Knitting

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Book Review: Harry Potter Knitting Magic

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This book has been in my house for a while and I’ve been super excited to share it with you but wanted to wait until it was officially out, which it is now.

Years ago there was an unofficial Harry Potter inspired knitting pattern book, which was great fun (in fact, I’m knitting a wizard robe for my daughter right now that’s a pattern from that book), but Harry Potter Knitting Magic by Tanis Gray is even better because it’s officially licensed so it includes pattern replicas of pieces used in the films as well as inspired by characters and objects in the movies.

The book is also scattered with pictures from the movies, concept drawings and behind-the-scenes facts that make it even more fun.

But of course we’re all about the knitting patterns here, and there are 27 in all in the following categories:

  • crafty creatures
  • wizarding wardrobe
  • inspired apparel
  • delightful decor

Patterns are ranked from one to five lightning bolts in skill level: four are one bolt, four are two, nine are three, six are four and four are five. They range from the classic Weasley sweaters and house scarves and cardigans to a Beauxbatons-inspired cape, a Cornish Pixie, fingerless mitts fit for dueling club, an Order of the Phoenix lace knit throw and more. Check out all the patterns on Ravelry.

I think my favorite is the Owl Post Pullover, designed by Joan Forgione, which starts with a fun cable panel worked flat and seamed, then stitches are picked up on both edges to form the rest of the sweater. It’s even got a little secret message stitched into the hem.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter you’re definitely going to want to check this one out for knitting for all your favorite muggles.

About the book: 208 pages, hardcover, published 2020 by Insight Editions, retail price $39.99

Looking for more Harry Potter party ideas check these DIY ideas out.  Check out the Harry Potter Cookbook too for fun party food. We also have Harry Potter crafts over on our sister too, including owls, potions and even a mandrake.

 

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Comments

  1. I pre-ordered and pick the book up today from my local independent book store. I paid $29.99; Amazon sells for $23.99. I plan on knitting several of the items: Mrs. Weasley’s Home-Knit Christmas Sweater, Hogwarts House Scarves, Hogwarts House Cardigans, Wizarding World Sweater, Owl Post Pullover, Order of the Phoenix Throw Blanket, and, my favorite, Wizarding Transportation Scarf.

Have you read?

Add a Little Lace to Your Knitting Patterns

If you’re new to lace knitting or just aren’t sure how to incorporate the technique into garments, check out these tops and sweaters that use lace as a decorative element.

The easiest lace out there is eyelets, and you can practice them plenty with this eyelet covered sweater from Knitcro Addict. It uses light/DK weight yarn and is worked in four pieces knit flat. It’s intended to be a little cropped and a little oversized, and includes sizes XS to XXL in the pattern.

If you’re in parts of the world where it’s getting colder as you read this, the Nora sweater from Bummbul might be a good choice. This is actually a great one for learning lace because it’s worked in super bulky yarn, which makes it easier to see what you’re doing and makes the lace super graphic. This one just comes in one size, with a 42 inch (106) cm bust, but that could fit a variety of people depending on how much ease you like.

Minimi Knit Design has a cute allover lace cardigan worked in one piece from the bottom up. It’s worked in lace weight mohair held double, which maybe isn’t the best for those new to lace (because it can be hard to rip out) but it sure is pretty. Sizes range to fit from 30 to 66 inches/76 to 168 cm bust measurements.

If you’d rather not have lace all over your sweater, you can knit the Lumi sweater from Originally Lovely, which has a chevron lace pattern on the yoke and is otherwise worked in reverse stockinette stitch. (It’s worked inside out so you don’t have to purl every stitch.) The pattern has 9 sizes from XS to 5XL and uses worsted weight yarn.

Or try the super romantic sookie blouse from Trust the mojo (available on Ravelry). This sweet top is started working flat from the bottom up and has a V-neck and I-cord edgings. The sleeves are worked separately in the round, and the pieces are all joined together to work in one piece to finish off the top. It comes in eight sizes and is available in English and French.

You can also pair lacy sleeves with an otherwise plain top, like on the Starflower Wrap from Annelise Driscoll Gingrow. This intermediate pattern makes a wrap sweater with generous lacy sleeves and a double wrap belt. The pattern has nine sizes, from XS to 5XL, and is available for free from Hobbi.