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.

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I know that my posts can be read at different times of year and in different years by different people, but as I write this we’re on teh cusp of summer. And I know a lot of people don’t knit as much, and certainly don’t wear a lot of knits in the summer, but I want to encourage you to make and to wear your makes no matter the temperature.

To introduce you to the joys of summer garment knitting, I offer the Tied Vest from Lion Brand Yarn.

This easy project is great to make and wear throughout the year but it’s especially good for summer. It’s worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, mostly in stockinette stitch with a seed stitch edging. The I-cord ties are worked directly onto the garment so you don’t have to sew them on.

The project uses worsted weight yarn, and calls for a blend of cotton and hemp that’s great for warm weather.

There are eight size options, ranging from a finished chest measurement of 35 to 62.5 inches, or 89 to 159 cm. That makes it sound like it should be worn with at least a few inches of positive ease, but the pattern doesn’t specify.

The ties at the front give it a casual look and make it great to wear over a tank top or T-shirt when the weather is warm.

I also think this one would be good to knit in wool or a warmer fiber, too, to make a version you could wear more comfortably in the winter months, too. Though of course you could layer the summer version over a long-sleeved shirt and wear it throughout the year, too.

The tied vest is a free pattern available from Lion Brand. You can also purchase a kit that includes the yarn and optional needles and stitch markers if you need them.

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]

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