BOOKS & MAGAZINES

Knitting and crochet books, magazines and catalogues

A good craft publication helps you find an appealing pattern and complete it step by step. This category includes knitting and crochet books, magazines, stitch collections and manufacturers’ catalogues. Some focus on a season or yarn collection; others teach techniques or offer ideas for accessories, garments, toys and home décor. Choose by the projects, charts and explanations you need rather than the cover alone.

Our range includes Katia, Phildar and Pingouin catalogues, knitting and crochet books and themed publications. You can find patterns for women’s, men’s, children’s and baby garments, summer accessories, crocheted bags, amigurumi toys, granny squares and other motifs. The product page states the exact contents, publication language and number of patterns.

How to choose the right publication

First decide whether you want to knit, crochet or use both techniques. Knitting magazines often include garment construction, size charts and gauge information. Crochet books and catalogues rely on clear charts, symbols and repeat instructions. Themed publications devoted to amigurumi, bags or babywear make it easier to find projects in one area.

Consider your experience too. Beginners benefit from detailed steps, photographs and explained symbols. Experienced makers may prefer more complex construction, colourwork, lace and broader pattern collections. If the publication is in another language, check whether the charts and symbol key provide enough information for you.

What to check before buying

• Language. Even a clear chart may have important written notes about shaping, joining or finishing.
• Technique and theme. Check whether the publication covers knitting, crochet, a particular garment type or accessories.
• Difficulty. Look for information about the type of charts, photographs and explanations.
• Sizes. For garment patterns, confirm which sizes are included.
• Materials. A pattern may specify a yarn collection, total length, needle or hook size and other tools.

How to adapt a pattern to yarn you already have

If the specified yarn is unavailable, choose a substitute by thickness, length, fibre content and intended gauge. Equal ball weight does not mean two yarns are equivalent. After choosing from our knitting and crochet yarn, make a swatch first. Measure it to check the stated gauge and whether the fabric has the required drape and firmness.

If the gauge differs, change the knitting needle or crochet hook size, but also assess the feel of the fabric. A very tight fabric may be stiff, while a loose one can lose its shape. Find markers, needles, measuring and blocking tools for later stages in our knitting and crochet accessories category.

Book, magazine or manufacturer’s catalogue?

A book usually explores one subject and can remain useful for years, especially when it teaches techniques or contains a connected collection of projects. A magazine or seasonal catalogue is convenient for finding garments and accessories for a particular time of year. Manufacturer catalogues normally link patterns to specific yarn collections, so check whether the recommended yarn is still available and which fibre and length would make a suitable substitute.

A craft publication can also be a practical gift for someone who enjoys knitting or crochet. When choosing for another person, consider their favourite technique, experience and language. Find more ideas in our gifts for knitters and crocheters category.

A printed publication is easy to keep beside your work, mark the chosen size, record rows and return quickly to a chart. Use removable tabs or a separate notes sheet to keep the book or magazine tidy, especially if you plan to make the same pattern again.