Is Knitting Digest worth the subscription price?

I have been a knitter for three years, and I have read a lot of knitting magazines. If I haven't read all of them on the market, I sure would like to.

Even though Knitting Digest is my least favorite knitting mag, it does have some positive points.

- the price: Yes, it is the least expensive on the market.
Undercutting others by $1-2 per issue (news stand).
- the diversity of patterns: It offers a good range of projects.
One issue may contain clothing (women's, children's, but not
enough men's), afghans, pillows, lace, toys, etc.
- the portable size: It's a lot smaller (8x5) than the average
magazine. You can throw it in your knitting bag and go. (Have
knitting, will travel)

All that being said, I still find that Knitting Digest comes in last. I believe that a good magazine (especially about something such as crafts), ought to teach, inform, and inspire its readers. Knitting Digest just doesn't cut the mustard.

The patterns, although there are a great many types to choose from, are lacking. They are ordinary; they are plan; they are boring. Other knitting periodicals such as Knitter's and Knit 'N Style (Look for my upcoming review on this one too.), offer hip, stylish patterns, the latest fashions. Knitting Digest's are the same ones that we've been looking at for years.

Part of being a knitter, at least for me, is designing my own stuff. Don't get me wrong, I don't do much designing from scratch, but I do like to add my own touches and tweak the design a bit. Knitting Digest does not provide any articles about design theory or mastering new techniques. In fact, it offers very few articles at all. Isn't that what a magazine is supposed to be about, articles? Frankly, you would do just as well with a pattern pamphlet.

Knitting Digest also offers no "helpful tips or tricks", no "if this happens, then do this" or "if you have a problem with blank, then do blank". This is a feature of other magazines that I find very useful. These types of things improve my skills as a knitter and help me to master my craft. Knitting Digest does not.

Yes, Knitting Digest has some positive points, but in my opinion they are outweighed by the bad. I definitely would not recommend a subscription to anyone. However, if you are browsing the magazine rack, you might take a look; you might find the perfect sweater to knit for Granny or Great Aunt Ruth.