Beginners Guide to Colowork Knitting
by Ella Austin

If you’ve already mastered your two basic stitches, you are ready to build on it. With this book you will learn more about yarns, needle sizes and chart reading. More tools will be needed for these projects. As you work your way through the projects you will learn new techniques with color changes and new stitches. You will find many beautiful photos to help detail stitches making it easier to follow. Included are many fun projects from shawls and socks to blankets and pillows.

I recommend this book if you’re looking to gain more experience in Knitting.
My first project I Look forward to do is the socks!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#Netgalley

I wasn't super impressed with this book, but I am also someone who doesn't see how stockinette stripes count as colorwork.

Very nice collection of patterns and tutorials for a variety of colorwork knits. Will definitely purchase for myself when it comes out!

This book is a must for beginner knitters. Great instructions. Great illustrations. Would be a welcome addition to the library of an experienced knitter also. One of the best color work books i have read. Will be a part of my knitting library for sure.

Project based learning is generally effective, where instead of learning many disjointed details, we learn how to put them together. These 16 projects are beautifully illustrated, they have good instructions. This book is a good reference resource for beginners, and those who knit well but not on a daily basis, because there are good interesting techniques mentioned there. The colorwork is extensive, you will not be disappointed!

This book explains all the techniques of colorwork knitting AND has 16 wonderful patterns. There are very clear directions with lots of diagrams showing the work process. Each of the projects has one or more tutorials on how to do a particular technique needed for the project. Many of the projects are relatively small (washcloths, hats, mug cozy, cowl, mitts) so that you can complete it in a short time while trying out a new technique. There are clear directions for cast on, cast off, Kitchener stitch, increasing and decreasing stitches, double knitting, intarsia, pom poms, tassels, etcetera, making it a very useful reference book in addition to the great patterns.

I thank F&W Media and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book to write an honest review.

Very well written and thought out book. The patterns are put together well and up to date. The colors are vibrant and very appealing.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ella Austin and Sewandso Publications for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

At first glance there didn’t seem to be too much to this book. I have read quite a few books on colour knitting as of late and most have been disappointing. The patterns in this book were okay, some were things I liked and would want to knit, but there didn’t seem to be enough ones I liked to warrant buying the whole book. But as I started to read through I realized that Austin has done an incredible job as far as giving thorough explanations and explicit diagrams. Every detail including finishing techniques, combining different colours, creating beautiful colour patterns and intricate colour techniques are explained in such an easy and clear manner even things I already knew how to do seemed clearer and made more sense to me. The diagrams are also unique in that they show exactly what she is talking about. I’m not sure if it is just more steps or a different way of showing them, but again, even things I have been doing seemed easier to understand.

Even though there are some patterns I might not be interested in, I think I would make every pattern in the book because Austin has a step by step plan of increasing your colour work skills. Each pattern adds one more skill and I think it is worth the practice. There is an opening section describing colour, how they work together, which ones are warm or cool, different hues, etc. and to be honest, I only understood some of it. The easier concepts I understood but it got too technical or complicated for me. If I were planning my own colour work project from scratch, I would have to go back and use it as a reference to see if they worked together properly. I don’t really feel confident on that part. However, because Austin has explained how the colours work in each project, I would be more comfortable starting with colour substitutions for the patterns. She does an excellent job of combining theory with practice with lots of tutorials. There is also the prerequisite chapters on needles, stitches, reading charts and anything else that you would need in order to make any of her patterns.

I have always shied away from colour projects but I think with this book I would feel comfortable adding this technique to my knitting.

Most knitting books start by explaining the basic's of knitting: the different needle sizes and yarn weights, etc. This book started with color work and how to best chose the right color yarn for your knitting before then going into the basic's of knitting. I didn't get a chance to actually knit any of the patterns, but they seemed nicely laid out and even explained how to change colors.

Without a doubt this is the best knitting book I have ever read. This is the book I wish I'd been given along with my first set of needles. I have been knitting many different types of colourwork for years and I still learned so much from this book. It is for beginners in that the techniques are clearly explained and pictured and easy to follow. However it also covers seriously advanced things that have previously sent me running and screaming from a pattern - steeking! The patterns are lovely and perfect for trying all these new techniques. I honestly feel I can accomplish anything with this book at my side and I need a hard copy as soon as possible.

Wow! This is a fabulous book, full of colour, knitting techniques and projects. There are 22 projects, starting with very simple and quick colour work knitted items, each highlights techniques and method of knitting to get a professional finish.
Although this is a beginners book, the result achieved are ones that an advanced knitter would be proud of. Well illustrated with good explanation and plenty of photographs and drawings.
Firstly there are the simple items using stripes, then slipped stitched, stranded colour work, to a little more difficult intarsia to double knitting, modular and finally entrelac, all are covered in this wonderful book.
If you are a beginner or advanced knitter, love colour and want to extend your skills this is definitely a book to buy.

I loved the way this book begins by giving an explanation of colours before it even starts on the knitting. The instructions and techniques are clear, easy to understand and the pictures really illustrate what you should be aiming to achieve. I’m really looking forward to taking my knitting up a level with this wonderful book.

The Beginner’s Guide To Colorwork by Ella Austin

Okay, I'll admit it. Even though I've been knitting for over 30 years, I still find colorwork intimidating. Not simple stitches or patterns using stripes or slipped stitches but the more complex types of colorwork. Multiple strand techniques and entrelac are something that I admire, but I've never felt quite comfortable doing. So I couldn't quite resist this book.

The book is structured into 22 tutorials and 16 colorwork projects. As you would imagine, things start off simply with a simple striped scarf and a chevron blanket. The author details with good photography how to change colors and how to weave in your ends on different types of stitches in the early tutorials. She moves on from stripes to slip stitches to stranded colorwork, ending with more complex techniques like intarsia and entrelac. Projects are varied: hats, socks, mitts, mug cozies, buntings, scarves, bags, washcloths, shawls, and even a cushion. As you might imagine from the list of project types, while this might be a beginner's guide to working with color, it is not a book for knitting novices. The complexity socks and mitts with thumbs--as well as scary techniques like steeking--require more than a beginner's skill in knitting. I would say that you need to be at least an intermediate level to get the most out of this book. Of course, even beginners will be helped to learn the basics of colorwork and perhaps will be inspired to continue knitting so they will one day be able to do some of the more complex projects in this book.

The tutorials are scattered throughout the entire text, and there is also general information in the front about choosing colors, yarn, tools, and reading charts and in the back about getting started, basic stitches, and basic and advanced techniques. There is also a section at the beginning that discusses the concepts involved in color like saturation and hue.

There are a couple of things I found strange about the book. While the title uses American English for the spelling of colorwork, throughout the book itself colorwork and other words use British English spellings; I’m a copyeditor, so I say: pick a style, and be consistent. More odd is that the tutorials for a given project come after the project, not before. To me, it makes more sense to put the tutorial in front of the project that requires that information. I do think that the book would be better organized if the tutorials came before the relevant project, especially for projects using the more difficult techniques like steeking, intarsia, and the first forays into stranded colorwork.

All in all, though, I found this to be a work that would encourage timid colorwork knitters like me to grab their needles and forge ahead into new techniques … and possibilities.

I liked most of this book, the instructions are clear although you have to go to the back of the book for abbreviation definitions, they're not included in the knitting patterns, except for s1wyif and s1wyib which are explained in the pattern. I also found the entrelac knitting to be totally confusing. Most of the book has me encouraged to try more colorwork in my knitting. #BeginnersGuideToColorworkKnitting #NetGalley

This book will be a great addition to your craft library. It is beautifully illustrated with simple directions for a wide variety of projects that involve colorwork knitting. There are 16 projects with various skill levels. From socks to hats to sweaters you'll find something that will appeal to you even if you know only basic knitting. It gives very good instructions for chart reading, important for colorwork projects. Ella Austin gives the reader the confidence to start a colorwork project. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Beginner's Guide to Colorwork Knitting by Ella Austin brings together 16 projects and techniques to learn to knit with color. The author designs patterns for magazines and yarn companies from her home in Devon, UK. The book contains knitting patterns for a scarf, blanket, socks, cushion, washcloths, bag, mitts, shawl, hats, mug cozy, tassel bunting, cowl and a wrap. Especially important for a knitter new to colorwork is the choice of colors: by hue, value and saturation. Also important for colorworking is the ability to read charts. The author covers both subjects as well as reviews basic and advanced knitting techniques. The book contains numerous photos detailing charts, techniques and finished items. This is a great introductory tool for anyone attempting to venture into colorwork. Thank you to F + W Media and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

New and seasoned knitters will enjoy the patterns and techniques in Beginner’s Guide to Colorwork Knitting. Basic patterns are included for items such as a scarf, socks, hat and reversible cowl. The key to this informative book is how to work with color and master new techniques to create beautiful knit items.

My favorite part of this book is the depth in which the author goes to ensure success with colors. If you have ever knitted with two colors that are both beautiful, yet find the finished product not pleasing to your eye, Ms. Austin gives you the tools to create the color combos you are searching for. To start, look for things in nature, art, food or honestly anything that catches your eye. I don’t know anyone that likes to swatch, but swatch the colors together and see if they are pleasing to your eye.

Easy to read info regarding hue, value, saturation will make you look at your yarn in a different light. Tidbits of information will help you create the knitted fabric you are picturing. My favorite is to take a black and white photo of your two colors to see if the combination has enough contrast to make the pattern pop. It is easy to do with your smart phone. Most of them have the option of turning your photo to black and white. On my Samsung, I just take a picture, go to edit, and then click on the icon on the bottom that shows three connected circles. It will then change the colors of the picture across the bottom of the screen and one of them is black and white. If your colors bleed into each other making it all look the same, you may want to try another swatch.

All of the patterns are written out and charted so no matter which you prefer to use, the author has you covered. The tutorials on what could be confusing instructions in other publications are perfectly clear and easy to follow. Pictures are included as well as step by step instructions to ensure your success. It is always beneficial for me to see an actual picture instead of a drawing when learning a new technique or in the tricky part of a pattern. The patterns are great, but the star of this book is colorwork and the color techniques you will learn.

Adding the new dimension of color to your knitting will make it pop in ways you may not have imagined. A simple or difficult pattern will transform with the colors you use. Armed with the information in Beginner’s Guide to Colorwork Knitting you will be creating works of art with your needles and yarn.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Copyright © 2019 Laura Hartman.

An excellent introduction to colour-work knitting. The basics are clearly explained with plenty of photographs and diagrams. Each skill is built upon with a range of interesting patterns that are suitable for beginner knitters but also interesting enough to appeal to the more advanced knitter. I have would definitely recommend this book.

This book is so helpful, from the first page about colour, to reading charts and the helpful guide on needle sizes which is often confusing depending which pattern you follow US/UK. I loved some of the knits the illusion cushion and log cabin blanket are both gorgeous, the patterns were easy to follow and the colours in the final finished projects are beautiful. It is a great guide for beginners, I also think the most experienced could use the knowledge about the colours and carry out some of these projects just because they are lovely to knit.

I have been a beginner knitter for about oh... 15 years now? I have not gotten past the basic stitches, and have such a short attention span. I would love to become more advanced. This book was perfect for me. It has beautiful pictures showing what I should see with my own work, has great and easy instructions for a true beginner or a beginner who has been at it for a while. This is even a good book for those who are further along. I would have to honestly say that this book is for all range of knitters and would be an excellent entry to any knitting library. I loved all the projects, and the fact I felt like I could do it myself without worrying too much. A great book and must have. I cannot wait to buy the paperback to add to my own collection and recommend this to everyone I know who knits.