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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?

Book Review: Knitovation Stitch Dictionary

There’s always room for more stitch dictionaries on your shelf, but Andrea Rangel’s Knitovation Stitch Dictionary is unlike those stitch pattern books you might already own. That’s because this one is full of colorwork stitch patterns rather than textured stitches, lace or cables, so the designs are ripe for adding to hats, sweaters and other projects with a stockinette stitch background. 

The book starts with a quick introduction to knitting colorwork that’s also unlike what you’ve probably seen before, because it’s less about the colors themselves and more about the kinds of fibers you choose, how the yarn is prepared and the gauge you’re working at and how those things all change the look of a design. 

Most of the book is filled with motif designs and swatches. The motifs were designed and named by Andrea’s husband Sean, who is an artist and brings a bit of whimsy to the designs. 

You’ll find some classic looking leaves and flowers, mosaics and waves, but also rubber ducks, penguins, puzzle pieces, cherries and cows, snails and teapots, eyeballs and chess pieces, to name a few. Many of the designs also have funny names, like a fish named toilet bound, or cats in suits called corporate fat cat.

Of course you can use the designs in any way you want on any project you like, but there are also three patterns in the book — for a hat, a sweater and a pair of fingerless gloves — plus discussion of how the motifs were added, adjusting patterns for a different size or gauge, and adding your own motifs. 

If you like adding a bit of colorwork to otherwise plain projects that other people have designed, or you’re ready to start making your own designs with fun motifs, this book is a great place to start. The fun and funny motifs are sure to inspire you to want to pick up your needles and add a little more color to your projects. 

About the book: 160 pages, hardcover, 150+ motifs and three knitting patterns. Published 2023 by Interweave, suggested retail $28.