I have acquired 2 bag-sized knitting reference books and needed to pick The One that will go in my knitting bag. The 2 books are:
The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radclife
and The Knitter’s Companion by Vicki Square
Neither of these books are new releases, but I want a small basics book that I can keep in my knitting bag, so hot-off-the-press isn’t as important as usefulness. Either book will fit in the Serena Bag, but the Knitter’s Companion is hardbound spiral and is larger than the Knitting Answer Book. At 4-3/4 x 6-1/2 inches, the Answer Book packs a lot of useful information.
Also the presentation of the materials in these 2 books is very different. The Companion presents information much like a conventional, larger knitting book, but in a more compact manner. The Knitting Answer Book, on the other hand, is like having the guru from knitting group in your knitting bag. It is a Q&A format that has all the questions I have thought about so far and a whole lot more that I haven’t thought to ask (which makes it interesting reading in addition to being a reference.)
No matter what information is included in a book, the key to its effectiveness as a reference is being able to quickly find what you are looking for. The Companion’s index is 1 page…yes that was not a typo…1 page. The Answer Book has a 13 page index, making it so easy to find what I am looking for quickly.
One thing I wanted to look up was joining in the round. In the index of the Answer Book, I found “joining” and “circular knitting” and when I followed their lead to page 216, I found the question “What is the best way to join the beginning and end of a round?” Followed by this intro paragraph “Each knitter has his or her own preference, but there are 2 ways to join…I prefer the first.” Wow! Not only do I get instructions on both ways but a recommendation from an experienced knitter…just like that guru in my knitting group!
I looked at the index in the Companion, and on quick perusal don’t see anything. I go back and read each line and nothing on circular knitting or joining (except joining yarns). I flip through the book and find “Knitting in the Round” and 3 brief sentences that are a little confusing. No help.
The Companion has color illustrations whereas the Answer Book has light purple/dark purple/black/white illustrations. For comparison I looked up sewing pieces together. The Companion has actual photos as well as color illustrations. However, the Answer Book has very clear and concise illustrations that are easy to understand without taking up excess space. The Answer Book continues its Q&A format and addresses seaming in answer to questions such as “How do I sew together the sides of a sweater?’ Both books cover invisible garter stitch joins and ribbing joins, in addition to other methods.
The Companion has 136 pages, including the index (and an extra page with a knitting gauge and needle sizer). The Answer Book has 400 pages, including the index. So obviously it will contain more information.
I wanted a handy reference book that can easily be carried, and the Knitting Answer Book was a delightful surprise. I am sure there are many other reviews on these books, but I am so impressed with the Knitting Answer Book I had to tell you how wonderful it is; and at $10.17 on Amazon.com, it is much cheaper than the attorney fees you would accrue if
you kidnapped your favorite knitting guru from your
knitting group.
My sister found this one for me at a garage sale. It is a beautiful hat! A “Pierre Renaud exclusive with Sakowitz Salon” according to the label.
However, the circulars can also be placed in the Hoodie in the round, as shown above. 
