There are four main monthly UK knitting magazines. The following is a brief summary of these periodicals enabling the knitter to see which is best for them.

All of the UK knitting magazines contain the latest news from the world of knitting and reviews of the newest yarns and books available,.

Each magazine, however, has a different feel, and so the knitter may find that some publications suit her (or him) better than others.

Let’s Knit

This is the newest publication, launched in October 2007.

It contains a high number of patterns (22 in issue 5). Many of these projects are small and quick to make, either because they are for children, or because they are personal or home accessories. There is also a crochet pattern.

There are features covering more general subjects, such as the history of fashion.

There is a free gift with every issue, which range from needles (e.g. a pair of wooden 20mm needles) to DVDs which show new products available and knitting techniques.

This is a very bright magazine, aimed at the younger knitter. Instructions are included in every issue, and the problem page deals with beginners’ questions.

Knit Today

In many ways, the look and feel is very different to Let’s Knit. The patterns included are more complex and sophisticated and this reads like a publication aimed at more advanced knitters.

Small projects (such as socks and accessories) are still included, as is a recipe each month.

The free gifts with Knit Today tend to take the form of booklets of themed additional patterns or yarn guides.

There are features about aspects of the knitting industry, and a useful stitch library, which builds up month on month.

Knitting

This magazine is for knitters of all levels and includes basic instructions as well as patterns for those with more advanced skills.

It looks at wider issues in the context of knitting. For example the March 08, 2008 edition has an eco-friendly theme, and carried articles on recycling yarn, and a guide to where yarn comes from, and how it’s produced.

Again, the free gift often comes in the form of themed booklets of additional patterns (such as “knitted accessories”)

Like the other magazines it includes details of upcoming knitting events, as well as providing listings of local knitting groups.

All in all, this is a good general magazine, with patterns ranging from the classic to the trendy.

Simply Knitting

This is a publication which embraces the knitting community, including opportunities to make knitting pen friends, and to swap yarn or patterns with other readers.

The patterns cater for a range of skills, and there is a problem page to deal with any queries.

Simply Knitting also has a stitch library which builds into a valuable collection, and its free gifts tend to be practical accessories, such as stitch markers or yarn bobbins.

The magazine has more the feel of a weekly women’s magazine about it; including horoscopes and a high number of competitions and giveaways.

In conclusion

All of the magazines contain a range of patterns, details of upcoming knitting events and features about the knitting world. They each have a slightly different look and feel, and cater for knitters of different abilities.