Top Knitting Books for Homeschool Moms Teaching Kids to Knit

there is so much information out there on knitting, but they’re not all suitable for our children. unlike social media, books are physical, unmoving resources that don’t overwhelm and have zero screen time. this is a guide in selecting the best knitting books for homeschool moms teaching children to knit.

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Knitting Books for Homeschool Moms

If you’re interested in teaching your children to knit this year, no doubt you’ll find plenty of Instagram accounts and YouTube channels that can teach you. The problem that I’ve come across with in teaching my own kids to knit, is that social media isn’t for kids. Google searches are even a bit iffy.

I’m a homeschooling mom of four who knits for an online business. I use social media and screens everyday. I know what’s out there, and that a lot of it isn’t for my kids.

If you don’t feel comfortable setting your children in front of a YouTube video, when you have no idea what the knitter is going to say about knitting or otherwise, then what you may be looking for are knitting books for homeschool moms.

Quality knitting books used for teaching kids to knit will guide their learning and creativity, without any of the negative things that social media and ads bring. There are no commercials for scary movies popping up in a book!

If your children are young, or if you’re not big into screen time like me, keep reading for my recommendations of the best knitting books suitable for teaching kids.

>>Have a very young new knitter? View my whole list of knitting picture books for children here!

Benefits of Using Knitting Books in Homeschooling

Educational Value

Knitting books enhances a child’s learning. Obviously, reading text and allowing their eye movements to follow the flow of the pages is developmentally appropriate. But in a book, everything builds on what came before it. Techniques and patterns get more difficult, just like a story progressing. It’s thoughtfully designed and written, and children start to see patterns in the chapters.

This doesn’t come as often in our culture of “need it now,” but reading a knitting book before knitting is great for children learning patience.

There are no shorts or reels to zip us through a knitting book, you just naturally work through it. This has really helped my kids learn to develop their fine motor skills, creativity, and keep their expectations of knitting realistic.

If all we’re showing our kids (and ourselves) are 30 second knitting projects, we’re taking something away from the joy of slow knitting.

Resource for Moms

Regardless if you know how to knit or not, knitting books for homeschool moms are comprehensive guides. And they’re for the whole family. Most knitting books have so many pictures that even someone who can’t read can follow along with the family. It’s almost like a comic book, but at the end you didn’t read “zap!” 80 times and you have a cozy scarf to wear.

Without having to pause or take a screenshot, your children can expand their knitting knowledge. They can also troubleshoot their knitting. When they get stuck on a technique, your kids can reread the instructions to understand it fully. And, the close up photos of these books help to really show what the stitches look like and why they’re making it that way.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Knitting Books

Clear Instructions and Illustrations

When kids are learning a skill like knitting, they really need clear step-by-step instructions and diagrams. I recommend books that cater to beginners and children with really colorful photos.

Variety of Projects

I’m not sharing any books written on how to make 20 baskets. Children learning to knit need to have books that offer a range of projects suitable for different seasons and interests.

If your kids are like mine, they’ll want to make a doll blanket, then a bag for Legos, then a swing for their stuffed animals to use in the tree. If you give a mouse a cookie, you know?

Kids like variety, and just like they want to play different types of toys, they’ll think of a million completely different things to knit.

I do recommend starting your children with simple projects, and progressing to more complex ones. Keep the lessons short and suitable for their skill level so they don’t burn out.

Recommended Knitting Books for Kids and Beginners

The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting

This was the very first book I used when I learned to knit over 13 years ago. It’s also one I’ve put in the hands of my children since then.

The photos of each technique, from learning how to knit and the supplies you need, to putting stitches together are amazing. Up close, in bright colors, this is an absolute must for any homeschooler learning to knit.

This is a pretty thick book, but while there are a few project ideas in it, they’re not meant for kids. But the way this book builds upon itself is great. This will take you from complete beginner to knitting cables and lace stitches. It’s definitely one to have in your library, because it’s so comprehensive and grows with your children.

Buy The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting on ThriftBooks with my referral code

Buy The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting on Amazon

MY First Animal Knitting Book

I picked this up for my daughter when she turned 7. There are a lot of great projects from mug cozies, to scarves, to baskets that are all animal themed. She loves it!

The projects are fun for this age, and have children practicing a lot of different knitting skills. They’ll learn about shaping and color work, plus different finishing techniques.

There are simple projects in this, but also a lot to work up to as they learn more knitting skills. Even if she can’t complete certain projects, she is inspired to learn to knit them soon.

Buy My First Animal Knitting Book on ThriftBooks with my referral code

Buy My First Animal Knitting Book on Amazon

Specialty Knitting Books for Homeschooling

Knitting the national parks

This book is full of 63 hat patterns inspired by all 63 US National Parks. Some patterns have colorwork and others use textured stitches. Each pattern also includes a little blurb about the park and photos to show what inspired the hat’s pattern. It’s like handicrafts meets geography! This book will help your children knit beautiful hats and learn so much about our national parks.

Buy Knitting the National Parks Book on ThriftBooks with my referral code

Buy Knitting the National Parks Book on Amazon

Knitted Cable Sourcebook

If your older children are ready to learn more advanced knitting techniques, this resource on cable knitting is my favorite. The cable knit swatches are bright, clear, and easily walk you through the beginner steps.

There are a good amount of simple cable knit stitches, mixed with more complex stitches. This is also one that will grow with your knitter. She’ll start with the basics of cable knitting and move into more detailed work as she’s ready.

Buy Knitted Cable Sourcebook on ThriftBooks with my referral code

Buy Knitted Cable Sourcebook on Amazon

Additional Resources and Support

Online Resources

Very Pink Knits
Staci Perry offers clear, approachable tutorials and patterns for knitters of all skill levels. I appreciate Staci’s patient, step-by-step teaching style, making knitting easy to understand for children. Her content is practical and family-friendly, providing a fun and educational experience for anyone looking to foster creativity and hands-on learning in their homeschool.

KnitPicks

With so many craft and yarn stores closing, I appreciate shopping online with Knit Picks. While I’d always prefer shopping for yarn in person with my mom, sister, and aunt, KnitPicks has so many colors of yarn at great prices. Their customer service has always been amazing, too. While I’ve been buying yarn from them for over 10 years, only once was an order incomplete. When I reached out to them, they were extremely kind and the package came the next day. Definitely recommend!

Community and Classes

I truly believe that having your kids attend in-person knitting classes at places like the library or a local yarn shop can be so valuable for their learning experience. It’s not just about the techniques, but also about the opportunity to connect with a community of knitters, ask questions on the spot, and experience the social aspect of crafting in real-time. The hands-on guidance and the chance to build relationships with other knitters in person will deepen their love for the craft and inspire them in ways that online content just can’t replicate.

Also, consider adding a knitting class to your homeschool co-op or friend group for a creative, hands-on activity that to share the joy of crafting, all while building lasting friendships.

Knitting Books for Homeschool Moms

Not all knitting info is appropriate for children, but once you return to the tried and true roots of learning to knit, your kids are going to catch on quickly (and safely!)