Knitting for men is often a challenge. Not only are their garments bigger, but they have different taste in yarns and color. This sometimes translates into men getting knitted gifts that they never wear and leaving knitters discouraged or afraid to knit for their guy.
To help, we have complied a list of some good books that have some great advice on knitting for men and patterns they will love. Click the book image for more info on each title (we do get a very small commission if you buy it).
Knitting with Balls
This book wins for best title. I don’t care for many of the patterns in this book, but there are a couple of clever ones and it has strong reviews on Amazon. Check out some of the patterns on Ravelry to see what you think.
Guy Knits
This book is a collection of men’s knitting patterns taken from the best of Knitter’s Magazine. This is not my favorite book of mens patterns, but it does contain some good sweaters and accessory projects.
The Knitting Man(ual)
This book I’d say is about 50/50 for really good mens patterns. It is the only book on this list with a glove pattern that has fingers. It also has some good staple type knits, including a simple sock and a classic pullover v-neck sweater. And they were all designed by one person; Kristin Spurkland.
Son of Stitch and Bitch
Personally I’m not a big fan of Debbie Stoller’s Stitch and Bitch book series. That being said, she did do a lot to revitalize knitting as a hobby. I think some of the patterns in this book will eventually become dated, but I was surprised that there were quite a few I would actually make and wear. I particularly like the Anchors Aweigh sweater vest and the Ski Beanie. And of course you can never go wrong with a good shawl collar cardigan, especially when it’s designed by Jared Flood. This book also has crochet patterns!
Knitting for Him
If you have been knitting for a while you have seen both Rowan’s beautiful yarns and their even more beautiful pattern books. This is their mens pattern book. It has a distinctly English influence with lots of cabled sweater patterns and accessories. But if you’re into that look, then this is the book for you.
Men’s Knits
Erika Knight is known for producing beautiful books of knitting patterns, both in the quality of her patterns and in their presentation. In this book she has succeeded in updating classic mens knits with a modern look. Her color choices and the simplicity of the projects make this a must have for anyone who has a lot of men to knit for in their life.
Knits Men Want
This title says it all. It’s full of patterns that men will actually wear. Simple, classic designs. But more than that each chapter is geared toward a specific rule about knitting for men. It only has 10 patterns, but this is more of a reference book on knitting for guys than a pattern book.
Did we miss something? Add your favorites in the comments!
