Book Review: Simple Chunky Knits

Big yarn doesn’t seem to be going away, and projects worked with super bulky and jumbo yarn — whether with big needles, your arms or a big crochet hook — can be finished quickly for nearly instant gratification that’s also great for gift giving.

Eriko Teranishi’s Chic & Simple Chunky Knits includes 23 projects using really big yarn and arm knitting, needle knitting and crochet to make all sorts of accessories in no time.

The book starts with a gallery of the projects, which includes scarves and cowls, caps, headbands, a vest, a bunch of crocheted bags, a pillow, blanket, basket and other items for the home.

Basic instructions for knitting, crochet and arm knitting are given, and projects are described in words, with charts and with step-by-step photos for the first few projects to describe the techniques.

The style will be familiar to people who have worked with Japanese knitting books, though as is often the case when produced for the American market, there are more words and details than you might find in a Japanese knitting book. If this format is new to you, start with one of the patterns that includes step-by-step instructions so you understand what the chart is telling you to do.

The designs are mostly pretty basic, quick to work and good introductions to the crafting method used. Some of the project have a bit more flair, like a crocheted lacy collar or a rug made up of floral motifs (also crochted). Knitting projects that use needles include a keyhole scarf, a couple of two-toned cowls, a cabled cowl, a Stockinette Stitch hat, a vest with a waist tie, a cabled pillow cover, Stockinette throw and a Moss Stitch stool cover.

This book would be a good option for people who love chunky yarn and quick accessories and don’t mind different crafts for different purposes. It might be a fun way to pick up crochet or arm knitting, too, if you don’t already know how to do them.

About the book: 64 pages, 23 patterns, hardcover. Published by Tuttle Publishing, suggested retail price $14.99.