Book Review: Harry Potter Knitting Magic

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.

Next Pattern:

Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four.

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

Comments

Tamara says
January 28, 2020 at 1:56 am
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.

Next Pattern:

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