Knitters's Stitch Collection [Paperback]

This is an interesting collection of stitches arranged in a useful way. The stitches are divided into categories and all the stitches within a given category are colour-coded. I liked this book and will refer to it often. Includes a lace alphabet and knitting know-how.-KarenPlatt.co.uk To be a real knitter who can tackle any project, it helps to have a good encyclopaedia of stitches at your disposal. Then, when you encounter an unfamiliar stitch you only have to look it up to learn it. This is such a book. There are 300 stitches in here covering all the types of knitting that I can think of - maybe true experts know of others but here are enough for most needs. The stitches are grouped into families such as knit and purl, lace, intarsia etc for easy reference, and each page is packed with information. At the front of the book you can find the inevitable (and helpful) guide to how to get the best out of the book and interpret the various space-saving signs on each page. Every stitch is graded according to difficulty, it has a unique number and there are photographs of how it looks worked as well as a chart to enable you to work a sample. There is a fold out flap showing what the various abbreviations mean for easy reference, and at the back a section on "knit know-how" with project ideas, helpful hints and even a brief refresher course on how to cast on and do basic knitting. This is not however a book for beginners, but rather for improvers who have done a fair bit of basic projects and want to branch out into more advanced techniques. If this is you, then you will find this excellent book very useful and remarkably exhaustive for its modest size.-Myshelf.com Here you will find a guide to 300 knitting stitches, and if you are an avid knitter, these are the 300 you really need to know. You will find everything from traditional stitches to new stitches the authors have invented, so there is definitely plenty to keep you occupied. The book is laid out in sections that are colour-coded to help you map out what stitches you are interested in tackling, and there are a huge selection of variations within each one. For example, the first section Knit and Purl has 36 stitches (although I later found that the random stitch I had decided to tackle to test out the ease of following the patterns and instructions was in this section, so disappointingly, I was not being as adventurous as I first thought). There are cables, lace, letters, numbers and several other sections, and I found paisley and knots in there as well, so I think this book can keep any knitter happy for a very long time. All stitches come with a graphic chart, and some of the more complex ones with written instructions as well, so that you can be sure you are progressing correctly. The end of the book contains a Knit Know-How section which was also very useful. A competent knitter friend who saw this book started salivating at the selection and picked out several stitches she would like to get her teeth into, so I think this would appeal to all abilities.-Workshop On The Web Get inspiration for your next project by browsing some of the 300 stitches included in [this book]. With 350 colour illustrations to whet your appetite, full instructions are given for old favourites plus some great innovative stitches, including two-colour double-sided fabrics and gorgeous paisley patterns.-Let's Knit The Knitter's Stitch collection presents 300 different stitches in an easy to read format. Authors Lesley Stanfield and Melody Griffiths have collected a range of knitting stitches that include both old favourites and some that they promise have never been seen before. The stitches are broken down into groups which makes finding similar stitches straightforward. Each stitch or pattern is clearly illustrated and with detailed instructions explaining how to make the stitch. This stitch collection will make a useful addition to a knitter's book shelf and is ideal for knitters who enjoy developing or adapting patterns as well as beginner knitters looking to learn new stitches. This is a crowded market and there are many directories and collections of stitches available. Including new stitches as well as old favourites is a smart move and should make this book stand out.-Suite101.com Do you dream of stitch patterns? Are you eager to try out new cable stitches or intarsia motifs? If you really are a bona fide 'stitch addict', then this book is for you. Seasoned knitters, writers and designers Lesley Stanfield, and Melody Griffiths (who sadly died recently) have left no stone unturned in the compilation of this massive collection. With 300 knitting stitches to choose from, you'll spend many an enjoyable evening poring over the pages of this book. Of course, it's not just a visual treat, as the many examples of stitches on offer are sure to inspire and add richness and variety to your work. Unlike some other stitch compendiums, the book doesn't simply stick to textured stitch patterns - there's also a fabulous library of stranded colourwork motifs to choose from. And in a section on some more unusual stitches, a library of lace stitches used to make letters and numbers, plus a chapter on 'knitting know-how' and you've everything you need to start experimenting with new stitches right away. Each stitch pattern is accompanied with a short, useful description and the book is illustrated using full colour photographs throughout. Whatever your skill level, most keen knitters will find this an invaluable addition to their book collection.-Simply Knitting

An invaluable resource of original stitch patterns, this collection is for newcomers, designers, and knitters of all abilities. Instead of being merely a round-up of familiar stitches this is a visual feast of new material put together by two author-designers with a wide experience of hand knitting. It is a must-have addition to existing reference books on the subject. Organised for easy access, stitches are divided into knit and purl textures and ribs, twist stitches, cables, lace, bobbles and bells, colour and intarsia designs, and unusual techniques - including rarities like entrelac, double-sided fabric, and mosaic effects. Each chapter of this collection has a number of simple designs for beginners, including both row-by-row written instructions and easy to read charts - allowing the reader to get used to using the standard charts given for more complex, or larger-repeat patterns. All stitch abbreviations and chart symbols are included on a fold out flap - unusual and unique stitches are explained alongside the relevant patterns.