– Customer review on 05/02/2007

This is simply the very best "how-to-knit" book ever written - it not only gives you clear, easy-to-master instruction on all the basic techniques of the craft, it sets you free to knit whatever wonderful hat, sweater, vest or anything else your imagination can envision. And, you will be able to use any yarn that strikes your fancy. Did I mention how easy this all is? You'll see that I'm not making any of the up when you read Knitting Without Tears - the only knitting book I know of that is so entertaining to read that I used to cozy up with it at bedtime.

If you have never knit before, this is the best possible place to learn - you will enter the ranks of the "expert" by the end of the book - without strain, I might add. If you already know how to knit, but want to move beyond patterns and into freedom, there is no finer guide than Elizabeth Zimmermann. Whatever your level of knitting - you will love this book.

". . . properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either."

- Elizabeth Zimmermann, Knitting Without Tears

– Customer review on 31/01/2007

I love this book because it has so many great ideas, whilst at the same time reinforcing that knitting is completely personal. For example, the point is made a number of times that you should knit a tension which is comfortable for you and then figure out how to achieve the correct gauge. After all, I knit for relaxation! (But don’t get too comfortable as that gauge thing is drummed into you by EZ continually throughout the book!)

The best part of this book is probably that it isn’t a ‘learn to knit’ book. That’s not to say that the hints and tips aren’t great, just that this the next step up. This makes it great for mildly experienced knitters because they can learn to improve their knitting, but also great for experienced knitters who want to extend themselves by making sweaters and then cutting them Norweigen style to fix the arms. Don’t worry, EZ also includes recommended recovery involving a dark room!

I also love the sweater science (really it’s sweater mathematics, but I like the alliteration of sweater science). The designs are fun, easy to follow and look very cool. There is also advice on knitting with two colors by mixing western and continental knitting as well as just about all you would need to keep from tears welling in your eyes!

Even if you’re not interested in the science of sweaters (or cutting your own knitting!), I would recommend this book as it is just a darn good read from an admitted obsessive knitter.

– Customer review on 13/04/2011

This is the first knitting book I bought. Elizabeth Zimmerman is a legend, it is a piece of literature as much as a book of patterns. I will eventually buy all her books, but there is enough here to keep a new knitter going for some time.
You won't regret this purchase it is a wonderful introduction to the world of circular knitting.

– Customer review on 16/09/2009

It isn't what I expected. Very wordy. Some very useful hints if you have the patience to read through the text. Basically a book that looks like it was typed up at home and diagrams drawn by hand. Don't expect a flashy book with lots of photos of actual knitting or knitted items.

– Customer review on 31/08/2009

An informative text more than a book of patterns. Zimmermann, obviously an 'old hand' offers tips for simplifying patterns, demonstrates simple techiques for shaping, casting on and off, creating buttonholes etc. It does include a number of 'timeless' patterns, not all are well illustrated but give you a general idea. It would be great for an intermediate knitter with a few skeins of wool on hand. Quantities and how to work out what you need for each size are simply explained. It is a great resource for a serious beginner or intermediate knitter ready to be a little more creative or wishing to tidy their tecnique.

– Customer review on 20/04/2009

If you want to learn to knit...
If you can knit ...
If you used to knit ...
If you know someone who is sure they can't knit...

This book is one to read.

This, Knitting In The Old Way' and 'Knitting From The Top Down' are three books every knitter, used-to-be-knitter or maybe-will-be knitter should have.

The greatest gift of this book is reassurance. You can do it. You don't have to do things the way everyone else does. You don't have to live in terror of not following the pattern. You can knit - and you can enjoy it.

– Customer review on 06/01/2009

Even though I prefer knitting from the top down, this book is one of those gems that every knitter should have. Its just so -reassuring- to flick through, in a chatty style that casually mentioned different cast ons, what to do if you run out of colour, different shoulders... It is, definately, a book that every knitter should at least read, especially those to whom a written pattern is either confusing, or Law. Of all the books in my library on knitting, this, 'Knitting from the top' and 'knitting the old way' have to be the most referred to and re-read.

– Customer review on 17/09/2008

this is an excellent reference book for how to knit without a printed pattern that gives blow by blow instructions, it helps to create a 'think for yourself knitter' and so you know when you see that fabulous yarn, you don't need a pattern before you buy it!