Best Knitting Books for Beginners (2026): 5 Compared

A new knitter needs a book that starts at casting on and stays patient. This list of the best knitting books for beginners compares technique guides, project collections and references by fit, contents, value and listed reading age.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	My First Knitting Book by Deuzo	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Beginner Knitting by Dupernex	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
3	60 Quick Knits by Sixth&Spring	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	A-Z of Knitting by Bumpkin	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Knitting for Beginners by Brown	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

My First Knitting Book by Deuzo

Hildegarde Deuzo·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An ideal introduction for new knitters who want full-color instructions and more than 15 projects.

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Pros

• Full-color instructions for more than 15 projects
• Step-by-step explanations of basic techniques
• Grade level 7 to 11 and reading age 12 to 16 years stated

Cons

• 64 pages only
• First edition dated July 20, 2016
• Projects suit new knitters only, not experienced knitters

2

Beginner Knitting by Dupernex

Alison Dupernex·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A small-format, wire-bound guide for absolute beginners who want step-by-step photos and essential techniques.

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Pros

• Step-by-step instructions for essential techniques
• Small format, wire-bound so it lies open while working
• Updated look of a previously published beginners guide

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• 144 pages, fewer projects than the project collections
• Illustrated edition dated November 26, 2012

3

60 Quick Knits by Sixth&Spring

Sixth&Spring Books·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A project collection for novice knitters who want quick patterns with tutorials.

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Pros

• 60 quick patterns for new knitters, with tutorials
• 176 pages of beginner patterns
• Step-by-step instructions with illustrations

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• Project book, not a technique reference
• Patterns are built around one yarn line, per the title

4

A-Z of Knitting by Bumpkin

Country Bumpkin·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A comprehensive reference for beginners and experienced knitters who want stitches, techniques and supplies in one volume.

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Pros

• Over 400 step-by-step photographs and 20 designs
• Stitches, techniques and supplies, basics to advanced
• Reprint edition dated July 14, 2020

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• Reference format, not a project-by-project course
• 156 pages, shorter than the two longest guides

5

Knitting for Beginners by Brown

Emma Brown·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A one-stop A-Z guide for beginners who want everything about knitting plus 15 patterns.

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Pros

• 296 pages with 15 knitting patterns
• One-stop A-Z resource for beginners
• Covers patterns and techniques for handcrafted gifts

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated
• No publisher is stated in the listing data
• The 3-day claim in the title is a publisher promise, not a measured result

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More picks to compare

• Two Needles, Many Knits by StarkNew knitter guide from a simple square to a sweaterCheck on Amazon
• Knitting Basics by GaleVisual step-by-step guide for new knittersCheck on Amazon
• Learn to Knit the Easy Way by PierceChunky yarn projects with big needles for beginnersCheck on Amazon
• Knitting Guide by RoweEasy techniques and 8 fun projects for beginnersCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. One pick lists a reading age and a grade level; the other four list neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best knitting books for beginners

Start with technique or projects

A technique guide suits a beginner who wants to learn stitches first; a project book suits a beginner who wants a finished item fast. The Dupernex guide teaches essential techniques step by step, and the 60 Quick Knits book offers quick patterns with tutorials. For more nonfiction guides, browse nonfiction books.

Check the page count and the format

Page counts run from 64 pages for the first knitting book to 296 pages for the A-Z guide. A wire-bound book lies open while working, per the Dupernex description. For practical learning guides, see workbooks and homeschool books.

Before you buy

• Check the edition year: the A-Z of Knitting is a reprint dated July 14, 2020.
• Check the project count: the Brown guide runs 296 pages with 15 patterns.
• Check the format: the Dupernex guide is wire-bound and lies open while working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which knitting book is best for a complete beginner?

The Dupernex guide is written for the absolute beginner, with step-by-step photos.

Which book has the most projects?

The 60 Quick Knits book offers 60 patterns; the Deuzo book offers more than 15 projects.

Do any of these books list a reading age?

The Deuzo book lists a reading age of 12 to 16 years and grade level 7 to 11; the other four list neither.

Still deciding? Our top pickMy First Knitting Book by Deuzo

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Related lists

See every Nonfiction list.

More lists: self-improvement books, workbooks and homeschool books and kids and teens books.