Book Review: Finger Knitting for Kids

With summer fast approaching in the Northern part of the world, I think we’re all looking for fun things to do with our kids. My daughter usually has day camps at least part of the summer (and even last year she did a couple virtually) but we have no plans at all this summer so I’m going to need to fill that time with something besides YouTube.

She already enjoys finger knitting but mostly just makes endless strands the don’t have much of a purpose. With the book Finger Knitting for Kids by Eriko Teranishi, she can find some fun ways to use those finger knit pieces to make accessories and gifts.

The book starts with a simple long, straight “scarf” as a practice project and shows several variations using different kinds of yarn. Other projects include a circle scarf made of interlocking chains, a braided scarf, traditional scrunchie and ribbons and flowers to add to ponytail holders.

The book also covers how to join strands together to make project like a wider scarf, a couple of hats, a bag, a pillow cover and a few other projects. The preview of the book on Amazon actually gives you a good idea of the look and feel of the book.

Once kids see these ideas they are sure to come up with their own projects, colors and styles they want to use to make things their own.

I’m definitely keeping this book handy for those “I’m bored” moments or for when she needs something quiet and calming to do. The vintage-style illustrations are cute and the projects are colorful and sure to draw kids in.

This book is a great way for kids to learn the basics of finger knitting or to give kids who already know the basics some ideas for what to do with all those strands.

About the book: 64 pages, paperback, 15 patterns. Published 2019 Tuttle Publishing, suggested retail price $10.99.

Next Pattern:

I guess I’ve decided it’s time to start knitting vests, and while I typically think of vests as being for fall, this one is decidedly summery.

Vanessa Ewing’s Fruit Salad Fest is covered with all kinds of fruits. I see grapes, blueberries, strawberries, peaches and kiwi all stitched up in rows for a cute and colorful vest.

This one is worked in sock yarn and comes in nine sizes. The actual finished chest measurement of the vest ranges from 29.5 to 59 inches, or 75 to 150 cm. It’s meant to be work with 2 to 4 inches/5-10 cm of positive ease. And while it’s called a vest it doesn’t look like it has any shaping, which gives it little cap sleeves when worn.

There’s a bit of ribbing at the armholes and neckline, and the bottom has a split hem. It’s worked in the round from the bottom up and includes steeks. It’s not really a pattern for people new to colorwork thanks to all the charts and different colors used, but if you’re ready to take on a challenge this would be a fun one.

Speaking of colors, there are 13 involved in this pattern, but a few of them aren’t needed in a huge quantity, so this could be a use for some mini skeins or leftovers from other projects if you have them in the right colors. This isn’t one where you can substitute colors that easily since they are meant to be true to real fruits, but you could use a different background color, make your grapes green or red, or change the blueberries to another fruit if you have different colors on hand.

Any way you slice it, this looks like a super fun knit that is sure to bring a smile to your face whenever you wear it, and to others whenever they see it.

Check it out and grab a copy on Ravelry.

[Photo: Vanessa Ewing]

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