Available publication collections
Craft books for knitting and crochet
Crochet, Knitting, Amigurumi, Weaving, Punch Needle and more techniques
Featured publications – most visited at GarmonYarns
Discover our favourite publishers
Knitting publications: Books or magazines, which to choose?
If you want to build a foundation and progress methodically, choose books: they explain techniques with logical progression, clear glossaries, chart reading and step-by-step projects with well-defined materials, gauge and sizes. They work as reference guides you can return to whenever you have doubts, helping you understand why you make each stitch, how to correct mistakes and how to improve finishing. They are ideal for beginners as well as intermediate makers who want to strengthen their practice.
If you prefer immediate variety and up-to-date designs, go for magazines: each issue brings together several knitting and crochet projects at different levels, perfect to start today and to try out techniques without a big investment. In knitting publications you’ll find both options side by side for comparison: the book for in-depth learning and lasting reference, the magazine for frequent inspiration. The most effective approach is often to combine them depending on your time, your level and the project you have in mind.
Publications for beginners: first knitting and crochet projects
Start with simple, well-guided projects. Knitting publications for beginners prioritise one-size pieces with straight construction: scarves, cowls, basic hats or granny squares. Each edition specifies the recommended yarn, needle or hook size, the 10×10 cm tension swatch, abbreviations and clear charts. This way you learn basic stitches, neat colour changes and finishing without getting lost. Practical tip: choose medium-weight yarns and follow the sequence row by row; you’ll progress with confidence.
To choose well, look for publications that state the level and offer a simple glossary, step-by-step photos and helpful notes at key points. In knitting, start with knit and purl, then add increases and decreases in small projects. In crochet, master the chain, double crochet (UK) and treble crochet (UK) before moving on to garments. Check that the pattern details materials, total metres and final size; this way you’ll avoid overbuying and set realistic expectations from the start.
Publications for intermediate and advanced level: garment construction and techniques
For intermediate and advanced levels, look for content that explains garment construction in detail: circular yokes and top-down raglans, bodies worked in pieces with invisible seams, shoulder joins, short rows for neckline shaping and armhole adjustment, and choosing ease according to the effect you want. Knitting publications with this approach often include measurement charts, scaled diagrams, blocked tension guidelines, closure options (ribbed, tubular) and notes on customising length, width and proportions without compromising the structure.
In pure technique, these editions go deeper into lace, cables, colourwork (fair isle), brioche, double layers and neat finishing: picking up stitches without steps, targeted blocking and firm assembly with a darning needle. You’ll find clear charts with marked repeats, consistent legends and tips on maintaining tension when changing motif or colour. Practical recommendation: prepare a large swatch in the main stitch, block it and check the actual measurements before starting; you’ll save time and achieve a professional result.
Knitting and crochet magazines with easy-to-follow charts and diagrams
Well-edited knitting and crochet magazines make the work easier from the very first page: they include clear charts, straightforward symbol legends, numbered rows/rounds and repeat marks to help you stay on track. They specify materials, tension swatch, sizes and diagrams with final measurements so you can check the fit before starting. They also provide step-by-step photos for key techniques (increases, decreases, joins, finishing) and notes on colour changes, blocking and finishing touches, so you can follow the pattern confidently and avoid unnecessary corrections.
To get the most out of them, prepare a swatch in the main stitch, confirm your tension and use markers or light highlighting to follow the chart without skipping. Check terminology equivalence if the issue is in English (especially crochet US/UK) and review the symbol table before moving on. In our knitting publications you’ll find magazines with projects at different levels and large, high-contrast diagrams, designed to be read comfortably on a table or stand, whether you’re just starting out or aiming to refine your technique.
Knitting publications with looms: setups, weaves and guided projects
Knitting publications with hand looms explain the essentials without fuss: choosing the type of loom (circular, straight, oval or figure-eight), understanding the peg spacing to match yarn thickness, and casting on with e-wrap or other common loom cast-ons. You’ll learn the knit and purl stitch on the loom, 1×1 and 2×2 ribs, neat colour changes, decreases for shaping and secure bind-offs. They include a tension swatch, tips on yarn tension and how to use the loom hook and darning needle for joins and finishing without bumps.
The projects are practical and straightforward: hats, cowls, scarves, socks (short-row heel on the loom), mitts and blankets made in panels that are later joined. Each pattern details materials, approximate yardage, the recommended loom (diameter or length), number of pegs, row-by-row progression and finishing touches (light blocking if needed, crown shaping, weaving in ends). These designs are intended for quick knitting with medium or chunky yarns, perfect for beginners and for anyone who wants reliable results without struggling with conversions or techniques not suited to peg looms.
Punch needle publications: materials, stitch and finishing
Punch needle publications clearly explain which materials you need and why. The most reliable base is monk’s cloth stretched tightly in a hoop or frame; linen or weaver’s cloth can also be used depending on yarn thickness. The punch needle (adjustable or fixed-size such as Oxford) must match the yarn weight: wool for high loops and volume, cotton/acrylic for finer details. You’ll learn how to thread correctly, position the fabric “right side up”, keep even tension and prepare a functional kit (scissors, threader, marker) to work smoothly within our knitting publications.
In terms of technique and finishing, these guides detail stitch density, loop height, filling direction and contour finishing to avoid gaps. You’ll see how to plan neat colour changes, compact areas with regular passes and secure the back (optional textile glue or lining) depending on the final use. They include methods for light blocking, trimming and pile brushing, plus finishing solutions (hemming, bias binding, backing) to turn your piece into a cushion, wall art or bag. Practical tip: start on a scrap, calibrate the needle-yarn combination and note the coverage that works best before moving on to the final project.
Products you may need when buying knitting publications
