teach the simple joys of knitting.

I bought this book for myself several years ago, and it has been an invaluable reference me. It has step by step pictoral instructions for everything from casting on to complicated fair isle knitting. If you've never picked up a pair of needles, having someone there to get you started is the best way to go, but this is perfect for a refresher course or to take your knitting to the next level. I bought this copy for a friend who is just starting to knit, and she was thrilled.

i purchased this book as a gift for my sister because she wanted to learn how to knit, she absolutely loves this book. she loves the fact it show her from beginners to experts. she already started her first project..... I recommend this book if you want to learn to knit... 5 stars

I found this book to be very useful. The pictures are helpful and the descriptions are meaningful. I also LOVE the fact that there is a section on how to work out designs of your own. Plus there is a good 20 pages on just different types of stitches that make really cool patterns. I have not seen such a complete listing of these types of neat patterns in one place before. This is something that anyone could use. To add to an already wonderful book this book gives great tips that even a seasoned kniter could use.

This is NOT a "definitive course" in knitting. It is a single DVD with a photocopied "manual" of about 3 folded pages slipped inside the DVD cover. The presentation is unforgivably elementary. The contents cover only 10-12 of the most basic topics. The first 6-8 minutes after the introduction is a guide to how to use your video remote. Each button is explained with about a second between each explanation for us to absorb this groundbreaking information. The "skin" of the presentation template is attractive showing interesting yarns and colors. Clearly a purchased skin given the divergence from the actual video portion. The actual video portion was filmed against a white screen and is very elementary. My middle school child has produced better product than this. Do not waste you money on this one.

I purchased this book for my daughter who announced she wanted to learn to knit. The book was delivered to her in record time and in excellent condition. She told me it was a brilliant book and gave her all the help she needed to get going.

Brilliant! This is simply THE go to book for knitters whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter.Amazing stitch directory and some neat projects too

very useful for the beginner knitter

Looks very useful.