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How I Learned to Knit
By an Amazon.com customer
Big Book of KnittingBig Book of Knitting by Katharina Buss
Buy new: $13.57 / Used from: $4.50
All the basics in one book. Great color photographs and projects.
The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave)The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges (Interweave) by Ann Budd
Buy new: $16.47 / Used from: $12.46
Easy to understand. Finally, a way to knit mittens with all those fancy ribbon yarn scraps you have!
The New Knitting Stitch Library: Over 300 Traditional and Innovative Stitch Patterns Illustrated in Color and Explained with Easy-to-Follow ChartsThe New Knitting Stitch Library: Over 300 Traditional and Innovative Stitch Patterns Illustrated in Color and Explained with Easy-to-Follow Charts by Leslie Stanfield
Buy used from: $12.98
For the beginning designer. Includes textured patterns of all kinds. A great addition to your collection. Even if you're first original design is a scarf. This is how I learned to do cables.
Interweave KnitsInterweave Knits
Buy new: $25.00
Great magazine. Especially if you're looking for new projects to try and don't want to invest a lot of money in a book you'll only use for one pattern.