Member Reviews
This might be the best beginner's knitting book I've seen. Stark explains clearly what you need and what to do, but also encourages the learning knitter to "just try it." The book includes patterns in a stair-step approach, starting with the very basic and then slowly adding new skills with each one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Callisto Publishing for letting me have access to this knitting book for review. All opinions are my own.
I was thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review this guide as I have always wanted to learn to knit. As a grade schooler I tried to learn how to knit and did so poorly I cried and never picked needles up again. However, I have learned rather advanced crochet techniques and I felt it was high time to battle my old enemy again. "Two Needles, Many Knits" took me a while to get through and which is why this review of an ARC is getting posted so much later. I truly learned how to knit with this book and enjoyed the patterns within. The patterns were easy to understand and the instructional pages were well written. I did not do every pattern, of course, as my cowl took over a month let alone a whole sweater.
I am so happy to have pieces that were easy to accomplish, but also not ugly. (You would be surprised at how boxy and dull beginner knits can be.) The cowl I knitted has some mistakes due to my own error, but I could always rely on the guide. I am so happy to finally have accomplished knitting through this book and I think it a great first step for anyone wanting to learn knitting. I highly recommend this book.
This book is great if you want to get started with knitting.
The first half of the book talks about all you need to know: needles, yarn, types of stitches and anything you might need. The 2nd half is filled with pattern, many photos and easy step by step instructions. The patterns are organized in 3 different levels of difficulty.
The only issue I had with this book is that I expected more patterns (considering the title)
TWO NEEDLES, MANY KNITS by Quayln Stark is aptly subtitled "The New Knitter's Guide with Easy Patterns." Stark begins by including and explaining basic information about different types of yarns and needles. His overall tone is very encouraging. The patterns, accompanied by multiple, detailed, and very colorful photos, are truly easy. Examples include Ruby-in-the-Round Cowl, a Jade Garter Stitch Washcloth, and simple headband. Slightly more advanced ones include a patterned scarf, baby blanket, and lacey shawl. TWO NEEDLES, MANY KNITS would be a great primer to pursue individually or with a group of supportive friends.
Interested readers will also certainly enjoy reading Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein which chronicles her efforts at shearing, dyeing, and knitting during the pandemic. And, I definitely plan to look at Crochet for Beginners by Arica Presinal (also published by Callisto) or, given our Book Group's recent fascination with crocheted bookmarks, maybe I will investigate the adorable creatures shown in Bookies: Bookmarks to Crochet.
Good for beginners and good patterns and review for more experienced knitter. I wish I had this book when I was learning over 30 years ago. Nice descriptions and pictures for starting from scratch and working your way up with stitches to multiple patterns. I like how the patterns are arranged by Level 1, 2 and 3. So often new knitters want to jump into a difficult project, but it's good to use foundational patterns first to practice and work up to the more complicated stuff and this book does a good job of that.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit but needed guidance on where to begin? Two Needles, Many Knits by Quayln Stark is the perfect resource to guide you through the knitting journey, especially if you'reyou're a beginner.
Recently, I've found myself drawn to cozy crafts, and knitting quickly captured my interest. I was fortunate enough to receive an e-book copy of this book from NetGalley and Callisto Publishing, and it has been an incredible introduction to the craft.
The book is beautifully laid out, offering a clear and concise step-by-step guide that covers everything from understanding basic tools and yarn to reading labels effectively. The user-friendly layout and thorough instructions make it easy for even the most novice of knitters to follow along. As a beginner myself, I found the detailed photos and the instructions for purl knitting particularly helpful.
One of the standout features of Two Needles, Many Knits is its fantastic pattern section. The book is structured in a way that allows beginners to start at level one and gradually progress to more advanced levels, making it a great companion as your skills improve. The well-explained and varied patterns ensure there's something for everyone, no matter your skill level, and the progression of difficulty will keep you motivated and excited about your skill development.
Overall, this is a wonderfully presented book with a wealth of information for beginner knitters. It builds confidence by walking you through each process step and provides the tools you need to succeed. Two Needles, Many Knits is a must-have whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills.
Thank you again to NetGalley and Callisto Publishing for gifting me an e-book copy of Two Needles, Many Knits in exchange for my honest review.
If you're looking for an all-in-one resource for learning to knit this is the book for you.
Absolutely nothing is overlooked in this comprehensive step by step guide. From the most basic element - the slip knot - to full patterns to make your own accessories & garments, this book has you covered.
I loved how easy it is to follow Quaylyn's instructions. There are full color photos of every step along the way as well as helpful "troubleshooting" guides -- I've never seen such a complete knitting guide in any form.
This is every bit as good as learning from your granny or bestie (and probably even better).
thank you netgalley for the e-arc. what a delightful lil crafting book! i am an avid knitter and thought the book gave some new idea as far as patterns go. i was also able to learn some new techniques and that's always good. the instructions were clear and gave good tips.
Book Review: Two Needles, Many Knits: The New Knitter's Guide with Easy Patterns by Quayln Stark
Rating: 4 Stars
As someone who grew up watching my mother knit beautiful sweaters and scarves, I always felt a pang of regret for not picking up the needles myself. Fast forward to now, and I finally decided to dive into the world of knitting—a decision that led me straight to Two Needles, Many Knits by Quayln Stark. This book is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to learn how to knit, especially if you're a beginner like I am!
From the get-go, Stark's guide makes it incredibly easy to navigate the knitting landscape. The book is structured into three skill levels, which means you can start from scratch and gradually build your skills without feeling overwhelmed. I appreciated how the first half of the book focuses on essential techniques and stitches, breaking everything down into simple, understandable terms. Whether you're trying to grasp the difference between a knit and a purl stitch or figuring out how to read a pattern, Stark has you covered.
One of the standout features of this book is its emphasis on hands-on projects. After mastering the basics, readers can jump into 15 delightful patterns that range from easy beginner items to slightly more challenging garments. I particularly loved the variety of projects showcased—there's everything from a cozy Lapis Cinched Beanie to a stylish Quartz Bias Scarf. The instructions are clear, and the accompanying photos really help visualize each step along the way.
As someone who was initially intimidated by knitting, I found the approachable nature of this book very refreshing. The patterns not only look great but also use attractive color choices that make each project feel modern and fashionable. Plus, with a good number of photos included throughout, I never felt lost while trying to follow along.
While the first half lays down the groundwork for beginners, the latter half takes you on a gradual journey through more complex patterns, making it a perfect learning tool. The detailed explanations about yarn categories were especially enlightening; I now find myself more confident in selecting the right materials for my projects.
In summary, Two Needles, Many Knits is an excellent gateway into the world of knitting. It's a well-organized, visually appealing guide that makes learning enjoyable and rewarding. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to pick up a new hobby or revisit an old one—just like me. Who knows? You might end up crafting your very own cozy creations in no time!
Overall, I’d give this book a solid four stars. It’s engaging, informative, and definitely encourages you to keep those needles clicking!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
A comprehensive guide for new knitters, from yarn choices to beautiful patterns. Excellent instructions for cables and other challenging stitches, presented from easy to more difficult as the book goes on. Recommended.
This is a great book for primary knitters! I wish I had access to it when I was just starting. The pictures are clear, and it's pretty straightforward.
Two Needles, Many Knits is a good, basic book to learn the skill of knitting. It has clear instructions and helpful photographs. It’s another good choice of the many already available options for beginning knitters.
Thisbwas a comprehensive look at knitting for the very beginner. Each chapter breaks down the basics and the corresponding photos are helpful. Would be good for a teen knitter.
I really enjoyed this book! The pictures and graphics are very attention grabbing and make it easy to picture what you are making. All of the ideas in here looks great and I will definitely have fun trying my hand at making a few! I'm so happy I discovered this book and will be buying a physical copy.
A nice book for getting started with knitting. There are good instructions for learning the stitches and some cute, easy patterns. The pictures are colourful and the patterns seem fun.
However, there's nothing new here. Nothing particularly exciting going on. It's a fine book for a beginner.
Perfect book to get you started with knitting. A comprehensive guide to the knotty world of knitting. Lots of easy to understand instructions and explanations. I particularly enjoyed the breakdown of different yarns and what they are best and worst for. The troubleshooting section is great. Nice bright images, although it would be nice to see a wider range. The patterns are clear and easy to follow, perfect for a beginner, but enough of a challenge by the end that you feel like you have accomplished something.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free preview of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
My grandmother taught me how a knit when I was younger. Unfortunately, I haven’t picked up a set of needles in years. This book served as a great refresher and I can see how it would help any novice learn to. It’s simply explains everything and it’s clear. If you’ve been looking to pick up a set of needles and make something with yarn and your own two hands, here’s your chance to learn.
This is a good beginner knitting book with basic patterns and a good introduction of terms and skills. I knitted a scarf and it turned out good though perhaps a bit longer than I expected (the pattern was clear I just didn’t realize how long 100in actually is haha). Would definitely make something else from this book!
This is a lovely resource and has lots of fun patterns. The instructions are easy to understand and is perfect for beginners, but still interesting enough for seasoned knitters.
This book has so many cute knitting patterns! They are well written and essay to understand.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy