There’s an abundance of free knitting patterns out there, of which I regularly make use of myself. It’s great if you don’t have much extra money to spend on your hobby, where even the cost of the material can be rather expensive. However, I like supporting designers whose work I love too. Plus, I love books! You see where this is going … I have a lot of knitting (and sewing) books. Some I bought myself, most I got from my parents for Christmas or my birthday over the years. I thought it’d be cool to take a look at them here on the blog. This will take several posts. I’ll review the books, tell you why I like them or what you should keep in mind if you think about buying them, and show you the patterns I already knitted or plan to knit in the future!

Cookie A – Sock Innovation. Knitting Techniques & Patterns for One-Of-A-Kind Socks

Book overview on Ravelry. While I had already knitted plain stockinette socks before, Cookie A was my introduction to more complicated patterns. I’m glad she was, because her patterns are well-written and clearly laid out, mostly error free as far as I can tell, and with creative design-wise without being fussy. I made her Hedera Socks twice – here and here – and kept the blue ones after my Grandma’s passing. They hold up well after all these years! I’ve knitted only one pattern from “Sock Innovation” so far, the Devon socks. Unfortunately, my gauge must have been off, because they keep slipping off my feet. That one was user error, so don’t let it discourage you if you’re interested in the patterns in this book! I won’t – I’d really like to knit the Kai-Mei socks, for example, because of the unique design! There are also very informative sections about basic sock techniques, different stitch techniques and designing socks in the book, which are a helpful addition to every knitter’s library!

Check out my post on the Devon socks!

Veronik Avery – Knitting Classic Style. 35 Modern Designs Inspired By Fashion’s Archives

Book overview on Ravelry. I haven’t knitted anything from this book yet, but I bought it because I’m completely in love with the Military Cardigan. It will be added to my wardrobe some day, I assure you! I also love the Faroese Sweater and the Graphic Hoodie. The rest of the designs are a bit too 2000s for my taste, I’m afraid. The book is still interesting to flip through. It’s divided into four different sections: Fashion Mavens, Tomboys, Global Travelers and Thrill Seekers. Each section gives an overview over the fashion styles the patterns are inspired by, and play off of. For example, the Corset Cover is an interpretation of the eponymous Victorian lingerie piece, highlighting its romanticism and feminity, but meant to worn on its own or over a top. (Also, see what I mean by very 2000s?)

Susan Crawford/Jane Waller – A Stitch in Time Vol 1 & 2

Book overview for Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 on Ravelry. A Stitch In Time is basically my favourite knitting book ever, as you can see! I’ve already knitted a fair amount of the patterns from Vol. 1. The first volume has patterns from 1920 to 1949, the second from 1930 to 1959. It provides the original knitting pattern and a revised version by Susan Crawford. I’ve only ever knitted the latter, because the revisions make the patterns easier to read for a modern knitter. There are errors in the patterns here and there, but Susan responds quickly and in detail to any email inquiries! I haven’t made anything from Vol. 2 yet, but I definitely plan to knit Kasha, the Ribbon Threaded Jumper, and the Jan Sweater. This is one of those knitting books where I feel I got my money’s worth just by looking at all the pretty pictures and gorgeous designs! It also includes paragraphs about the fashion trends reflected in the patterns and their historical background, which is obviously fascinating to a history nerd like me.

Check out my post on This One For Parties, To Wear with a Summer Suit, Such Flattering Puff Sleeves, It Cannot Fail to Please, Made So Quickly!, Enchanting in Black and White, and the Cable Bolero (pictures from left to right).