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Knitting Stitches Visual Encyclopedia
350 stitch patterns you'll use again and againKnitting Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia gives you quick visual access to a comprehensive collection of stitch combinations that enable you to create your own designs or modify existing patterns with ease. Each stitch is accompanied by a full-color photo and diagram to make learning even easier, while sidebars guide you through tricky parts of various stitch patterns.knit and purl patterns - ribs - bobbles and textured stitches - slipstitch patterns - twist-stitch patterns - cables - drop-stitch, eyelet, and lace patterns - borders and edgings - color knitting patterns
- GenresKnittingCraftsNonfiction
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
53 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Turner
7 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 14, 2011
(Full disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Wiley to review on my blog.)
I’m a big fan of Knitting VISUAL Quick Tips by Sharon Turner, and I have come to expect that Wiley’s VISUAL imprint will have great step-by-step photos. As with the [[ASIN:1118030052 Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer)]], Knitting Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia instead assumes the reader has the basics down, so don't expect to see those photos or illustrations.
The book is organized into ten chapters: Knit and Purl Patterns; Rib Patterns; Bobbles and Textured Stitches; Slipstitch Patterns; Twist-Stitch Patterns; Cable Patterns; Drop-stitch, Yarn Overs, Eyelet, and Lace; Borders and Edgings; Creative Stitches and Combinations; and Color Knitting (which is further subdivided into Stranded Color Patterns, Intarsia Patterns and Motifs, and Color-Slip Patterns). The Appendix includes a key to pattern abbreviations and stitch symbols. The stitch symbols key also includes a description of how to formulate the stitch (e.g., “K3tog on RS: Knit 3 stitches together as 1.”).
What I like about this book
The book is well organized, making it easy to find a stitch you liked later.
Each stitch is photographed in a vibrant swatch and includes both pattern abbreviations and a stitch symbol chart.
While the stitch guide includes some of the “old faithful” stitch patterns you would expect to find in a knitting stitch guide, there are also some new (to me) combinations.
Most of my other knitting stitch guides primarily use aran or off-white yarns, so this book is definitely more attractive to look at as there is a broader color palette for the swatches.
The Introduction. That’s right, I said it. You shouldn’t skip through this 3 page section, which outlines each chapter and explains the techniques used. It also describes (briefly) how different yarn choices will impact the look of the stitch and provides some tips about calculating your yarn needs for a project. In particular, if you don’t know your Intarsia from your elbow, read the explanation of the different color knitting techniques.
I worked up a swatch using a few random stitch patterns that caught my eye. I didn’t have any problems following the patterns so I would imagine they are all clearly written.
I especially liked the stitches in the Stranded Color Patterns and Color-Slip Patterns subsections of the Color Knitting chapter, the Bobbles and Textured Stitches chapter, and the Drop-stitch and Yarn Over patterns.
The hardcover binding will make sure this book lasts through all of the abuse a good stitch guide will get.
What I don’t like (or what’s missing)
I am a bit disappointed when a stitch guide lacks illustrations or photos explaining some of the techniques for a newbie. This deficit was, in my opinion, mostly redeemed by the explanations given in the Introduction.
Although the book is hardcover, it doesn’t easily lay flat while knitting and reading.
Maybe I’m just not that excited by Intarsia in general, but I didn’t see myself making anything in that section (a teapot with a flower? a robot?). If you are really into cutesy Intarsia, though, you will probably love these 17 stitch patterns.
If you are unfamiliar with stitch symbol charts, you may find it annoying to flip back to the glossary instead of having a key on each page.
Summary:
This book is definitely a solid stitch guide to add to (or start) your stitch guide collection. It is well organized, visually attractive, and includes stitch symbols and abbreviations for each stitch. The book explores a range of stitch types and is built to last as a hardcover. Beginners or inexperienced pattern readers might find it challenging since there are no illustrations or pictures to walk you through the basics. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, with the caveat that a beginner will need to be adventurous or have another resource book in her/his library to use this book effectively.
I’m a big fan of Knitting VISUAL Quick Tips by Sharon Turner, and I have come to expect that Wiley’s VISUAL imprint will have great step-by-step photos. As with the [[ASIN:1118030052 Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer)]], Knitting Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia instead assumes the reader has the basics down, so don't expect to see those photos or illustrations.
The book is organized into ten chapters: Knit and Purl Patterns; Rib Patterns; Bobbles and Textured Stitches; Slipstitch Patterns; Twist-Stitch Patterns; Cable Patterns; Drop-stitch, Yarn Overs, Eyelet, and Lace; Borders and Edgings; Creative Stitches and Combinations; and Color Knitting (which is further subdivided into Stranded Color Patterns, Intarsia Patterns and Motifs, and Color-Slip Patterns). The Appendix includes a key to pattern abbreviations and stitch symbols. The stitch symbols key also includes a description of how to formulate the stitch (e.g., “K3tog on RS: Knit 3 stitches together as 1.”).
What I like about this book
The book is well organized, making it easy to find a stitch you liked later.
Each stitch is photographed in a vibrant swatch and includes both pattern abbreviations and a stitch symbol chart.
While the stitch guide includes some of the “old faithful” stitch patterns you would expect to find in a knitting stitch guide, there are also some new (to me) combinations.
Most of my other knitting stitch guides primarily use aran or off-white yarns, so this book is definitely more attractive to look at as there is a broader color palette for the swatches.
The Introduction. That’s right, I said it. You shouldn’t skip through this 3 page section, which outlines each chapter and explains the techniques used. It also describes (briefly) how different yarn choices will impact the look of the stitch and provides some tips about calculating your yarn needs for a project. In particular, if you don’t know your Intarsia from your elbow, read the explanation of the different color knitting techniques.
I worked up a swatch using a few random stitch patterns that caught my eye. I didn’t have any problems following the patterns so I would imagine they are all clearly written.
I especially liked the stitches in the Stranded Color Patterns and Color-Slip Patterns subsections of the Color Knitting chapter, the Bobbles and Textured Stitches chapter, and the Drop-stitch and Yarn Over patterns.
The hardcover binding will make sure this book lasts through all of the abuse a good stitch guide will get.
What I don’t like (or what’s missing)
I am a bit disappointed when a stitch guide lacks illustrations or photos explaining some of the techniques for a newbie. This deficit was, in my opinion, mostly redeemed by the explanations given in the Introduction.
Although the book is hardcover, it doesn’t easily lay flat while knitting and reading.
Maybe I’m just not that excited by Intarsia in general, but I didn’t see myself making anything in that section (a teapot with a flower? a robot?). If you are really into cutesy Intarsia, though, you will probably love these 17 stitch patterns.
If you are unfamiliar with stitch symbol charts, you may find it annoying to flip back to the glossary instead of having a key on each page.
Summary:
This book is definitely a solid stitch guide to add to (or start) your stitch guide collection. It is well organized, visually attractive, and includes stitch symbols and abbreviations for each stitch. The book explores a range of stitch types and is built to last as a hardcover. Beginners or inexperienced pattern readers might find it challenging since there are no illustrations or pictures to walk you through the basics. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, with the caveat that a beginner will need to be adventurous or have another resource book in her/his library to use this book effectively.
August 19, 2013
Careful! Some of these stitches have errors. Reversible Diamonds is one bad one.
I have this on my kindle which won't let me put in my notes/corrections. Nor can I print out a pattern page to put in a project bag.
I have this on my kindle which won't let me put in my notes/corrections. Nor can I print out a pattern page to put in a project bag.
April 30, 2012
What a great reference book! I am putting this one on my wish list. I love that each stitch is photographed and includes the directions--plus suggestions of when and how to use.
December 26, 2018
This is another book I’ve been repeatedly checking out of the library. I’ve resumed knitting after 40+ years and have stumbled onto stitch dictionaries as I’ve researched patterns. I love these kinds of references, especially ones with color photos, like this one. I have used this for developing patterns for small projects like scarves for my granddaughter’s dolls and to knit small samples to learn more about different stitches.
This is a very useful book that I will eventually buy. The patterns are both written and in charts, which I find helpful. Recommend.
This is a very useful book that I will eventually buy. The patterns are both written and in charts, which I find helpful. Recommend.
November 15, 2017
One of the better encyclopedias of various knit stitches. The graphs are easily read, but if you need row by row written instructions, those are there as well. Biggest con: nothing unusual or new. Many stitches are common and have been around forever. Still, it's exceptional if you'd like the experience of working from a graph; and there are such a great number available that it makes choosing just the right stitch a fun scavenger hunt.
July 23, 2020
One of the best stitch dictionaries I have read. This one has each stitch described in both words and a chart which I prefer. Each stitch is shown in different colors of yarn instead of them all being in a bland beige so that helps me since I am a visual learner-it brightens things up for me.
I've checked it out from my local library twice and probably will again. It is on my list of books to buy for myself.
I've checked it out from my local library twice and probably will again. It is on my list of books to buy for myself.
January 30, 2024
This Is a book of recipes for knitting stitches it has some wonderful features and some horrid features.
One of the good features it has is that it has a whole section on stranded color patterns, so if you were going to make up your own fair oil pattern, you could do this easily with all of the charts they have provided
Rather than make the swatches in a light color, some of the swatches are poorly photographed, or knit in a dark color, and they are hard to see
One of the good features it has is that it has a whole section on stranded color patterns, so if you were going to make up your own fair oil pattern, you could do this easily with all of the charts they have provided
Rather than make the swatches in a light color, some of the swatches are poorly photographed, or knit in a dark color, and they are hard to see
November 3, 2018
Wonderful! Has patterns written out in addition to having charts.
April 17, 2020
a new knitter - this is a great reference book
January 11, 2022
Perfect learn stitches!!!
June 21, 2014
The title pretty much says it all. You won't get anything on needle types, yarn selection, or how to start a project. What you will get is a gorgeous assortment of stitch patterns with easy-to-read descriptions. This is not for the first-time knitter, but it's wonderful for anyone who wants to learn some new stitches, whether it be for a scarf, a blanket, or a particularly ambitious sweater. The only thing that would make this book better is if next to each pattern it featured some indication of level of difficulty.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews