Modular Mix: 12 Knitted Mitered Squares to Mix & Match

by Edie Eckman

A tutorial on modular knitting, this book is perfect for novices just starting off using mitered squares as well as more seasoned knitters looking for innovative approaches to mitered knitting. Each pattern is written for three different-sized squares that can be mixed and matched quickly and without difficulty, and the squares can be easily customized for a great variety of designs. The basic idea is the overall pattern of the piece is created through the variety of yarn used within the block and how it interacts with its neighboring blocks. The book provides 12 basic mitered designs, each in three sizes, as well as various decrease options, suggestions for color choices, and tips for making each mitered creation unique. Finally, the mitered mix afghan brings all of these techniques together in one page-popping project.

Genres: Knitting

28 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Edie Eckman has her hands in many aspects of the fiber artsteaching, writing, designing and editing. Her knit and crochet designs have appeared in many magazines, yarn company publications, pattern leaflets and books. Her books include: Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs, How to Knit Socks: Three Methods Made Easy, and The Crochet Answer Book. Her newest book, Around the Corner Crochet Borders, will be published in early 2010. Edie travels extensively teaching at conventions, shops and guilds. "

Reviews

[Marie Segares · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re interested in learning more about mitered squares or modular (or domino) knitting, or if you like to knit sampler projects, Modular Mix may be the booklet for you.

The booklet opens with a three-page section called Mixed Miters which walks knitters through the basics of creating mitered square projects including materials, gauge, and techniques for casting on, decreasing, and joining squares. Fans of Edie know that she likes to include the knitting math, and in this section you will also learn how to design your own mitered squares and determine the appropriate number of stitches to cast on. Edie also explains why you might want to use different cast on methods, which is helpful for other projects, too.

The next several pages are devoted to the Modular Mix Afghan, made up of 20 blocks (some of which are formed by 4 to 16 smaller blocks). Because modular projects are joined as you work, this overview is helpful before diving into the square patterns if you plan to recreate the sampler featured on the cover.

The 12 module patterns are presented in the next section. Each pattern includes a brief introduction, information on the stitch multiples in case the knitter wants to adjust the size, the color sequence, and the pattern. The patterns are simple, but Edie doesn’t do as much handholding as some modern knitters may expect. These patterns are written like recipes, not as line by line instructions. I found them easy to understand, but a beginner (or beginning pattern reader) might be confused when reaching the last set of decreases, for example. Each square is also clearly photographed, so it is easy to see the differences in the patterns. Each square is available in 3 sizes (3 inch, 6 inch, and 12 inch). The projects all use medium (worsted) weight yarn and size 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needles, but of course could be adapted to other size yarn and needles for a different effect.

The book closes with a list of knitting abbreviations used in the booklet, charts showing recommended needle sizes for different yarn weights and conversions from inches to metric measurements, and an illustrated Knitting Basics section. There is also a photo index in the back that makes it easy to find patterns in the book. Like other Annie’s booklets, this lays flat and is easy to read while knitting.

Overall, this is a fun pattern booklet for anyone interested in exploring mitered squares. While the booklet is brief (only 28 pages), Edie does pack in a lot of information, so it is suitable for knitters with a range of abilities. An adventurous beginner would have fun learning new stitch patterns, decreases, and increases, and a more advanced knitter could follow Edie’s tips to design their own mitered squares.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Modular Mix was provided by Annie's. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What better way to get your head around a technique than to start by getting your head around it? Ms. Eckman lays out a dozen simple samples, so by the time you've practiced enough to launch into your own, you've got an afghan!