Get Started in Finger Knitting: Patterns and Instructions for Making Chunky Blankets, Cozy Pillows, and Cute Stuffies by Hand

Sab’s Stuffies creator Benedict debuts with a charming guide to finger knitting. The tools and materials required are readily available: in addition to polyester, jumbo-weight yarn, crafters just need scissors and fiberfill. Benedict shares step-by-step instructions and photos for basic techniques, such as creating slip knots and knit stitches, and she encourages readers to start by making a blanket so they “get the hang of the craft.” To practice finger knitting in the round (a method used for projects that are circular rather than flat), readers can tackle simple projects like the pillow pouf and the “Stress-Ball Buddy.” The rest of the patterns are adorable animal stuffies, including a beginner-friendly bumblebee, duck, and whale. When readers are ready to advance their skills, they can try the octopus, which involves increasing and decreasing stitches, as well as the walrus, which requires reverse bobble stitches. While the instructions are generally easy to follow, some beginners may struggle with knitting in the round; the thickness of the yarn can make loops difficult to decipher in the provided photos. Still, this will get crafters of all levels excited to try a new skill. (Nov.)