Are you looking for high-quality knitting books that will teach you interesting knitting techniques or give you lovely knitting patterns to work on?
Welcome to my list of the best knitting books for 2026 and beyond. I hope you’ll find this resource helpful.
Many people have opinions about what the “best” knitting pattern books are. In case you’re wondering why should you care about my opinion on this topic, I’ll briefly share a bit about my background and the methodology I’ve used for determining which books to include on this list.
About the Author of This Page: I’m Amy Solovay, hand knitter, crocheter and textile designer. It’s nice to “meet” you!
I learned to crochet as a child and learned to knit by hand as a teenager. I hold a degree in textile design from FIDM LA (The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (with a studio art minor) from Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia.
After graduation from college, I worked in the textile industry for about a decade. I held assorted jobs, one of which was “knit designer” for a large Los Angeles-based fabric converter.
I am a real person, not AI and not a robot.
I have real opinions that are based on solid, real-world experience with knitting. I’m knowledgeable about hand knitting, machine knitting and (to a lesser degree) loom knitting.
You need to understand this because it is now possible for automation technologies to crank out knitting books filled with patterns that don’t work out. I don’t want you to waste your precious time and your hard-earned money on knitting patterns that have floats that are too long, or stitches that are impossible to execute (and that’s just a short list of the possible problems with them.)
So that’s why I recommend considering the suggestions I’ve shared on this page rather than hitting the back button to try other search results.
The following is a list of knitting books I’ve reviewed; you’ll find in-depth book reviews of each title posted on this website. My reviews include a summary of the knitting projects included in each book, plus a list of the best things about each title and a list of things to be aware of before you buy each book.
1. Casual Weekend Knits
by Andi Javori
If you’re looking for an affordable knitting pattern book that offers a variety of interesting but not-too-difficult projects to work on, Casual Weekend Knits is a book you’ll want to take a look at.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out an in-depth book review of Casual Weekend Knits.
- Click or tap here to shop for the paperback edition of this book, brand new at the publisher’s website.
2. Knitting the National Parks
Do you enjoy stranded colorwork knitting from charts?
And are you hoping to make your next knitting project a colorful beanie?
If you answered “yes” to both questions above, you’ll want to take a look at Knitting the National Parks. It’s a super inspiring book filled with gorgeous color photography and a whopping 63 beanie patterns to knit.
Learn More About This Book:
3. Japanese Knitting Stitches From Tokyo’s Kazekobo Studio
If you’re in need of a new knitting stitch dictionary, this book is an excellent choice to consider. It features instructions for knitting stitch patterns that are accessible to knitters of all skill levels. Many of the knit and purl stitch combinations are ultra easy ones. The book also features some easy lace knitting stitch patterns, plus some that are more complex. The book also includes an exploration of cable knitting stitch patterns — some that are easy and basic, and others that get much more intricate and challenging. Rounding out the selection is a grouping of rib and twist stitches that give you bunches of lovely options beyond k2p2 rib.
Overall, this book includes a whole lot of truly creative and outstanding design work. It is an incredible value for its asking price.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to find my detailed book review of Japanese Knitting Stitches From Tokyo’s Kazekobo Studio
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
4. Knockout Knit Hats and Hoods
If hats are your go-to knitting projects — or if you’ve never knitted a hat before, but you want to try it — you’ll definitely want to take a look at this lovely new hat pattern book. All the patterns in this book are hats, hoods and hooded cowls. Some of the designs are ideal for everyday wear, and a few of them are more fanciful. All of them are practical, wearable styles that you could count on to keep your head warm on chilly days. The short version of my book review: I LOVE this book and highly recommend it!
Find Out More About Knockout Knit Hats and Hoods:
- Get more details in my book review of Knockout Knit Hats and Hoods.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
5. Dogs on Sweaters: Knitting Patterns for 18 Different Dog Breeds
Is there a dog lover on your gift knitting list? Or maybe you’re a dog lover, yourself. If you’d be interested in finding fun, playful dog-themed knitting patterns, you absolutely need to check out Dogs on Sweaters by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. This lovely hardcover book includes charted patterns for knitting 18 different dog breeds — plus you also get patterns for knitting customizable sweaters and other projects using these charts. There are projects suitable for men, women, babies, children — and even one cute dog sweater pattern, too.
The book includes an outstanding selection of baby projects including a lovely patchwork baby blanket plus baby booties and more. If you’re in need of cute baby patterns, definitely consider this book as a possibility.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to read my detailed book review of Dogs on Sweaters.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
6. Dimensional Tuck Knitting
Imagine if you were able to pin-tuck a piece of knitting in the same general sort of way you can create pintucks and pleats on fabric. Does that sound crazy? Well, guess what — you can do just that!
Prepare to have your mind blown when you see how this is done!
This is quite simply an amazing knitting book.
If you enjoy highly textured knitting projects, you are going to LOVE this. The texture can sometimes resemble cables in a way, but it also looks like its own unique thing.
Dimensional Tuck Knitting is a technique book, project book and stitch dictionary, all rolled into one volume. The projects are all ultra-cool and extremely sophisticated. The short version of my book review of this title: Buy the book. It is more than worth its asking price.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out our full review of Dimensional Tuck Knitting
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.com.
7. Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible
If you’re interested in learning how to knit the most spectacular, sophisticated cable and lace patterns ever, the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible is your best bet for finding suitable patterns to make it happen. This stitch dictionary also includes several intricate knitting patterns for finished projects including a scarf, hat, socks, yokes, collars and fingerless gloves.
Some of these stitches include intricate details in other craft techniques: a few crocheted bobbles here and there, some occasional touches of embroidery, and even a few stitch patterns that incorporate beadwork.
One of the most remarkable things about this book: It teaches you how to understand and interpret Japanese knitting symbols.
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8. The Beginner’s Guide to Mosaic Knitting
Mosaic knitting is a clever colorwork knitting technique in which you only have to use one color per row. With this technique, you can create intricate, impressive multicolored projects that are much easier than they appear to be. If you haven’t learned this technique yet, you simply must try it! I think you’ll LOVE it!
If you’d like to give this technique a try, you’ll definitely want to check out Melissa Leapman’s new book called The Beginner’s Guide to Mosaic Knitting. This book gives you tutorials and instructions for how to do mosaic knitting, plus 8 stunning projects to work on. There are patterns for mosaic knitting a cuddly baby blanket, an eye-catching sampler blanket, a hat, a headband, 2 shawls and wraps, and a pullover sweater.
Learn More About The Beginner’s Guide to Mosaic Knitting
- Click here to find a detailed book review of this title.
- Click here to shop for this book at the publisher’s website.
9. Slow Fashion Made Fast
Knitting is notorious for being a slooooow process — but sometimes you can speed it up substantially if you use chunky yarns and large knitting needles. That’s the main idea of this stylish knitting book; you use big, hefty yarns to create the 12 on-trend patterns you’ll find inside. The book includes patterns for knitting wearable accessories and home decor items — a lovely mix of designs to use for yourself, your home and to give as gifts to others.
Learn More About This Book
10. Vivian Hoxbro’s Knitting Handbook: 8 Schools of Modular Knitting
If you’re a beginner to knitting, or you haven’t yet figured out how to knit mitered squares, entrelac, circle shapes or similar knitted configurations, this is the book for you. Modular knitting will free you from feeling obligated to start all your projects at the lower edge and knit them upwards in tidy rows or rounds. In this book, you’ll learn how to knit staircase patterns, zigzag patterns, shell patterns and other intriguing configurations.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out our book review of Vivian Hoxbro’s Knitting Handbook.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
11. Handknits From Rauma, Norway: 30 New Takes on Traditional Scandinavian Designs
Author: Bente Presterud
This lovely new knitting pattern book showcases vintage and contemporary Norwegian knit design in a refreshing way. This book offers a variety of knitting patterns for both men and women; many different silhouettes and project types are presented. In addition to the usual pullovers and cardigans, you’ll also find a lovely dress pattern; a knitted set featuring a pair of pants and matching pullover; plus a hooded cape-style poncho and many other fantastic patterns. Many of these patterns utilize bulky yarn and simple silhouettes. This is one of my favorite new knitting books; you won’t want to miss it!
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out our book review of Handknits From Rauma, Norway.
- Click or tap here to shop for this book at Amazon.
4. Norwegian Sweaters & Jackets: 37 Stunning Scandinavian Patterns
Author: Kari Hestnes
This is one of the prettiest knitting books I have ever held in my hands. The patterns in this book are exquisite. Aside from the patterns, the book is overflowing with truly gorgeous nature photographs taken by the book’s author. If you enjoy pretty garments, armchair travel and nature photography, this book is one you will definitely want to check out.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out our book review of Norwegian Sweaters & Jackets.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
12. Selbu Mittens: Discover the Rich History of a Norwegian Knitting Tradition with Over 500 Charts and 35 Classic Patterns
This book is a masterpiece!
Its authors set out to create a thorough and exhaustive reference book on the topic of Selbu mittens — and their efforts were so successful as to be impressive.
A truly mind-boggling amount of effort went into the creation of this book.
In the process of creating this book, they had to interview countless people, pursue countless leads (not to mention some dead ends) and dig through bunches of museum archives.
The result is an encyclopedic collection of mitten motif patterns and historic information on both the techniques and history of mitten knitting — and, by extension, knitting in general — in the Selbu region of Norway.
But despite all the historic information this book contains, it isn’t a dull, dry history book.
In my opinion, the most compelling aspect of this book is the 500+!!!! charted-out motif patterns for knitting stars, borders, flowers and other designs.
But, there’s also an unbelievable amount of technical information about how mittens are constructed. If you’re either a knitting pattern designer, or an aspiring knitting pattern designer, you will probably find this book invaluable, because there are NO other books I know of that devote so much effort in communicating historic methods of mitten construction. AND, not only that, you also get 35 ready-made mitten knitting patterns designed by some of Norway’s most talented knitters and designers.
If you have any interest at all in knitting mittens, or in the history of knitting, or in Scandinavian history, this book is a book you’ll definitely want to get your hands on.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out our book review of Selbu Mittens.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
13. Icelandic Mittens
Have you ever visited a textile museum (or any museum that has textile exhibits) and wished you could own some of the intricately detailed historic projects on display?
Well, this intriguing pattern book gives you the opportunity to re-create stunning antique mittens from Iceland. So, if you value antique textiles, and you’d be interested in learning a little bit about Icelandic history, in addition to getting your hands on 25 mitten knitting patterns, this is a book you will want to take a look at.
Learn More About Icelandic Mittens:
14. Traditional Danish Sweaters
Traditional Danish Sweaters is part stitch dictionary, part pattern book and part history book. The author of this book has given you a priceless gift. She has spent hours upon hours upon hours culling through materials from Danish museum archives. Then she collected the most important knowledge she gained from the experience and compiled it into this easy-to-use book. If you’re at all interested in knitting history, or you’d like to include traditional Danish design elements and motifs into your knitwear, this book is going to be of exceptional value to you.
- Click here to see my book review of Traditional Danish Sweaters.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
15. 250 Japanese Stitches: The Original Pattern Bible by Hitomi Shida
If you were to ask me to choose a top knitting heroine, I’d have a hard time coming up with just one. There are so many talented knit designers, and knitters, out there. But for sure, Hitomi Shida would have to be included on the list, at the top of it. Hitomi’s work is absolutely, jaw-droppingly incredible. If you haven’t seen her work yet, prepare to have your mind blown.
This book is a knitting stitch dictionary that includes some of Hitomi’s finest work: cable knitting patterns, lace patterns, bobble patterns, edging patterns and more. If you’re interested in designing new knitting projects using some of the most spectacular knitting stitches conceivable, you absolutely must see this book.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to read my detailed book review of this title.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
16. Keiko Okamoto’s Japanese Knitting Stitches: A Stitch Dictionary With 150 Amazing Patterns
Are you perpetually in search of interesting new knitting stitch patterns that are a bit different from all the other ones you’ve ever tried? If so, prepare to be charmed and delighted by Keiko Okamoto’s brand new knitting stitch dictionary.
This book features some truly intriguing, quirky, innovative, unexpected and creative stitch patterns — including smocking patterns for knitting; three-dimensional textured patterns; unusual and innovative Fair Isle knitting patterns; and textured stitches made using 2 different knitting needle sizes.
But these stitch patterns are not all totally avante-garde. You’ll also find a generous number of stitch patterns that are your usual, standard cables, knit / purl combinations and lace patterns. Whether you’re looking to knit projects that stand out from the crowd or fit in with it, you’ll find pleasing options for stitch patterns included in this book.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out my detailed book review of Keiko Okamoto’s Japanese Knitting Stitches.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
17. Finger Knitting for Kids
It can be a challenge to learn to knit in the traditional way, with 2 knitting needles and yarn. The finger knitting method can eliminate many of the complexities inherent in the knitting process. It’s one way to get kids knitting quickly, without having to worry that they will stab themselves with sharp knitting needles.
If you want to teach your kids finger knitting, the book pictured here — Finger Knitting for Kids — is an excellent reference to consider sharing with them. This book will help them learn the finger knitting technique plus get started making 15 fun, useful projects. The projects included in the book are hats, scarves, hair accessories, a blanket and others.
Learn More About This Book:
18. Winter Knits From Scandinavia: 24 Patterns for Hats, Mittens and Socks
This is one of the loveliest knitting pattern books I have ever seen. The photography featured in the book is exquisite. It perfectly captures the Swedish landscape, along with some of the people, animals and knitting projects native to that landscape. (Cute lamb pictures, anyone?)
The projects included in the book are gorgeous Scandinavian style two-color stranded knitting patterns. This is basically the same type of technique as Fair Isle knitting. To make these projects, you work in stockinette stitch, with multiple color changes per row that form interesting pattern designs.
This author also occasionally adds details in other colors using duplicate stitch. For example, there’s a pair of eye-catching fox themed mittens included in the book where the fox is mostly orange and the background is white. You can add yellow eyes plus black details to the fox’s nose and eyes using duplicate stitch — how clever!
Design themes include animals, butterflies, florals, traditional Scandinavian motifs and others. There are designs suitable for women, men and children.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out our detailed book review of Winter Knits From Scandinavia.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.com.
19. Knit Yourself In: Inventive Patterns to Tell Your Story in the Danish “Hen Knitting” Tradition:
If you’ve ever wished you could design your own colorful knitted sweaters or other knitting projects, this is a book you’re definitely going to want to consider owning. The book is a knitter’s dream resource for learning how to put together different knitted motifs and colorways to create personalized, one-of-a-kind knitwear projects. The authors of the book have given you complete knitting patterns for sweaters, socks, mittens, pillows, a scarf and a hat. These designs can be knitted as-is, although the book’s authors encourage you to use these designs as a jumping-off point for putting together completed designs that are more customized to your own tastes. Their patterns give you the framework for getting started on your own knitwear design adventures.
It’s super easy to be creative when you’re given the right resources plus a great big push in the right direction — and if you’re already inclined to want to try your own designs, this book is likely to give you exactly the empowerment you need. The book makes it easy for you to play around with colors, shapes, motifs and ideas. If you’d like to express yourself through the medium of knitwear, the information in this book is definitely going to be of interest to you.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out a detailed book review of Knit Yourself In,
- click here to see project photos and more info available at the product page for the book at Amazon.
20. The Alterknit Stitch Dictionary
You’ve probably never seen anything like this quirky knitting stitch dictionary. It has some of the usual sorts of patterns you’d expect — Greek key patterns, botanicals, geometrics. Then it has some weirdo, offbeat designs like pooping pigs, raccoons raiding the garbage can and a grim reaper, complete with a birthday cake. (You can see some pictures of the stitch patterns in this interview with Andrea Rangel, the author of the book.)
This isn’t just a knitting stitch dictionary; it’s also an instruction manual on how to do stranded colorwork knitting. All the stitches in the book are knitted using this technique.
The book also includes patterns for finished projects including sweaters, mittens and more.
So if you’re bored with the same-old-same-old knitting stitch patterns, and you want to either make finished projects or design your own knitting patterns, give this book a try. Perhaps you’ll find that it offers you a refreshing change of pace.
Learn More About This Book:
- Click here to check out our book review of the Alterknit Stitch Dictionary.
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.com.
21. The Field Guide to Knitted Birds by Arne & Carlos
If you’re looking for a knitting book that’s fresh, witty, humorous and fun in addition to offering you fantastic knitting patterns, consider buying The Field Guide to Knitted Birds by Arne & Carlos. The birds are really useful projects; they’ll help you use up all the bits and scraps of yarn, embroidery floss, feathers, beads and sequins you might happen to have hanging around. Not only that, you’ll end up with cute projects that make excellent gifts and decorations — perhaps items to dangle from a mobile or decorate the outside of a gift box.
Learn More About The Field Guide to Knitted Birds:
- Check out our detailed book review of The Field Guide to Knitted Birds.
- Click here to shop for this book at the publisher’s website.
22. Japanese Knitting Book by Michiyo
If you’d be interested in knitting and crocheting a bunch of intriguing garments and accessories, Japanese Knitting by Michiyo is worth taking a look at. This book includes patterns for women’s clothing designs that are both versatile and wearable. Some of these pieces can do double duty; for example, there’s a crocheted tunic that you can also wear as a wrap. Most of the patterns in this book are knitting patterns, but there are enough truly fantastic crochet patterns included in the book that I also feel confident in recommending the book to crochet enthusiasts. Overall, it’s a really wonderful book.
Learn More About Japanese Knitting by Michiyo
- Click here to check out our book review of Japanese Knitting by Michiyo
- Click here to shop for this book at Amazon.
These are just a few of the knitting books I’ve reviewed here at Knittingcrochetcrafts.com. I’m always in search of fantastic new knitting books, and I update this page frequently with new reviews. Please be sure to subscribe to my knitting, crochet and crafts newsletter if you want to be alerted about even more fantastic knitting books as they become available.
Basic subscriptions are free; I send out regular newsletters to let my subscribers know about new craft articles and tutorials as they are posted. I also share details about the craft projects I’m working on, and invite my readers to share their projects, too. So there is no need to feel like it’s just you, crafting all alone at home. I’d love to have you join us! You’re invited!!
Posted By: Amy Solovay
By Amy Solovay
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About the Author:
About Your Book Reviewer — Amy Solovay is a freelance writer with a background in textile manufacturing. She learned to crochet as a small child and learned how to knit as a teenager. After earning two degrees, one of which is in textile design, she launched a career in the textile industry. She has worked as a textile print colorist, knit designer and director of design for various Los Angeles based fabric manufacturers. Later she transitioned to writing about crochet, knitting, crafts and other topics for major media outlets. She enjoys designing crochet and other craft patterns, and she invites you to make use of them.
More Ways to Find Excellent Knitting Books
This list is getting really long and hard to navigate, so I’ve been working on adding a few other topic-specific book lists to this site. These links will take you to the relevant pages:
Knitting Books and Other Craft Books Sorted by Publisher:
- Sixth & Spring Books
- 14 Interweave Craft Books
- 12 Creative Craft Books Published by Stackpole Books
- Leisure Arts Craft Books and Supplies
Related Resources
- Crochet Books
- Best Crochet Books for Beginners
- Best Crochet Baby Pattern Books
- Best Crochet Motif Books
- Best Crochet Granny Square Pattern Books
Knitting Tools and Supplies
This page was last updated on 12-25-2025.