I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book to a beginner (unless you buy Melville's book on the purl stitch as well), mainly because of the emphasis on the knit stitch. I've taught a good number of people to knit, and invariably, they're itching to learn the purl stitch (and capable of handling it) after a couple of lessons. Despite the many varied patterns in Melville's book, knowing only the knit stitch is very limiting.

However, there is a lot going for this book: classic patterns, good photography, excellent instructions, all at an affordable price. I suggest you get this book and the second book in the series (The Purl Stitch) at the same time. The two together provide everything a beginner needs, but at the same time, they provide a good reference set for a more experienced knitter. ( )

Very basic beginniners-only book. the title says "knitting experience" and means exactly that - no projects require even knowing how to purl! The projects are classic designs, however, and great for when an experienced knitter wants to just veg out or have something to do while watching TV.

this is a must for first time knitters. ( )

In reality, I'd give this book 5 stars for the patterns and information contained in it, but two stars for having a full book on the knit stitch. Nothing wrong with that, unless you're a total beginner. I personally believe that it is very important for the beginning knitter to learn both the knit stitch and the purl stitch 'out of the gate', so to speak. Of course there are knitters who never use anything but the knit stitch. But most of us knit *and* purl, and it's best to become equally comfortable with the two stitches at the same time. if you make your first entire garment using only the knit stitch, you will automatically privilege that stitch, and perhaps even dread purling.

But if I set aside my gripe about the best way to *learn* knitting, I can say that this is an amazing book, with excellent instructions and enough inventive-yet-basic patterns to be worth both the purchase price, and the space on the knitting bookshelf. ( )