7 Books to level up your Colorwork Knitting

Spring for me is a time where color starts coming back into bloom.

Flowers are beginning to bud, the sun is shining more often, and I start looking to brighten up my knitting.

And while I don’t have any Colorwork Knitting Weekends planned this year, I have done a lot of research on the topic recently.

So having searched through the best of the best, here are my top recommendations for colorwork books worth adding to your library:

The Colorwork Bible by Jesie Ostermiller

What is it?
A great overview of different kinds of colorwork, with patterns to practice each technique.

Why you should own it?
If you want ONE book to reference on colorwork, this one is pretty comprehensive.

Short Row Colorwork by Woolly Wormhead

What is it?
There are surprisingly few books devoted to short rows as a design element. This book takes thing to a whole new level with 50 different stitch patterns using short rows and color.

Why you should own it?
This is the newest book on the list and it is truly unique. You’ll learn to use color in ways you never thought of before.

Knitovation Stitch Dictionary by Andrea Rangel

What is it?
This follow-up to her popular AlterKnits book is filled with modern stranded colorwork motifs, from cool geometric patterns to rows of little sheep.

Why you should own it?
If you want to level up your fair isle or other stranded colorwork projects this book will give you some “non-traditional” ideas to work with.

Mosaic Knitting Workshop by Ashleigh Wempe

What is it?
An interesting and modern look at what is possible using mosaic colorwork. (Also turns out she’s a fellow Yarnist reader!)

Why you should own it?
Mosaic is the easiest way to blow your friends minds with your knitting. It looks complicated but it’s VERY easy to knit.

Making Marls by Cecelia Campochiaro

What is it?
An in depth exploration of how to create amazing color effects just by holding two (or more) yarns together.

Why you should own it?
Not only is this a beautiful hardcover book, it will blow your mind at what is possible using this incredibly simple technique.

Knitting the National Parks by Nancy Bates

What is it?
A collection of colorwork patterns that are inspired by the United States National Parks.

Why you should own it?
One, people LOVE this book. But if you want a fun and practical way to practice your colorwork, this has projects for everyone.

Alice Starmore’s Charts for Color Knitting

What is it?
A comprehensive look at understanding charted colorwork by a knitting legend.

Why you should own it?
Most colorwork method make use of charts. This will make sure you can understand them all, and maybe start creating your own.