You can google so many things today, but sometimes having the ability to refer to a book is invaluable; flip through the pages, add bookmarks, highlight the things you don’t want to forget. I tend to refer to my favorite knitting books again and again when I need inspiration, ideas, tips, and help.

I love paper, so I think books will always be an important part of my life. So, I decided to take a little time and research the best of the best knitting books for 2018.

Each book is unique in it’s focus. Some are handy reference guides, while others provide inspiration, tips, and DIY projects.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for more information.

Here’s the list in no particular order.

I have provided links to all of the books. You can click the text link or the image to read more detail about each book or to check prices on Amazon.

10 Best Knitting Books of 2018

#1. Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised and Updated - One of the most well-known names in knitting has taken their popular all-inclusive book and made it even better. The Ultimate Knitting Book by Vogue Knitting is a must-have addition to your library.

It’s packed full of skill-building advice for beginner knitters to experts, providing tons of knowledge as you grow in your knitting journey. You’ll learn the how-tos of cast ons, increasing, decreasing, and binding off as well as techniques such as color work, entrelac, brioche, mosaic, and double knitting.

Not only is it a handy reference tool, the book also includes options to create and design your own sweaters, shawls, hats, mittens, socks, and gloves.

The new version includes 65 additional pages and more than 1600 photos and illustrations to teach you anything and everything you want to learn about knitting.

By Vogue Knitting

352 pages

#2. Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns

Bored with your current stitch pattern options? Don’t miss the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible. Author Hitomi Shida takes you step-by-step through interesting and skill building stitch patterns. The library includes stitch patterns in cable, lace, popcorn, twisted, and even edge stitches.

In addition to the stitches are a number of knitting patterns that allow you to incorporate stitches found in the book.

Packed full of 260 stitch patterns, this book is the perfect way to build your knitting repertoire.

Written by Hitomi Shida and translated by Gayle Roehm

160 pages

#3. The Knitter’s Dictionary: Knitting Know-How from A to Z

Take a look at any knitting pattern and it looks like a foreign language. From abbreviations to knitting techniques, there’s so much to learn about knitting besides knitting itself. The Knitter’s Dictionary makes learning all those terms easy.

Created by Knitty.com’s technical editor, this book also covers how-to’s for many knitting instructions written out in easy-to-follow directions. It also includes handy information such as knitting gauge, taking measurements, and various cast-ons.

It’s a portable sized book to store in your knitting bag so you’re never without the abbreviations and knitting how-to’s you need in a pinch.

Written by Kate Atherley

126 pages

#4. Knitting 2019 Day-to-Day Calendar

This day to day calendar is a favorite among knitters year after year! Author Susan Ripley combines the best of the best projects from well-known yarn shops, Ravelry, and Etsy designers.

Packed with an entire year full of projects, you’ll find lots of small knits such as hats, socks, cowls, toys, blankets, mittens, cowls, shawls, and knits for baby.

Projects include generic yarn weight (instead of specific yarns/brands) to make it easy to use yarns from your own stash.

Written by Susan Ripley

384 pages

#5. Amy Herzog’s Ultimate Sweater Book: The Essential Guide for Adventurous Knitters

Well known designer Amy Herzog takes sweater knitting to the next level with this go-to guide. It includes four basic sweater types including: yoke, raglan, drop-shoulder, and set-in sleeve. You’ll be able to select almost any yarn and knit a sweater with this book since it includes a wide variety of gauges and sizes to suit every body.

From there, you’ll be able to customize each sweater with options such as cowl neck, turtleneck, adding a hood, pockets, zipper, or cardigan front, to name a few.

Create exactly the sweater YOU want, in the yarn you like, in a size that fits.

Written by Amy Herzog

192 pages

#6. Seamless Knit Sweaters in 2 Weeks: 20 Patterns for Flawless Cardigans, Pullovers, Tees and More

Does knitting an entire sweater seem daunting? Marie Green’s new book takes the guesswork out of sweater knitting and promises success in just weeks!

We love the no-fuss construction of the seamless sweaters featured in this book.

Projects are knitted from the top-down and feature professional-quality detailing.

You’ll be able to choose from a variety of styles and sleeve length to suit your mood or the season. Projects range from simple stripes, to cables, and even easy to memorize textures.

This is a must-have book for those who dream of sweater knitting success!

Written by Marie Greene

176 pages

#7. 750 Knitting Stitches: The Ultimate Knit Stitch Bible

If you are looking for a how-to book filled with lots of stitch inspiration, this is it!

You’ll learn all the basics of knitting including how to choose the right needles, notions and yarns to get started then guide you through your first stitches and must-know information such as reading patterns and checking gauge.

From there, you’ll receive 750 knitting stitches to expand your knitting repertoire. Each stitch is fully explained with instructions and accompanied by a full-color photo of a sample knitted swatch. All swatches are worked in updated yarns, beautifully photographed and accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions.

By Pavillion Books

288 pages

#8. 60 Quick Knits for Beginners: Easy Projects for New Knitters in 220 Superwash from Cascade Yarns

Kntting is easier than you think! From Sixth&Spring, the how-to book takes you step-by step through learning to knit and actually finishing projects.

Packed full of skill building project, you’ll find knitting success and push yourself to the next level with helpful tips and inspiring advice.

By Sixth&Spring Books

176 pages

#9. AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary: 200 Modern Knitting Motifs

AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary takes an unexpected look at stranded colorwork with 200 new motifs. These non-traditional colorwork charts are perfect for the creative knitter looking to break away from the ordinary. Derived from graphic design elements, these fresh motifs include everything from geometric mountains, waves, and spirals to modern bikes, skulls, and sheep.

Dive into stranded colorwork with confidence with a section on reading charts, working floats, and choosing colors. Learn how stranded colorwork can be used in design with five accompanying projects including mitts, cowls, and sweaters. Plus, use your imagination to modify, deconstruct, and combine the unique motifs to create your own designs.

Be inspired to break the rules and use charts in creative ways with AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary.

Written by Andrea Rangel

164 pages

Arne & Carlos’ Favorite Designs: Greatest Hits and New Inspirations

Fun to watch YouTubers and Podcasters, Arne and Carlos, take your knitting to the next level with fun to knit projects you’ll love to make.

They rounded up 70 of their most popular patterns and knitting techniques to create a “greatest hits” album. In addition to the favorites, there’s also 15 new projects you’ll love to make

With 85 whimsical knits in one book, what’s not to love! Add this book to your knitting library now.

Written by Carlos Zachrison and Arne Nerjordet

264 pages