But at least this one is, which makes it a great gift for anybody wanting to learn how to knit, if you can bear to part with it.  Bear in mind however that this is primarily a book about knitting garments, not soft furnishings or toys.  There is a large section devoted to working out figure types, colors to suit you and how each type of yarn behaves when made up.  There is virtually every stitch you can think of explained with clear photographic diagrams, more than one method for casting on and different styles of knitting.  Look at the "Fix It" panels for advice on what to do when it all goes wrong, and if you are more advanced have a go at adapting patterns.  There is even a flip-out back page showing you what all those complicated abbreviations mean, and a helpful glossary.  In fact, I cannot think of anything that has been left out if you want to knit clothing.  Another keeper from Search Press, and possibly the best book on knitting I have yet to see.

If you cannot find a good range of knitting materials locally try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.

Reviews of other Craft titles by Betty Barnden

The Encyclopaedia of Cross Stitch Techniques
Compendium of Knitting Techniques
Finishing Techniques For Crochet
The Embroidery Stitch Bible