There are well more than two types of knitters in this world, but for the purposes of this post let’s say there’s two types of knitters: those who learn a technique and always do it the same way without question, even if the results aren’t great, and those who question the why and how of different techniques and try to learn or come up with a different, better way of doing them.
Patty Lyons definitely sits in that second group. She says in her book Patty Lyons’ Knitting Bag of Tricks that she wants to know both the why and the why not of different knitting skills, and that learning how stitches work frees you up to develop better techniques for common knitting problems. She has long shared the “unventings” she has discovered in classes and on her website, and now she’s written a book that collects a bunch of them.
Her book includes more than 70 tips for better cast ons, increases and decreases, bind offs, finishing and more, explaining not just how to work her methods but why they work to make your stitching neater and easier.
This is not a book for beginners; it assumes you already know how to knit, though it does have a brief techniques section in the back that covers basic cast ons, increases and German short rows. But if you’ve ever been frustrated by a wonky looking cast on or bind off, the fact that your “mirrored” decrease don’t match or that yarn overs look different depending on what stitch comes after them, this is the book for you.
It’s a book you’ll want to read through but also work through with needles in your hands, because just describing these techniques and showing them in illustrations (most of the book is illustrated with line drawings, but there are photos of real-life knitting, too) doesn’t really cement how to do them or what difference they make in your projects.
Keep this one in your knitting bag or near your favorite knitting chair so the next time you have to join a new ball of yarn, make short roes or pick up stitches you’ll know just what to do to make those parts of your knitting look better.
About the book: 208 pages, paperback. Published 2022 by David & Charles, suggested retail price $22.99.
Easy Peasey Beginner Bag – Free Knitting Pattern
This Easy Peasey Beginner Bag is exactly the sort of knitting project you want when you need something simple, useful, and not too precious. It’s worked in garter stitch with chunky texture from feather yarn and 8-ply wool, then finished with bag handles — or oversized bangles if you’re raiding the bargain bin like a true crafter. A great beginner-friendly knitted bag pattern for using up novelty yarns.
Easy Peasey Beginner Bag
Felted Tote Bag – Free Knitting Pattern
This Felted Tote Bag is a fun knitting project if you’ve been wanting to try felting without tackling anything too complicated. The bag is knitted in the round using worsted wool, then felted in the washing machine to create a sturdy, practical tote with lovely handmade texture. It’s one of those projects where tiny knitting mistakes magically disappear during felting — always a bonus.
Felted Tote Bag
Cleo Evening Purse – Free Knitting Pattern
This Cleo Evening Purse is a sweet little knitted bag pattern with a dressier feel, using metallic or slub-style yarn paired with a fuzzy yarn for texture. It’s a lovely option for knitters who want to make a small handmade purse for evenings out, weddings, parties, or gift-giving. Add ribbon handles or decorative ties and you’ve got a cute statement bag that feels far more special than a basic pouch.
Cleo Evening Purse
