Product Description

Think you're too young? Think you're too old? Author Melanie Falick teaches kids of all ages how to knit with fifteen easy projects, from bouncy beanbags to a rolled-edge sweater. Using straightforward language, step-by-step instructions, and bright candy-colored illustrations, beginners learn the basics, including finer knitting, casting on and binding in the round and shaping. Phototgraphs feature finished projects modeled by a delightful case of young knitters. Best of all, kids get to have fun creating things they can actually use—bookmarks, backpacks, bracelets, and more.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25627 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-15
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 6-Appealing, full-color photographs and a dynamic layout will draw readers to this book, but the careful crafting of instructions will make them successful knitters. Beautiful photos show a group of young people having fun making and wearing attractive hats, socks, and sweaters. Not only are projects and skills arranged in an orderly progression of difficulty, but the directions also begin explicitly and gradually move toward the standard abbreviations used in commercial patterns (e.g., "knit 1" is written out instead of abbreviated as "k1"). Additional material sets this title above the few others available on the topic. There's good information on proper blocking and laundering of finished garments, dyeing wood with Kool-Aid, making wooden needles, felting wool, sewing knitting bags, the multicultural aspects of knitting, and (most importantly) finding other knitters to help with the inevitable confusions of acquiring a new skill. By following the clear directions, 10 year olds with a mechanical bent can learn the basics unaided. With some help from an experienced knitter, kids as young as five could have a rewarding new hobby. Only a small flaw mars this exemplary workAthere is a reversed diagram, but an errata sheet correcting this error is available. A terrific resource.
Torrie Hodgson, Burlington Public Library, WA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 4^-7. Knitting may not be the first free-time activity kids think of, but this very attractive book is just the thing to get them interested. Special care has been taken with the book's design--everything from the typeface to the layout to the bright background colors and occasional original artwork makes the book look hip and fresh. Dynamic color photos show both boys and girls knitting away at appealing projects--among them, backpacks, hats, puppets, scarfs, and a sweater. The instructions for knitting basics, such as casting on and the garter stitch, are given both in writing and visually, and are so clear that adult books on knitting could pick up some pointers. A list of yarn sources and information on caring for hand-knits round out the treatment. Not your grandmother's knitting book. Ilene Cooper

About the Author
Melanie Falick is a writer and editor with a passion for the textile arts and travel. Her writings on knitting and other subjects have appeared in Travel & Leisure, Vogue Knitting, Family Circle Knitting, Piecework, Knitters, Fiberarts, Rowan Knitting Magazine, and Bon Appétit. She is the co-author of Restaurant Lover's Companion.

Customer Reviews

Not Just For Kids...
This is the book my 8-year-old daughter and I used together to learn how to knit. As the subtitle says, it's a book for kids "of all ages".

When you read through this book you will not only learn how to knit, but you will have a deeper appreciation of needlework in general. The author covers what basic supplies you need to get started, how to make your own knitting needles (yes! And it is a lot easier than you may think), how to decorate your needles, why you should start using two different color needles, what to do when you don't have any needles (you can still knit with your fingers, the book shows you how!), how to make "kool-aid" yarn in super-fun colors, and where yarn comes from. The instructions were much simpler to understand than those in the traditional "adult books" and after finishing a few of the basic projects, I actually felt inspired to learn more, as did my daughter.

If you are looking for a terrific alternative to TV and video games then definitely buy this book. There are plenty of photographs of girls AND boys from all different races and creeds who seem to be enjoying their time spent knitting, and the pages are splashed with fun colors and typeface.

5 Stars. This is the very best beginners book on the market!

This is a great gift book for kids AND adults!
I've been knitting for 40+ years and I bought this book for my personal collection. It has very clear directions, colorful photos and illustrations, and is ideal for teaching children AND adults to knit. The projects are fun and interesting to make. I had only one small problem with one of the methods the author used but, overall, I think this a great book. Put this book in a package with some needles and yarn and you've got a great gift for any kid on your list. But be sure the recipient has someone to help him/her if they have questions. Oh yes, I like the fact that they show BOYS knitting!! Good for them!

Not only is this book good, it's not just for kids!
I purchased this book for my 7 year old son because he wanted to learn to knit with "two needles". He is an accomplished finger knitter! The "two needle" technique proved too difficult for him at this time, but having always wanted to learn knitting myself, I decided to give it a whirl. Finally someone has written a book on how to knit that even I can follow. The projects in the book make great gifts, especially if you have appeciative kids or young friends. When I progressed to making a sample of various stitches I did need the hands on advise of an experienced knitter to guide me through the instructions but more to boost my confidence that I wasn't missing something. The instructions and illustrations throughout the book are very readable and a lot of fun. The book also concludes with a great, comprehensive glossary of common abbreviations used in commercial knitting instructions.