So you want to learn to knit: 6 books to help you on your way

If the cool days and even colder nights here in Melbourne haven’t inspired you to pick up some knitting needles to make yourself something cosy to wear, then perhaps these six books will. Knitting is not only practical but can also be a form of mindfulness and zen as many of these titles suggest.

For those of you that are are open to a little less zen when it comes to knitting, perhaps the Heavy Metal Knitting World Championships would be more up your street. Heavy Metal Knitting is about combining handicrafts and heavy metal in a super unique way. Unfortunately the championships were held last weekend in Finland, but if you get practising, there’s always next year!

52 Weeks of Scarves: Beautiful Patterns for Year-round Knitting by Laine

Who doesn’t love a scarf? 52 projects have been collated by leading knitwear designers from across the world and showcase an exceptionally wide range of yarns, techniques and difficulty levels. Nothing brings more comfort than a hand-knitted scarf – from a light wrap for cool shoulders on summer evenings or spring mornings, to a beautiful shawl as the centrepiece of autumnal outfits, or a cosy collar to be layered under winter coats. Whether you’re creating a shawl for yourself or a cowl for a loved one, there’s care in every stitch. Knitting is more than just knit, knit, purl. It is a feeling. This stunning book contains a beautiful scarf pattern for every week of the year.

Harry Potter Knitting Magic: More Patterns from Hogwarts and Beyond by Tanis Gray

Featuring over 28 projects pictured in gorgeous full-colour photography, Harry Potter: Knitting Magic, Volume 2 includes patterns for toys, apparel, and costume replicas pulled straight from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Harry Potter: Knitting Magic, Volume 2 also includes fun facts, original costume sketches, film stills, and other behind-the-scenes treasures. It is the perfect gift for lovers of the original Knitting Magic and Harry Potter fans everywhere.

Knitting for Beginners: The Ultimate Craft Guide by Rachel McGregor

Sometimes you just need to start at the beginning. Are you looking for a complete beginners step by step guide to knitting, or do you want to get a knitting project going but are unable to work out on what you would like to do? then this is the best book for you. Start creating projects, with this complete book you won’t feel lost in between steps and end up getting tangled in a knot. knitting For Beginners is a fab book for all knitting novices.

Contemplative Knitting by Julie Cicora

Contemplative Knitting shows how knitting creates connections and communities, and how the repetition of knitting can be calming. Julie Cicora discusses in Comemplative Knitting how the act of ‘pearl one knit one’ can take the stress of the everyday away and calm the mind. This book is for those knitters looking to connect themselves a little deeper to their craft.

The Power of Knitting: Stitching Together Our Lives in a Fractured World by Loretta Napoleoni

In a fractured world plagued by anxiety and loneliness, knitting is coming to the rescue of people from all walks of life. Economist and lifelong knitter Loretta Napoleoni unveils the hidden power of the purl and stitch mantra- an essential tool for the survival of our species, a means for women to influence history, a soothing activity to calm us, and a powerful metaphor of life. This book is a voyage through our history following the yarn of social, economic and political changes – from ancient Egypt and Peru to modern Mongolia, from the spinning bees of the American Revolution to the knitting spies of World War II, and from the hippies’ rejection of consumerism to yarn-bombing protests against climate change. For the author it is also a personal journey of discovery and salvation, drawing on the wisdom her grandmother passed along as they knit together. Revealing recent discoveries in neuroscience, The Power of Knitting offers proof of the healing powers of knitting on our bodies and minds. Breaking through societal barriers, even nursing broken hearts, and helping to advance cutting-edge science, knitting is still a valuable instrument for navigating our daily lives.

The Beginner’s Knitting Manual: The Ultimate Book of Tips and Techniques by Debbie Tomkies

Learning to knit can be frustrating when it takes too much time and effort to begin your first project. The Beginner’s Knitting Manual introduces an array of stylish projects that offer a quick start. Even if you’ve never tried to knit, you’ll find that it offers plenty of chances to make something interesting, satisfying, practical, and beautiful.

Step-by-step instructions, accompanied by full-colour photos and stitch patterns, are suitable for intermediate-level knitters as well as beginners.

Enjoy!