We might live in a digital age but I am hugely tactile and still a fan of books of all sizes that I can hold in my hands, store around the house and read in bed.

There’s something special about leafing through their pages, and something deeply empowering remembering that “I’ve seen that somewhere”, and knowing I that I can help myself by opening a book on my shelf.

When I think of which knitting books I love for their tidbits of helpful knitting information, whether that be fancy stitches to try or their ability to make me feel braver in my knitting adventures, there are the 5 knitting books on my shelf that immediately leap to mind.

THE KNITTER’S BOOK OF YARN – CLARA PARKES

It’s such a great idea to learn more about the yarn you use to knit your projects. Different yarns create different results and when you’re looking to not only substitute the yarn recommended in pattern but also feel like the boss of your project and create exactly the look in your mind’s eye, knowing more about how different fibres behave will make all the difference.

This great book is packed full of useful information that’ll help you get a better feel of how blends of fibres will look and perform when they’re knitted up.

CAST ON, BIND OFF – CAP SEASE

If you ever wondered if there was a better way to cast on or bind off – there probably is! Whether you’re hoping to improve what you’re already doing, or looking for a new method to give you the knitted edge you’re after, this easy-to-use book including 211 ways to begin and end your knitting, is a wonderful resource when you’re casting on and binding off.

I love that it’s also spiral-bound, making it super usable with the pages able to lie perfectly flat :)

VOGUE KNITTING – THE EDITORS OF VOGUE KNITTING MAGAZINE

Recently revised, updated and re-released, Vogue Knitting is a beautiful coffee table book that’s also super-useful.

It covers all those knitting basics that most of us never learnt when we started to knit, as well as more complicated techniques to help you get the finish you’re after. You could open it on any page and learn something new!

KNITTING WITHOUT TEARS – ELIZABETH ZIMMERMAN

A list of knitting books simply wouldn’t be complete without including something from Elizabeth Zimmerman.

I’ve included this one because it’s easy to read and slim, but honestly, grab any of hers for your shelves when you see them.

Elizabeth has a way of writing that cannot help but inspire you to be the “boss of your knitting” (her words!). She’s funny and her books are full of delightful stories intertwined with numerous techniques and ideas. You’ll be so entertained you won’t notice how much you’re learning ;)

INCREASE DECREASE – JUDITH DURANT

There’s no rule that says you have to work increases and decreases the same as directed by the pattern. This wee book (also spiral-bound) is stuffed with 99 step-by-step methods for increasing and decreasing. It’ll blow you mind how many options you have to choose from!

BUY OR BORROW?

I borrow a lot of knitting books from my local library. Often I find them listed in the catalogue and order them to be delivered to my local branch. You can usually ask your library to purchase new books for you too if there’s something new and lovely out there that they don’t have.

Borrowing them from the library gives me a good chance to take a slow read through (rather than a quick flick in a bookshop), and sometimes borrow them more than once. Then, if I decide I love them, I’ll buy a copy for myself.

Have fun book hunting!