Knitting the Perfect Fit: Essential Fully Fashioned Shaping Techniques for Designer Results

by Melissa Leapman

This is the first book that delves deeply into easily mastered techniques that can be used to adapt and customise any project. Knitting the Perfect Fit is an invaluable guide for anyone interested in learning and perfecting shaping details in their knitting. Acclaimed designer and teacher Melissa Leapman distills one of her most in-demand workshops into an authoritative guide that will help knitters understand how designer details and shaping actually work. From a variety of necklines and arm details to different trompe l'oeil shaping techniques that offer a more slimming and flattering look to any garment no matter your body type. Each technique is thoroughly explained with tips and exercised and then showcased in 21 appealing projects that allow knitters to practise their new skills.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

AKA Melissa Leapman Blowney

Reviews

[Polly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sweaters in this book are lovely, but it did not appear as though models of different body types were selected to wear them. This is a shame considering the book is about different body types. Only two of the sweater patterns stood out (at least for my body type). Based on the comments posted by Ravellers who failed in their attempt to make these sweaters, I am not keen to subject myself to the same fate. I am giving this book one star above the minimum because of the extensive notes on increases and decreases.

[Susan Atherly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for creating your own projects

...and I only gave it 4 stars because I wish it had been longer. Maybe there is another volume out there.

[Kristen Stieffel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is mostly a pattern book, with a little information about fitting and a lot of tutorials on making increases and decreases. Not what I expected from the title, as I was looking for more information about fit.

Most of the patterns are for pullovers. I'm a cardigan girl. Checked this out from the library to decide whether I should buy a copy. I decided against. But this book may appeal to new knitters unfamiliar with using increases and decreases for shaping garments, and to people who like pullovers.

[Tonileg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very clear explications with simple drawings to explain to the beginner as well as a long time knitter like the slant explication on page 13 for the k2tog and ask which was never very easy to remember.
Edges and knitting gauge samples are wonderfully explained and explored instead of the common rib edge to your handknit sweater. Simple sweaters and a skirt pattern is also included although a bit boring.
160 pages and borrowed from the library
3stars

[Hallie]

Don't think I'd ever knit any of the patterns, but I very much like the sound of the section(s) on increases and decreases, including ways to make them more noticeable (and to remember which way they lean). Would get it from library if it were ever in library here.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked out this ebook from the library and was pretty pleased with the instructions for fitting garments, however I didn't care for many of the patterns. I will apply some of the techniques in my sweater knitting, so it was helpful in that way.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great reference information about shaping knitted garments. I didn't care for any of the patterns, but I would get the book just for the sections about shaping.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good tips, didn't like any projects.

[Goldenrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impressively well illustrated and easy to follow, but the patterns were not interesting to me.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide to shaping techniques and design elements intended to flatter various body types. The garments are thoughtfully constructed with a lot of shaping and finishing details that I would think make for interesting projects that will result in garments that will become favorites. “Angled Ribs” and “Sydney” are particularly appealing, I think.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

some nicely shaped garments with creative elements

[Arlian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has interesting techniques, and would be a helpful way to learn how to modify patterns, but nothing in here is really my style.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the increases and decreased you'd ever want, along with some interesting ideas for using such things as decorative elements. The patterns were interesting, even if they didn't quite go up to the sizes I like to see. Almost all of them went to 50 inches, but not much beyond that. I'd really like designers to start going up to 60 inches. It would be inclusive of about 95% of the population instead of about 70% of the population that 50 inches gets you. (And not that it should matter, but no, I don't need the pattern to go that large- I'm within the size range of all the patterns in this book. I'm thinking of being inclusive to other people).

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent some time reading a friend's copy. Even though I don't have room for another knitting book, I am sorely tempted to buy my own copy.

There is so much useful information about increases and decreases with clear text explanations and photos. I also like some of the projects well enough to put them in my queue.

If you are building up a knitting library, I highly recommend this book.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got some good ideas, especially that revealing the details of the shaping of a garment is good design! Looking forward to trying some of this on my next sweater, and may make a couple (I love "Charlie," and it would be perfect for using up some leftovers!)

[Jennifer]

I don't have time to try all the swatches or any of the patterns, but reading about the fashioning techniques has given me better insight on what to look for in a pattern. I am definitely planning to revisit this when I'm ready to make a nice garment.

[Leslie Jem · Rating 3 out of 5]

According to Jasmin of the Knitmore Girls, eventually I should get this book. I loved Orvieto, The Weekender, Merino Magic, Marilyn's Crossover Top, Glamour Girl, Jen, and Trompe l'Oeil. The information on creating fully-fashioned designs is very useful.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of fitted sweaters, and ideas for body conforming patterns. Not as much fitting any knitted item, but more how-to's for form fitting fashion.