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First Edition (new eds. look a little more contemporary)

I'm often asked for advice from knitters who are just starting to learn the craft.  One of the most common requests they have is for book recommendations:  Which books most clearly demonstrate all the techniques we will need to know?  Where can I find clear and concise information about basic patterns?  Which authors do you prefer, etc.?

Well, I'll be the first to tell you that there are a bunch of knitting books out there. Some good, some not so good.  Unfortunately, popular opinion varies widely from reader to reader on what works and what doesn't.  Its understandable, then, that a book recommendation for a beginner isn't always easy.

Aside from this possibly frustrating disclaimer (sorry!), I do have a hearty recommendation for anyone in search of an instructional knitting tome.  Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann is, needless to say, a classic among our community - and for good reason!  This is definitely not your average instruction manual, although it is definitely a resource that all beginners should be equipped with.

Zimmermann teaches so much more than technique (although she doesn't skimp on a good number of technical tricks and insights), rather she shows, through her witty and sometimes crochety writing, how to appreciate and understand knitting on a deeper, structural and even visceral level.  Plus, you're sure to chuckle your way through all her sassy knitting banter.

You want to learn how to increase and decrease?  Sure, there are plenty of tutorials out there, online or in print. How many, though, will teach you how these techniques work on an applicable, structural level, plugging them into a seamless sweater or hat recipe all the while keeping you entertained?  EZ's philosophy is that it is never too early to learn sophisticated concepts, and to always be mindful of your work 

If you want to know what all the buzz is about surrounding this revered historical knitter, read the first chapter and I'm sure you'll start to understand.