The Manly Art of Knitting

A cult classic, The Manly Art of Knitting was originally published in 1972, but has been out of print for decades. Fougner initially published this book in the hope that it would encourage men to take up knitting and that veterans of the craft would embrace this quirky manual. In this amusing yet practical guide to knitting, Dave Fougner provides step-by-step instructions for beginners and those taking up the needles again.

The book contains helpful illustrations and wonderful black and white photographs. You can’t help but smile at the shots of calloused hands lovingly knitting blankets for dogs and horses. Chapters include basics, pattern stitches (garter, stockinette, purl, rib, moss, rise, and basket weave), projects, and problems. Fougner proclaims, “Only a man would knit a hammock with shovel handles for needles and manila rope for yarn.” Whether or not this is true, Fougner will show you how it’s done.