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Increase, Decrease: 99 Step-by-Step Methods; Find the Perfect Technique for Shaping Every Knitting Project
The secret to knitting great-fitting hats and shaping elegant sleeves lies in using the right increase or decrease techniques. Approachable and insightful, Judith Durant provides clear instructions and step-by-step photographs that showcase swatches for each technique. From working shaped lace to adjusting necklines, you’ll soon have a go-to strategy for successfully tackling knitting challenges of all shapes and sizes.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2015
118 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Judith Durant
33 books27 followersJudith Durant is a knitter and beadworker as well as author and editor of several books on both subjects. Trained as a theatrical costume designer, she took a circuitous route through various costume shops in New York, on to a New York theatrical book publishing house, and then to Interweave Press in Colorado, where she was book editor and one of the founding editors of Interweave Knits.
Judith is currently a freelance writer, editor, designer, and teacher based in Massachusetts. She has more than 25 years of experience in publishing and a wealth of experience in many crafts. Judith can help you with editorial project management, design development and pattern writing, and technical and copy editing. Judith is also available to teach workshops at your shop or guild meeting.
Judith is currently a freelance writer, editor, designer, and teacher based in Massachusetts. She has more than 25 years of experience in publishing and a wealth of experience in many crafts. Judith can help you with editorial project management, design development and pattern writing, and technical and copy editing. Judith is also available to teach workshops at your shop or guild meeting.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 23, 2014
*NetGalley book review*
I'm a knitter and a lot of times I want to make the most complicated patterns and when it comes to decreasing or increasing a stitch I draw a blank or I screw it up. This book has made a lot of stitches I need to know a lot easier to do. Excellent book for any knitter to have.
I'm a knitter and a lot of times I want to make the most complicated patterns and when it comes to decreasing or increasing a stitch I draw a blank or I screw it up. This book has made a lot of stitches I need to know a lot easier to do. Excellent book for any knitter to have.
December 8, 2015
This book delivers exactly what it promises - 256 pages of various increase and decrease methods. If you're looking for patterns, go elsewhere - there aren't any in this book. But if you're looking for the perfect increase or decrease to feature in your design, this is the perfect go-to reference book. With 43 decrease methods and 36 increase methods, all meticulously described with step-by-step photo tutorials and swatches to showcase the various methods, there is bound to be an increase or decrease type for every situation.
I knew about half of these in advance, and while I perhaps wouldn't consider the knit and purl versions of a decrease / increase type as two different methods, I did appreciate that the book included photo tutorials for both, as sometimes a stitch that comes totally natural in knit stitch will be less intuitive in purl and vice versa.
My favourite part was the chapter on increasing and decreasing for decorative effect however. Increasing and decreasing doesn't have to have a practical function - sometimes it's just for fun! And fun should never be underestimated :)
Like most other reference books, it is not one to be read from A-Z, but perfect for flipping through when working those pesky increases and decreases.
I knew about half of these in advance, and while I perhaps wouldn't consider the knit and purl versions of a decrease / increase type as two different methods, I did appreciate that the book included photo tutorials for both, as sometimes a stitch that comes totally natural in knit stitch will be less intuitive in purl and vice versa.
My favourite part was the chapter on increasing and decreasing for decorative effect however. Increasing and decreasing doesn't have to have a practical function - sometimes it's just for fun! And fun should never be underestimated :)
Like most other reference books, it is not one to be read from A-Z, but perfect for flipping through when working those pesky increases and decreases.
December 20, 2014
This is a book about the different sorts of increases and decrease stitches in knitting. It's a very informative book that I found to be very helpful. I personally am a pretty good knitter, and have been working on writing my own patterns. This book was especially great for showing me different ways of increasing and decreasing stitches, giving me many different options in the patterns I write by hand. I would recommend to anyone who is also writing their own patterns, as well as beginners who are learning new stitches. There are clear step by step pictures for every different stitch, that anyone can easily follow.
Pre-Order the book today. It will be released May 5, 2015.
Pre-Order the book today. It will be released May 5, 2015.
January 9, 2016
Every knitter will want this book. Clear photographs for dozens of increases and decreases, showing which are best paired, how they look stacked or separated, and such good instructions that I finally, finally understand how to do p2togtbl! Excellent, excellent.
Thank you, Net Galley! I can not wait to purchase this book when it's published in May!
Thank you, Net Galley! I can not wait to purchase this book when it's published in May!
October 7, 2018
One of those books that all knitters worth their salt should own and use. This, like its fellow book "Cast On Bind Off", are like tools required to achieve a quality product. While YouTube can give us the videos, until the IoT can be consistent over 24 hours, we will always need these references.
July 2, 2022
Increase Decrease by Judith Durant
256 Pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, Storey Publishing LLC
Release Date: May 19, 2015
Nonfiction, Crafts, Hobbies, Yarn, Knitting
The book is divided into the following parts and chapters.
Part One – Increase
Chapter 1: Neutral Increases
Chapter 2: Right- and Left-Leaning Increases
Chapter 3: Multiple-Stitch Increases
Chapter 4: Centered Double Increases
Part Two – Decrease
Chapter 5: Single Decreases
Chapter 6: Double Decreases
Chapter 7: Multiple Stitch Decreases
Part Three – Combinations and Special Circumstances
Chapter 8: Increase and Decrease for Decorative Effect
Chapter 9: Special Circumstances
I am a new knitter but not to yarn. I have been crocheting for years but thought I would give knitting a try. This book explains so many terms and situations I was never aware of in knitting. The accompanying photos are perfect to follow the step-by-step instruction. The pictures of the finished variations are amazing. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in knitting.
256 Pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, Storey Publishing LLC
Release Date: May 19, 2015
Nonfiction, Crafts, Hobbies, Yarn, Knitting
The book is divided into the following parts and chapters.
Part One – Increase
Chapter 1: Neutral Increases
Chapter 2: Right- and Left-Leaning Increases
Chapter 3: Multiple-Stitch Increases
Chapter 4: Centered Double Increases
Part Two – Decrease
Chapter 5: Single Decreases
Chapter 6: Double Decreases
Chapter 7: Multiple Stitch Decreases
Part Three – Combinations and Special Circumstances
Chapter 8: Increase and Decrease for Decorative Effect
Chapter 9: Special Circumstances
I am a new knitter but not to yarn. I have been crocheting for years but thought I would give knitting a try. This book explains so many terms and situations I was never aware of in knitting. The accompanying photos are perfect to follow the step-by-step instruction. The pictures of the finished variations are amazing. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in knitting.
May 24, 2021
Fantastic pocket resource for any knitter. Equipped with step-by-step how-to photos, written instructions, and photos of the finished increases & decreases, this book is great for both casual knitters & knitwear designers. As a designer, this means I can get an idea of how an increase or decrease will look before I test it out in my work! The book is spiral bound and just larger than my hand with my fingers spread out. Perfect to take along in my project bag if I'm ever in a pinch. Highly recommend!
January 8, 2023
It feels like the market for this kind of book has really decreased as more instructions are available as handy videos. I honestly hesitated to buy this for myself, but received it as a gift, and I’m glad to have it on my reference shelf now! There’s something to be said for a set of well structured and consistent instructions with clear and consistent photos. Very handy.
March 8, 2019
Fantastic book. Sure you can look much of this up online, but a great reference library is indispensible for serious knitters. I borrowed this from my library while writing a paper and liked it enough to buy myself a copy.
May 20, 2020
Definite Guide to essential increases and decreases
I like how there were both charts and written instructions. You really would need to take the time to work samples to get the most benefit from the book.
I like how there were both charts and written instructions. You really would need to take the time to work samples to get the most benefit from the book.
June 23, 2017
good reference - has a place in my library
December 15, 2020
Excellent little book!! Very helpful. Had thought it was already on my "read" list, but see it hear, just after referencing it last night.
March 4, 2016
I received this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for review.
This is such a fantastic book about all the different ways to add or subtract stitches in knitting. I had no idea there were so many! Each technique is thoroughly described, has a list of characteristics, a list of uses, and a clear picture of a swatch with what the increase or decrease will look like. There are instructions for open and closed increases, neutral and directional increases and decreases, multi-stitch increases and decreases, as well as extensive instructions for decorative/in-pattern techniques.
I would say that while this is a phenomenal addition to any knitter’s library, it certainly is geared toward non-beginners (knitters who have a little experience under their belt). The step-by-step instructions with photos probably aren't terribly clear for someone who doesn't fully understand the anatomy of the different stitches or the knitting jargon.
That being said, this is an excellent book to have on hand as a reference for all knitters, as the techniques and language will come with practice for newer knitters. It is especially useful for designing and/or adapting patterns to your personal taste and liking - as it is extremely helpful with its description of uses as well as the swatch image that indicates how the increase or decrease will look in the project.
I definitely plan on getting a copy for my own library!
This is such a fantastic book about all the different ways to add or subtract stitches in knitting. I had no idea there were so many! Each technique is thoroughly described, has a list of characteristics, a list of uses, and a clear picture of a swatch with what the increase or decrease will look like. There are instructions for open and closed increases, neutral and directional increases and decreases, multi-stitch increases and decreases, as well as extensive instructions for decorative/in-pattern techniques.
I would say that while this is a phenomenal addition to any knitter’s library, it certainly is geared toward non-beginners (knitters who have a little experience under their belt). The step-by-step instructions with photos probably aren't terribly clear for someone who doesn't fully understand the anatomy of the different stitches or the knitting jargon.
That being said, this is an excellent book to have on hand as a reference for all knitters, as the techniques and language will come with practice for newer knitters. It is especially useful for designing and/or adapting patterns to your personal taste and liking - as it is extremely helpful with its description of uses as well as the swatch image that indicates how the increase or decrease will look in the project.
I definitely plan on getting a copy for my own library!
May 15, 2015
I received this book from the publishers for review.
This is one of those books I see myself recommend to my students all the time. Just like cast on bind off before it.
Wonderfully explained and the photos make everything even easier to understand.
Actually I was super surprised that I had done ALL the in- and decreases described in the book already. My grandma taught me well and a few I picked up along the way. This makes me very happy, but honestly, I don't always use all of them. Just like in cast on bind off, it is great to have a reference book sitting on your shelf, so you can go and check if what you are using is really the best possible way to in- or decrease in your project.
There are so many ways. Some are more visible than others and will have to be a "design element", where others will disappear into the fabric, or can be hidden in the pattern.
This is one of those books, that I call "external memory" for my head. You may know all those stitches, but I certainly can't keep them all in my head and at the ready for every project. So a book like this is a great help, not just for the beginning knitter, but for a "seasoned old hound" like me as well.
I would definitely recommend to go get it.
This is one of those books I see myself recommend to my students all the time. Just like cast on bind off before it.
Wonderfully explained and the photos make everything even easier to understand.
Actually I was super surprised that I had done ALL the in- and decreases described in the book already. My grandma taught me well and a few I picked up along the way. This makes me very happy, but honestly, I don't always use all of them. Just like in cast on bind off, it is great to have a reference book sitting on your shelf, so you can go and check if what you are using is really the best possible way to in- or decrease in your project.
There are so many ways. Some are more visible than others and will have to be a "design element", where others will disappear into the fabric, or can be hidden in the pattern.
This is one of those books, that I call "external memory" for my head. You may know all those stitches, but I certainly can't keep them all in my head and at the ready for every project. So a book like this is a great help, not just for the beginning knitter, but for a "seasoned old hound" like me as well.
I would definitely recommend to go get it.
June 2, 2015
Increase, Decrease is a new book by Judith Durant (published today by Storey Publishing) which focuses just on multiple different ways of increasing and decreasing stitches. It starts from the most basic k2tog and kfb, exploring increase and decrease stitches of increasing complexity, including multiple increases and decreases, and decorative stitches.
To be honest, I'd expect most knitters to be able to do simple increases and decreases, so some of those sections seem a bit superfluous, but the sections on complex stitches would be of great value to those designing knitwear, particularly lace knitting.
The instructions and photography are both clear and helpful. If I have one gripe, it's that the book uses very US-centric terminology, and doesn't refer to the multiple names different increases and decreases can be known by (I've seen the same increase called several different things depending on who is writing the pattern).
So, one for technical knitting nerds and pattern designers more than the ordinary knitter.
To be honest, I'd expect most knitters to be able to do simple increases and decreases, so some of those sections seem a bit superfluous, but the sections on complex stitches would be of great value to those designing knitwear, particularly lace knitting.
The instructions and photography are both clear and helpful. If I have one gripe, it's that the book uses very US-centric terminology, and doesn't refer to the multiple names different increases and decreases can be known by (I've seen the same increase called several different things depending on who is writing the pattern).
So, one for technical knitting nerds and pattern designers more than the ordinary knitter.
March 28, 2015
I was so pleased to get this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review, and I am more than happy to comply. Let me just say, every knitter will want to have this book for reference no matter their skill level, it is a real gem. I have learned to knit as a child and then did not pick it up again until my life had calmed down a bit, and even though I mastered some complex stitches I always messed things up when it came to the part of increasing or decreasing your stitches. It just never looked as polished as I wanted. Now I know why. This book has great step-by-step color photographs with easy to understand instructions and it even includes a swatch to show you the finished look. I can't wait to try out some of the new things I learned. Judith Durant did a really nice job with this book and you won't be disappointed. A great gift for any Knitter in your life.
March 2, 2015
I reviewed this for NetGalley.
I learned a lot by reading this book. And that says a lot since I have read countless knitting books in my forty-nine years of knitting.
Once again, I am impressed by Storey Publishing's dedication to producing high quality craft books. Their name is synonymous with high quality and exacting standards, and the book is no exception.
Ms. Durant meticulously explains, in great detail with excellent photo illustrations, what increases/decreases to use where in knitting. This is a very important and undervalued subject in knitting. Ms. Durant does this neglected knitting topic great justice.
This is an excellent reference book which every serious knitter should have. And any library with a decent knitting collection should have at least two copies of this book.
Very impressive Ms. Durant.
A most excellent read!
I learned a lot by reading this book. And that says a lot since I have read countless knitting books in my forty-nine years of knitting.
Once again, I am impressed by Storey Publishing's dedication to producing high quality craft books. Their name is synonymous with high quality and exacting standards, and the book is no exception.
Ms. Durant meticulously explains, in great detail with excellent photo illustrations, what increases/decreases to use where in knitting. This is a very important and undervalued subject in knitting. Ms. Durant does this neglected knitting topic great justice.
This is an excellent reference book which every serious knitter should have. And any library with a decent knitting collection should have at least two copies of this book.
Very impressive Ms. Durant.
A most excellent read!
April 23, 2015
Comprehensive, concise and complete – this book is filled with useful information, diagrams and photographs. The photographs show exactly what a type of increase or decrease will look like and each type of increase and decrease has photographs of someone knitting each step of the increase or decrease process. There are also illustrations of how various increases and decreases can be used within patterned sleeves, hats and other items. I have been knitting 55 years and could have used the information in this book in the past – I will definitely use it in the future since I also design my own garments from time to time. I plan to buy this in hard copy as soon as I can!
Thank you Net Galley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!
Thank you Net Galley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!
May 25, 2015
This book makes what could be complicated knitting methods into easy to follow instructions and wonderful photos. My only disappointment was that there weren't any patterns that incorporated the methods shown -- I was at least hoping for one or two. Despite this, "Increase, Decrease" is the perfect book for any knitter wanting to create patterns with beautiful designs.
***Many thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for a galley to be used for honest review & bookseller purposes***
***Many thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for a galley to be used for honest review & bookseller purposes***
October 14, 2016
I am not going to say this is necessary to have but it is a great book to have. It has a lot of information you can carry around in your knitting bag . Big knitting books have so much information that sometimes they just cover basic techniques of increases and decrease . I like how the authors explains how each technique affects your knitting and the step by step instructions.
April 22, 2015
A very detailed book for shaping techniques in knitting. Very well written instructions enable even a beginner knitter like myself to appreciate the subtlety of these different increase and decrease techniques. An excellent reference for any knitter.
February 9, 2016
This is more of a reference book. I'm a little disappointed - I found the multi-page layout for each type of increase/decrease to be annoying and unnecessary, and it's hard to find what you need. Still it's a decent resource.
April 3, 2018
All sort of ways and examples
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews