Collection Development "Knitting": Knitting in a Digital Age

By Jan Zlendich -- Library Journal, 8/15/2007

Once embraced by a few grandmotherly types and rejected as out of fashion by feminists, knitting is back big time, its new status evident nowhere more than on the Internet, where knitting groups, blogs, video tutorials, and podcasts are present in abundance. The Yarn Craft Council of America estimates that 53 million women in the United States knit or crochet. The number of female knitters between the ages of 25 and 34 increased 150% between 2002 and 2004, while a significant number of teenage girls up to age 18 and older women, ages 55–64, joined or rejoined the growing ranks of knitters.

Men knit, too, although the actual numbers aren't known. But anecdotal evidence suggests that more men are exploring the craft. The web site www.menknit.net offers a forum for male knitters and sports the tongue-in-cheek motto: “Man Enough To Knit; Strong Enough To Purl.”

Knitting is an ancient art form, its exact origins buried in obscurity owing to the fragile nature of cloth. It is certain that some time in the distant past, man (or was it woman?) began using two pointed sticks to knit fabric by pulling loops of yarn or thread one through the other to create an elastic and easily shaped cloth ideal for clothing like sweaters, socks, and hats and household items like pillows and throws.

There are only two stitches in knitting: the knit stitch and the purl stitch, but combinations of the two, using different-sized needles, fibers, colors, and manipulative techniques, make possible a remarkable complexity that can hold the interest of a knitter for a lifetime.

Major publishers of knitting titles include Interweave Press, Krause, Lark, Martingale, Potter Craft, Sixth&Spring, Sterling, Storey, XRX Books, and Stewart, Tabori & Chang. Then there are small presses like Schoolhouse, Down East, and Nomad, better known for the quality rather than the quantity of titles.

There will always be demand for introductory knitting books, but keep in mind that many knitters caught up in the craze that began in 2003 with the publication of Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook (see bibliography below) are now past the beginner's stage and may be looking for more challenging fare. One way to gauge the knitting sophistication of your patrons is to find out if there is an organized knitting guild in your community. A directory of guilds affiliated with the Knitting Guild Association is available online at www.e-offinger.net/tkga/guildsbystate1.cfm. Libraries in communities with active knitter's guilds should expect stronger demand for intermediate and advanced books.

In general, public libraries should aim for a balance of basic knitting books fleshed out with stitch pattern libraries, selected pattern books, knitting videos, and books focusing on such hot trends as sock and lace knitting, felted knits, knitting with beads, and modular knitting. Academic libraries will see more demand for art knitting books such as Debbie New's Unexpected Knitting (see the online version of this article), books on the history of the craft, and explorations of ethnic knitting like Priscilla Gibson-Roberts's Knitting in the Old Way (see bibliography below).

Despite its old-fashioned aura, knitting is also a craft for the 21st century. In building your collection, don't forget to tap the rich array of Internet resources. There are now hundreds of electronic lists, email groups, blogs, and free online magazines devoted to every aspect of knitting.

Many “old” knitting books remain perennial favorites. June Hemmons Hiatt's 1989 Principles of Knitting has long been out of print, and copies—including those discarded from libraries—are selling on the Internet for prices in excess of $300. Similarly, Mary Thomas's Knitting Book and Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns, which date back to the 1930s, remain popular today. Do not discard books by knitting masters Alice Starmore, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Mary Walker Phillips, Kaffe Fassett, or Barbara Walker without careful consideration, but do weed old knitwear pattern books if circulation statistics tell you they are not once more “in” again.

Starred [] items are core titles recommended for all collections. Owing to space constraints, more specialized books and periodicals, good choices for academic and large public libraries, have been posted online as an addendum to this feature. For knitting fiction and memoir, see Neal Wyatt's Reader's Shelf column “Knit! Purl! Read!,” p. 133.

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Learning to Knit
Melville, Sally & Alexis Xenakis (photogs.). The Knitting Experience. Bk. 1: The Knit Stitch. 2002. 162p. ISBN 978-1-893762-13-8. pap. $19.95; Bk. 2: The Purl Stitch. 2003. 184p. ISBN 978-1-893762-214-5. pap. $19.95; Bk. 3: Color. 2005. 246p. ISBN 978-1-933064-02-4. pap. $24.95. ea. vol: XRX. illus. index.
This three-volume set for beginning and intermediate knitters incorporates all the elements of the ideal “learn to knit” book: clear step-by-step instructions, close-up photographs, skill-building projects, and clear troubleshooting advice. (LJ 4/15/03; LJ 12/05)
Stoller, Debbie. Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook. Workman. 2003. 248p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7611-3258-5. $23.95; pap. ISBN 978-0-7611-2818-2. $13.95.
The book that introduced many twentysomethings to knitting and launched a rash of Stitch 'n Bitch groups. Stoller, editor of Bust magazine, incorporates a lot of solid instruction with 40 skill-building patterns while emphasizing knitting as a hip social pastime. (LJ 9/1/03)
Zimmermann, Elizabeth. Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-To-Follow Directions for Garments To Fit All Sizes. Fireside: S. & S. 1973. 128p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-684-13505-2. pap. $16.
One of the most influential knitters of the 20th century, Zimmermann introduced a generation of knitters to the delights of working with circular needles and to the concept of “thinking knitters,” who—instead of following patterns blindly—learn how to read their knitting and design their own garments. She also wrote The Knitter's Almanac, Knitting Around, and The Knitting Workshop. All of the designs that appeared in her newsletter published between 1958 and 1968 have been released as The Opinionated Knitter (Schoolhouse, 2005). An essential title for all collections.

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Knitting Reference
Radcliffe, Margaret. The Knitting Answer Book. Storey. 2005. 400p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-58017-599-9. pap. $14.95.
Knitting teacher Radcliffe answers questions novice and advanced knitters might have, from how to tension the yarn to how to make a swatch when knitting circularly and how to decipher knitting jargon found in printed patterns. (LJ12/05)
Vogue Knitting Magazine Eds. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book. Sixth&Spring, dist. by Sterling. 2002. 280p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-931543-16-3. $38.95.
Although the book does include patterns for knitted garments, its lavishly illustrated chapters on techniques are what make this volume stand out as a resource for close-up illustrations of techniques, advice on correcting knitting errors, and tips for understanding patterns found in books and magazines.
Wiseman, Nancie M. The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques. Martingale. 2002. 144p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-56477-452-1. $24.95.
Finishing techniques can make or break a garment, turning “homemade” into “handcrafted.” Knitting teacher and author Wiseman covers every aspect of finishing, from the cast on to making buttonholes to blocking your work.

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Stitch Libraries
Vogue Knitting Magazine Eds. Vogue Knitting Stitchionary. Vol. 1: Knit & Purl. 2005. 184p. ISBN 978-1-931543-77-4. $29.95; Vol. 2: Cables. 2006. 200p. ISBN 978-1-931543-89-7. $29.95; Vol. 3: Color Knitting. 2006. 188p. ISBN 978-1-933027-02-9. $29.95. ea. vol: Sixth&Spring, dist. by Sterling. illus. $29.95.
Stitch libraries (collections of stitch patterns such as knit-purl combinations, cables, lace, etc.) are the raw materials used by knitwear designers. An ideal stitch library would include a close-up color photo of a good-sized swatch of each pattern plus written and charted instructions. While not as comprehensive as Barbara Walker's “Treasury of Knitting Patterns” series (below), the Vogue titles do include large, clear color swatches as well as charted (Vols. 2 and 3 only) and written instructions for each swatch. Buy as many stitch pattern collections as you can afford. They never go out of date.
Walker, Barbara G. Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns. 1998. 269p. ISBN 978-0-942018-18-9.
Walker, Barbara G. A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns. 2000. 240p. ISBN 978-942018-20-2.
Walker, Barbara G. A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. 1998. 400p. index. ISBN 978-0-942018-17-2.
Walker, Barbara G. A Treasury of Knitting Patterns. 1998. 300p. index. ISBN 978-942018-16-5. ea. vol: reprint. Schoolhouse. illus. pap. $30.
In her first treasury of knitting patterns, Walker set out methodically to locate, catalog, and describe all knitting patterns in existence. The result was five fat volumes of designs indispensable for any serious knitting collection. Unfortunately, as these volumes were originally published from 1968 to 1972, illustrations are black and white, swatches do not always show detail clearly, and patterns (in the first two books) are not charted. (LJ 11/15/98)

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Sweaters
Budd, Ann. The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges. 2002. 112p. ISBN 978-1-931499-04-0. $24.95. ( LJ 8/02)
Budd, Ann. The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges. 2004. 218p. ISBN 978-1-931499-43-9. $26.95. ( LJ 12/04) ea. vol: Interweave. illus. index.
For knitters who prefer to choose their own yarn and mix and match garment styles and details instead of working to a commercial pattern, The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns offers over 1000 patterns, with step-by-step instructions for 18 different sweater styles in six different gauges to fit children from two years old to large adults. The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns extends the concept of knitting from master patterns to mittens, gloves, hats, tams, scarves, socks, and vests.
Durham, Teva (text) & Adrian Buckmaster (photogs.). Loop-d-Loop: More Than 40 Novel Designs for Knitters. Stewart, Tabori & Chang. 2005. illus. ISBN 978-1-58479-414-1. $29.95.
Over 40 novel knitwear patterns are grouped around the themes of cycles, planes, and waves and designed to inspire the adventurous knitter. Durham's very personal pattern annotations reveal her thinking process as she created each garment and will interest aspiring knitwear designers. For academic and larger public library collections. (LJ 8/05)
Fee, Jacqueline. Sweater Workshop: Knit Creative, Seam-Free Sweaters on Your Own with Any Yarn. 2d ed. Down East. 2002. 234p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0- 89272-533-5. pap. $25.95.
First published in 1983, this self-paced tutorial guides the knitter through a sweater sampler that includes every technique needed to master the knitting of seamless sweaters in the round, using any yarn and based on the measurements of the wearer. (LJ 12/02)
Gibson-Roberts, Priscilla A. & Deborah Robson. Knitting in the Old Way: Designs & Techniques from Ethnic Sweaters. rev. ed. Nomad. 2004. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-9668289-2-4. $39.95; pap. ISBN 978-0-9668289-6-2. $27.95.
An ideal introduction to the world of traditional knitting, from the color-stranded sweaters of Norway and Icelandic yoke sweaters to the heavy Cowichan sweaters of Western Canada, this substantial revision of a 1985 work has added invaluable material on intarsia techniques, entrelac, color stranding, and combining knitting with crochet. At this book's core are 15 sweater shapes and the tools to construct a well-fitting sweater for any size person using gauge and a percentage system for pattern drafting. (LJ 4/15/04)
Japel, Stefanie. Fitted Knits: 25 Designs for the Fashionable Knitter. North Light: F&W. 2007. 144p. illus. ISBN 978-1-58180-872-8. pap. $22.99.
An excellent collection of 25 figure-flattering patterns, with information on customizing garments to one's individual figure.

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Knitting for...Men, Babies, etc.
Durant, Judith. Never Knit Your Man a Sweater Unless You've Got the Ring! 22 Handsome Projects for Every Level of Commitment. Storey. 2006. 184p. illus. ISBN 978-1-58017-646-0. pap. $19.95.
In addition to wry dating and relationship advice, this pattern book offers plenty of ideas for garments and accessories any man would be proud to wear. Included are 22 patterns in increasing levels of complexity, from simple coasters for the new boyfriend to a classic diamond patterned cardigan appropriate when wedding bells are chiming in the distance.
Falick, Melanie & Kristin Nicholas (text) & Ross Whitaker (photogs.). Knitting for Baby: 30 Heirloom Projects with Complete How-To-Knit Instructions. Stewart, Tabori & Chang. 2002. 160p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-58479-087-7. $24.95.
A former editor of Interweave Knits magazine and a prolific knitwear designer present 30 designs for infants from birth to two years old. The projects, which include colorful stitch-sampler baby blocks and felted balls, as well as larger projects like sweaters, blankets, and a felted diaper bag, are presented roughly in order of difficulty; illustrations abound. Also, one of the best books to recommend to beginners as it details such essentials as casting on, knitting, purling, shaping, color knitting, circular knitting, cables, binding off, and finishing. (LJ 12/02)
Moreno, Jillian & Army R. Singer (text) & Bill Milne (photogs.). Big Girl Knits: 25 Big, Bold Projects Shaped for Real Women with Real Curves. Potter Craft, dist. by Crown. 2006. 160p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-307-33660-6. $30.
Knitwear patterns for ample sizes (i.e., size 14 and up) are few, so this entertaining combination pattern book and fashion advisor will be a welcome addition to public library collections. Twenty-five patterns for accessories, tops, skirts, pants, jackets, coats, and sweaters are accompanied by instructions for shaping knitwear to create a more flattering silhouette.

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Hot Trends
Allen, Pam & Ann Budd. Lace Style: Traditional to Innovative; 21 Inspired Designs To Knit. Interweave. 2007. 160p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-59668-028-9. pap. $24.95.
Lace knitting, with its elaborate patterning of solid fabric punctuated at regular intervals with decorative holes, is the caviar of knitting techniques. This volume features a varied selection of 21 designs, a design notebook illustrating the techniques employed, ideas for adding lace to your own designs, and hints for fixing common mistakes. Projects will appeal primarily to lace knitters with intermediate to advanced skills. (LJ 4/15/07)
Chin, Lily M. Knit and Crochet with Beads. Interweave. 2004. 150p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-931499-44-6. pap. $21.95.
Well-known knitwear designer and popular teacher Chin covers the many ways to knit and crochet with beads. This will appeal to intermediate and expert knitters, who will find the chapter on designing beaded pieces especially useful. (LJ 8/04)
Galeskas, Beverly. Felted Knits. Interweave. 2003. 112p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-931499-33-0. pap. $21.95.
Galeskas is an expert on felted knitting, the process of knitting with wool yarn and then shrinking the knitted piece with heat and agitation to create a dense fabric. She has written more than a project book, although it includes some 36 projects; rather, this is a manual on felting knits that covers everything from choosing the right yarns and knitting and accurately felting by hand and/or machine to blocking and caring for felted knits. (LJ 12/03)
Leapman, Melissa. Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting. Potter Craft, dist. by Crown. 2006. 191p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-4000-9745-6. $32.50.
Cables—those fascinating meandering ropelike designs that add texture to any knitting project—are perennial favorites with knitters. Here, crafters will find solid instruction, patterns, and a library of cable designs.
One-Skein Wonders: 101 Yarn-Shop Favorites. Storey. 2006. 239p. ed. by Judith Durant. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-58017-645-3. pap. $18.95.
What do you do with leftover yarn? How about trying one of the 101 patterns collected from yarn stores nationwide, especially designed to consume only one ball of yarn and suitable for knitters at all skill levels. These are small projects: hats, bags, baby clothes, bookmarks, scarves, and mittens. A good low-budget choice for even small public libraries.
Schurch, Charlene. Sensational Knitted Socks. Martingale. 2005. 96p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-56477-570-2. pap. $24.95.
Sock knitting is one of the hottest trends today, and knitters at all levels will find step-by-step instructions for ten basic designs with almost 1000 variations. Beginners can start with the small “class sock” that Schurch uses in her introductory workshops, while experienced knitters can move directly to customizing sock patterns, troubleshooting, and mastering cuff-down and toe-up sock construction using two, four, or five needles.
Singer, Amy R. No Sheep for You: Knit Happy with Cotton, Silk, Linen, Hemp, Bamboo & Other Delights. Interweave. 2007. 160p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-59668-012-8. pap. $22.95.
Some knitters are allergic to wool, but instead of settling for a boring diet of acrylic yarns, they can turn to this practical handbook of knitting tips for alternative yarns with an excellent selection of 22 projects chosen to highlight the properties of nonwool fibers. Singer, editor of the online knitting magazine Knitty.com, is allergic to wool and has spent many years knitting with nonwool fibers like cotton, linen, rayon, silk, bamboo, and soy. (LJ 4/15/07)

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Magazines
Creative Knitting. 6/yr. $19.97. PO Box 9001, Big Sandy, TX 75755; 800-829-5865; creativeknittingmagazine.com. ISSN 1551-6512.
An excellent choice for small public libraries, this periodical features more projects for novice knitters than other knitting magazines and includes patterns for the whole family (including plus sizes). Patterns often call for yarns widely available in craft stores.
Interweave Knits. 4/yr. $26.95. Interweave, 201 E. Fourth St., Loveland, CO 80537; 800-272-2193; www.interweaveknits.com. ISSN 1088-3622.
This is a colorful middle-of-the-road choice between the sophistication of Vogue Knitting (see the online version of this article), the down-home feel of Creative Knitting, and the technical virtuosity of Knitter'smagazine. If you can only subscribe to one knitting magazine, this is the one.
Knitter's. 4/yr. $20. XRX Inc., PO Box 1525, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-125; 800-232-5648; www.knittinguniverse.com/xrx/knitters.php. ISSN 0747-9026.
Not just a knitting magazine, this is also a rich knitting community of online forums, email groups, conferences, and knitting camps organized by the magazine's publisher. Outstanding for its layout and photography as well as interesting “how to” articles, this is agood choice for large and medium-sized public libraries.

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DVDs
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop DVD. color. 6 hrs. Schoolhouse Pr. DVD $48.
What could be better than private lessons with the master knitter, starting with beginning knitting and progressing to master classes in knitting Aran and Fair Isle sweaters? This DVD features all six hours of Zimmermann's 1981 PBS series, with additional commentary from daughter Meg Swansen.
Knitting Essentials 1. (Lucy Neatby Knitter's Companion DVDs). color. 130 min. Tradewind Knitwear Designs, dist. by Up North Fiber Art Supply; info@upnorthfiberartsupply.com. 2007. DVD $29.
Lucy Neatby, a brilliant and inventive knitting teacher, designer, and writer, offers a video encyclopedia of knitting techniques seen in “knitter's eye” view, each indexed for easy replay. Other titles in the ten-volume series include Knitting Essentials 2, Sock Techniques 1, Sock Techniques 2, Knitting Gems 1, Knitting Gems 2, Knitting Gems 3, Knitting Gems 4, Finesse Your Knitting, and Double Knitting Delight. Even the most accomplished knitters will find new ideas and techniques in these videos. Buy them all if budget and demand permits.
A Knitting Glossary DVD with Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen. color. 4 hrs. Schoolhouse Pr. $40.
Watch Zimmermann and Swansen demonstrate more than 130 techniques, including Zimmermann's “unventions” like afterthought pockets and jogless stripes. A handy index facilitates moving directly to a specific technique. For intermediate knitters. (LJ 10/15/06)

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Internet Resources
Digibabe
www.digibabeknits.blogspot.com
One error in a pattern can ruin the knitting experience. Digibabe, a knitting blogger, has compiled a substantial collection of links to errata in books and magazines. In addition, many publishers have corrections available on their web sites in PDF format. If time permits, print out the errata and insert it into the offending book. If not, at least you can refer patrons to this excellent source.
Knitting Pattern Central
www.knittingpatterncentral.com
A free knitting pattern directory with links to knitting tutorials and free patterns in 50 different categories.
KnittingHelp.com
knittinghelp.com
Learn to knit or explore advanced techniques with 150 free online videos. Also includes a popular knitting forum.
Walker Treasury Project
thewalkertreasury.wordpress.com
A volunteer effort to make available on the web high-quality color photos of all patterns in Barbara Walker's five stitch treasuries.
Wiseneedle
www.wiseneedle.com
Includes reader-submitted yarn reviews, patterns, a glossary, and a knitting wiki in progress.
Yarndex
www.yarndex.com
Descriptions and photos of more than 3000 yarns. Indexed by brand, name, weight, fiber, and texture.