The Knowledgeable Knitter

I've been knitting for twenty years; I've even taught beginner's knit classes. I have lots of knitting books, but none of them are like this.It's true that there are many things in this book I'll likely never use. I knit to relax, and I tend to avoid complicated patterns (though, given the thoroughness of the instructions in this book, that may change!). But even with simple projects, the details matter in the appearance of the finished item. Details like weaving in ends - I've never come across good directions for this - until now. Pattern instructions always say "weave in ends", and leave it at that. But, having learned to knit long after I learned to crochet, this has always been a stumbling block for me. Weaving in ends is pretty simple in crochet, but in knitting, done incorrectly, it can be very obvious and mar the end result of a carefully worked project. Well, turns out, there are a LOT of ways to deal with those ends, and Maggie covers them, with detailed directions and beautiful color photos! I'll never mis-weave again!The same is true of blocking and assembling garments. Most books assume the reader knows how to do these things - not this one. There are step-by-step instructions for EVERYTHING. Want to know how to tell a well-designed pattern from one that will make you crazy trying to achieve a good result? Covered. Want to make a bottom-up sweater into a top-down? Covered. Want to change a square neck into a V-neck? Covered. Maybe you'll never need most of it, but I can't imagine a more all-inclusive reference.I bought this as an ebook and, although I am actively trying to limit my physical library, I may buy this as a hardcover as well - crafting books are usually more useful to me as a real book, and this one is definitely worth the price (which is very reasonable, BTW).

The Knowledgeable Knitter is an excellent reference book for beginning, intermediate and experienced knitters alike. It is similar to The Principles of Knitting but does not cover as many topics. The book contains no patterns but answers many questions that knitters may have about the art of knitting.There are chapters that I especially like and find useful. One is on converting circular knitting patterns to flat knitting patterns, and also the reverse. There is a chapter on Top Down Versus Bottom Up that I found quite useful. The information on Fitting Your Garment is very useful as I have difficulty getting my patterns to fit right. The Cast On and Bind Off information is very extensive and offers knitters a variety of ways to achieve their goals. There are some clever solutions provided for fixing mistakes. I especially liked the information about embroidering over a stitch to make a knit look like a purl. I also liked the idea of using beads to hide holes and malformed stitches. Steeks have always been scary to me and the information provided by Ms. Radcliffe helped remove some of my anxiety about them.Overall, this book is stock full of information for all levels of knitters and has something for everyone. I know that I will be referring to it regularly and this book, along with Principles of Knitting by Hiatt, will have a prominent place in my knitting library. I would say it is a must-have for all knitters.

Recently, I've found out that I am an educator and researcher at heart. I tend to go down to the how-toes of the things that interest me and search until I find many of the whys behind things. This principle is very true for my crafting process. I like to sew and knit and I always look for better ways to do my projects.That said, I came upon an electronic version of this book some time ago. Just a quick look showed that it is a book I'd like to have in my library in paper. I ordered it and hardly could wait to get my hands on it. It proved to be true - this is an excellent guide on how to start knitting, evaluate your projects, knit them and modify them. I simply love this book! I highly recommend it to others who also love to know why and like to understand the construction behind the garment, not just knit it. I'd say I am experienced knitter but this book showed me many new techniques and a totally new approach to knitting.I also got her other book, Circular Knitting Workshop, and all that I said above absolutely applies to that book too. Very recommended!

I need more time to read the book; but so far I’ve enjoyed it. For me, however, I have found it to be so much more helpful to sit down with a knitting group or buddy to learn new techniques.

Maggie's clearly written book teaches the beginner who is willing to invest some time in literally reading her instructions and then follow through with her suggestions. This also applies to the more advanced knitter. It just seems we are all in such a hurry these days, doesn't it. The Knowledgeable Knitter has taught me some very sound principles of constructing a knitted garment, and how to go about converting a pattern from 'bottom-to-the-top' to 'top-down' ; from knitting 'flat' to knitting 'in the round' ; changing colors, borders and stitches, and many other such things. Been knitting since the age of five, thanks to my Scottish granny; but I have certainly learned much from this lovely book. One of my very favorites, and I turn to it often, just for fun. This book, The Knowledgeable Knitter, has me THINKING of knitting as second nature to all my techniques more than any other book I have ever owned or read. I promise you, this book does not disappoint.

I have seen books calling themselves knitting "bibles" and found them to be next to useless. This book however exceeds all "bible" expectations and makes those other books look silly. This book is mine of extraordinarily useful information, much of it phenomenally useful. If I could only have one knitting reference book, this would be the book I'd choose, without question or consideration. Belongs on every Knitter's bookshelf.

This book is so wonderful. I absolutely love it. I was looking for a book that wasnt just filled with various patterns and the usual knitting info, but something that could help me throughout the process of making any garment, as I like to design and make my own knitwear....and this book by the amazing Margaret Radcliffe is just so fantastic and useful. Its full of everything you could possibly ask about knitting a jumper or cardigan and all the things you might not even think of.Margaret Radcliffe has jam packed this book with all her knitting wisdom to help the reader improve their skills and make the perfect garment. Even if you don't make your own designs and you follow someones elses jumper pattern this book will show you how to alter anything you're not happy with to make the garment more suitable for your shape or size. For me, this book is a real knitting treasure and a fountain of knowledge.

Invitingly written and well organized, this book will help you become a more confident and successful knitter. Thanks to Margaret Radcliffe's gentle prodding, I now take every precaution to fully understand the pattern (changing aspects of it, if needed), the yarn, and how it's all going to come together before starting a project. While this takes time, I've been saved countless hours of frustration further down the line. Highly recommended.

I used to knit aot I cod follow a pattern if I put my brain to it but I stopped and I never took it back up, but I crocheted instead, but I never stopped thinking a out the patternsbi could learn so I bought this book, and my age is not the problem it's my fingers, so I'm learning and I'm going to make myself a lovely jumper or two for this coming winter, as I think the patterns I have would warrant a different pattern so to speak.

Excellent book by the renowned Margaret Radcliffe, she will help you understand the whys and wherefore of knitting and not just the 'how to'. She explains how to make logical choices in choosing yarn, pattern and needles, thoughts on planning your project,modifying a pattern and evaluating and adjusting it for fit both before and during work. She deals with knitting techniques, finishing and blocking techniques and ends with borders, bindings and embellishments such as collars ad pockets. A jolly good addition to any knitters library.