Circular Knitting Workshop: Essential Techniques to Master Knitting in the Round Paperback – Illustrated, 13 Mar. 2012

This book explains what is probably all the different techniques for knitting in the round you could possibly need. There is a great introduction and there are plenty of pictures showing each step with circular and double pointed needles along with detailed instruction. There are quite a few knitting patterns for hats, gloves, socks, even jumpers and cardigans. There is even a section on converting flat knitting patterns to circular knitting patterns. I bought it because I wanted to learn how to knit in the round and it is going to take me some time to get my head round it but I am sure I will manage.

This is a beautifully illustrated and extremely clearly written guide to any circular knitting project. But what really matters is how well the book stands up to being followed by a beginner. I’ve now worked through several techniques using it and am presently leaning to knit my first sock. I honestly would have never believed I could do this a few weeks ago. Circular knitting techniques can seem intimidating at first, particularly with the dreaded double pointed needles, but trust me, suddenly it begins to click into place. Take your time and be prepared to do small exercises repeatedly until the needles feel natural in your hands.Some reviewers have complained that they would never want to do some of the projects in the book. But that’s not really the point. Each exercise is carefully calibrated to get you comfortable with a new technique, building steadily in complexity until you master challenging projects like sweaters. This book gives you the tools and the confidence not only to follow complicated patterns but to adapt them to produce a personalised result. Every photograph and paragraph helps to simplify the process - it looks horrific until you pick up the needles and have a go. Once you do, there is no better guide out there - Margaret is with you every step of the way.

I bought this book to brush up on knitting in the round. And this is undoubtedly a great book to have in your craft library if you want to extend your knitting prowess and master the art of circular knitting on various kinds of needles. There is no doubt about it being an excellent book in terms of the breadth of advice and the quality of instruction. But I can't help wishing the book had excited me more in terms of its design and layout, the colours used and the projects included. I found most of the projects dull and uninspiring and really wouldn't want to make any of them. But having said that, it does guide you through a wealth of techniques to explore which will, eventually, give you the skills you need to make your own designs. With a bit of imagination you can create some beautiful things with circular knitting. I just wish the book had showcased some 'wow factor' stuff in a gallery, perhaps, or something similar, to spur me onward.

This book is not a book of patterns and is the first knitting book that has made me "think" about creating your own patterns from any yarn and for any size. For me, only knitting 5 years or so - this is so refreshing. in the uk so many knitters learn on straight needles and flat pieces - this book breaks the mould for those of us who feel stuck in a flat knit rut and long to escape moutains of sewing seams. There is also a great section on converting flat patterns to circular patterns and the detail within the book is incredible. It is as it says on the cover, a worksop. Projects are varied taking you from a basic scarf, through hats, bags, pot holders, socks, gloves, jumpers, cardigans....and teaching how to create yourself using a choice of methods. Well worth the money.If you're a knitter on Ravelry too - the author margaret radcliffe has set up a group to help with any queries and for general discussions re the projects. What a brucey bonus eh!

This book is going to require some serious time devoted to it, but I can see it's going to yield big dividends. It covers every conceivable aspect of circular knitting, from casting on to finishing off, with lovely clear illustrations and photos to back up the text. It's not primarily a book of patterns - patterns there are, but they are mostly for small items such as hats or doll-sized sweaters. The emphasis is on teaching techniques rather than simply providing patterns. And what a lot of techniques there are! I have knitted a number of circular garments now, but I can see I have only scratched the surface of the huge possibilities which circular knitting offers. This book is a fantastic addition to my technical library, and I can see myself returning to it often. Worth every penny.

A lot of knitting technique books are very superficial. This one isn't. I had thought a long time about buying it, because I thought it would be very basic, but it's not. Although I have made a few pairs of socks to my own satisfaction, this book has shown me things I can do to improve. It has also given me a few ideas about other things to knit in the round.The explanations are very clear and the pictures helpful.It was only after writing the original review that I realised that the directions for toe up socks don't work. Given the detail and the clarity of the rest of the book, I can only assume that this is an oversight.