The knitting landscape has changed a great deal since The Knitting Answer Book was first published ten years ago. The online marketplace and resources have exploded; a much broader variety of knitting tools and educational programs is available; a few knitting techniques that were almost unknown in 2005 are now commonplace; but the essentials of knitting remain the same.
Reflecting these changes, this second edition of The Knitting Answer Book still includes all of the details that have made it so beloved by those who rely on it. But now it incorporates additional techniques that weren’t originally included (like Magic Loop), expansion of some sections (more cast ons, more bind offs, and so on), the addition of sections on things like choosing and working with colors, and updated resource lists. In other words, this edition of The Knitting Answer Book is bigger and better than ever.
I wrote this book with all levels of knitters in mind. Some of the questions posed here are those only a more experienced knitter would think to ask. Others are questions I frequently get from beginning knitters. Although much of this book focuses on questions from those who are already knitting, I’ve included detailed instructions of every step from beginning to end. If you’re not already knitting, get yourself some worsted-weight wool yarn and some needles, cast on, and then learn the basics of knit and purl. Next, learn to bind off. Find out about tools and yarns before you purchase more of each . Spend some time learning to read a pattern, work pattern stitches, knit circularly, use color, and shape your knitting. Discover how to get the best fit. After you finish knitting, find out how to sew up and consider embellishments like beads, fringes, and tassels.
When you seek advice from other knitters and other books, you’ll discover that there is no one “right” way to do anything, from casting on to adding the final finishing touches. In The Knitting Answer Book, I always try to suggest several ways to accomplish whatever it is you want to do, then explain how to choose among the suggestions. Feel free to experiment and try them all, and you’ll soon discover your own “right” way to knit.