Knockout Knits: New Tricks for Scarves, Hats, Jewelry, and Other Accessories

by Laura Nelkin

An abundance of knitted luxuries--summery lace shawls, warm and wooly hats, a trio of cool knitted bracelets, and stunning beaded gloves--designed to grow your skills.Who doesn't love to knit accessories? They're fast, often require only a skein or two of yarn, and make amazingly versatile gifts for friends and family. Small knits are also the perfect way to try something new--an unusual stitch pattern, wild multi-colored yarn, or even a touch of sparkle. Laura Nelkin is well-known for designing these fun-to-knit little projects introducing her students and fans to advanced techniques with her signature "You can do it!" enthusiasm. In her first book, she shares her 3 favorite types of knitting using wrapped stitches, lacework, and beads. Each chapter begins with a quick knitted cuff to lay the foundations, then gradually ramps up to more complicated designs. The result is an all-new collection of wearable, feminine knits with a slightly rustic aesthetic. Give them as gifts, stockpile for a chilly day, or dress up a casual outfit--these are knockout projects to enjoy knitting again and again.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[penny shima glanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knockout Knits is a book that will surprise you. Even if you are a knitter who prefers traditional stitches, construction, and embellishments, I believe you can find inspiration and useful tips in this volume.

Organized in three sections--wrapped stitches, advanced lace, and beaded knitting--each includes why Nelkin loves the technique, covers the basic skills with very clear illustrations, and includes several patterns that highlight what was learned. There are many patterns I was surprised to find myself wanting to knit from both the wrapped stitch and advanced lace sections. The shawl techniques are innovative and work to create beautiful shawls.

The section on beads is full of useful information from "how to size" carts to how many beads to expect per gram. The author also clearly explains how to add beads to knitting in three different techniques, how to knit with them, and bind-off. The designs are lovely and I am not a bead knitter and don't see that changing any time soon (I have a house of cats and foster curious kittens) however, I now know where to point knitters interested in this technique. The patterns are beautiful.

The tips and tricks throughout the volume and in the techniques section at the end are very helpful and useful even if the knitter isn't sure if they will ever use all the techniques. The illustrations are really clear showing, for example, how to make a Russian join. There is also an explanation of wet and steam blocking which may help many wondering how to finish that beaded bracelet.

This isn't the sort of book I would expect to love, but I do. I hope you will too.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Full review at http://www.readnowsleeplater.org/blog... My favorite knitting project book so far this year. Wendy Bernard's Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary: More than 150 stitch patterns to knit top down, bottom up, back and forth, and in the round is a close second.

I received this from Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. (Huge sigh of relief because the last knitting book I got from them was a stinker.)

[Jazz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Nelkin’s Knockout Knits offers a collection of feminine projects that feel at once new and familiar. Nelkin’s designs incorporate beads, tassels, and stitch combinations that result in playful and elegant garments. Her use of beads never feels overdone, and always serves to enhance the stitch patterns rather than detract from them. Nelkin suggests stunning yarns sure to grab attention while remaining subtle fashion statements. The rich colors make for stunning photographs, which makes the book a pleasure to read and flip through when brainstorming for projects.

Beginning and experienced knitters alike will find everything they need in this book. Nelkin covers basic and advanced stitches, blocking, how to add beads, yarn weight systems, and yarn substitution. Knockout Knits meets my personal standard that every knitting book should teach a person how to knit. The collection is filled with socks, hats, scarves, shawls, fingerless mittens and more in order for readers to keep themselves warm all autumn and winter. I will recommend this book to my library patrons and share it with my knitting group. Thank you to Random House and Blogging for Books for providing this copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knockout Knits is the perfect book for adventurous knitters looking for unique and luxurious yet wearable knits. Split into three sections, this book features beautiful small scale projects that let knitters try out new techniques like wrapped stitches, adding beads, and unique lace patterns.

Laura Nelkin's passion for unique, creative design is obvious with each project. Nelkin shares her design process in the introduction for each pattern and provides a thorough explanation of the techniques showcased in each section of the book. The projects are beautifully photographed and have a vintage-inspired feel to them that will attract a young, fresh audience.

The projects showcased here are best suited for advanced beginners, intermediate, and advanced knitters. Knitters who cast on with this book will end up with a one-of-a-kind piece for wearing or gifting. I'm already itching to cast on the Bootsy Boot Toppers for the fall season!

Thank you to Blogging for Books for providing a review copy of Knockout Knits in exchange for my honest review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book promises "new tricks for scarves, hats, jewelry, and other accessories" and it delivers!

One annoyance I usually have with knitting or crochet books is that either there are only one it two really worth-while patterns or the stiches are hard to follow and learn. If I want to make that one cute shawl, I want to know the techniques before I get to the middle. Author Laura Nelkin solves this easily by presenting new techniques early in each section in a small piece, for example a bracelet or necklace. These apply to the following harder or larger pieces.

None of these patterns is huge; many can be made quickly as a present, even*.
I'm not adverse to something like a sweater, but usually I want something quicker.

As personal opinion, I like every single pattern in this book. I would make all if them and may have already planned who I can give each one to.

I would recommend this book to a knitter who has mastered basic knit/purl, but I do not think there is any need to be particularly experienced.

*Not that I would know...

[Mazzou B · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid knitter inheriting my love for this craft from my Irish grandmother, I am always intrigued by books full of ideas and patterns for beautiful creations.
Knockout Knits is a lovely paperback book devoted to new and unique patterns for accessories. Every pattern in the book would make a delightful gift; I am so excited to start sharing these warm expressions of love with my family and friends. The author is especially talented in creating lacy patterns. The book is full of instructions for hats, gloves, leg warmers, light-weight shawls and more. The photographs make the reader excited to try the patterns. The clothing is depicted in pretty spring-toned shades. As an aside, with the colors the knits are shown completed in along with the light-weight look of the shawls, I would say these accessories are perfect for springtime.
I suppose I would call myself an intermediate/advanced knitter and I found these instructions and ideas do-able! So excited about this lovely book.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of fun ways to manipulate yarn and add some pizazz to your knitting: Elongated stitches, dropped stitches, adding beads, etc. It's surprising how a simple stitch change makes simple projects like socks and fingerless gloves really unique-looking. I'm going to try elongated stitches and the cool hats first.

[Laurie Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many lacy knitting projects.

Looks fun to knit but impractical to wear in many cases. A few I might try. Knitting tips are great. Use as a knitting tutorial.

[Kim H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to receive a review copy for Larua Nelkin's Knockout Knits from Blogging For Books. As an avid knitter, I am always on the lookout for new accessory items which knit up quickly, especially as the gift giving season approaches. Knockout Knits not only provides knitters with a wide variety of accessories to knit, it also challenges readers to experiment with new techniques to add an extra element of interest to the experience of knitting and to the final piece.



The book is broken into three main areas of emphasis: wrapped stitches, lace, and knitting with beads. Within each section, Nelkin arranges projects from small and easy at the beginning to larger or more complicated projects at the end. With an introduction to each technique leading off the section, knitters will get a sense of the variety of effects each technique can offer. Even though I had done some basic knit stitches using the wrap/drop technique, Knockout Knits was the first time I saw the variety of ways this technique could be switched up to such different effects for some stunning end results. (Folly Cloche, I'm talking about you!)



Another technique I have always wanted to try but had not had the opportunity is knitting with beads. Nelkin's introduction and step-by-step guidance through the working of patterns with beads has given me the courage to cast on my yarn and go for it!



Patterns in Knockout Knitsare clear and easy to follow. The photographs are eye candy for fiber fanatics and fashionistas. Nelkin provides easy-to-read charts where appropriate. And, as mentioned earlier, the range from easy to progressively more challenging projects provides something that a knitter of any skill level can dive in and accomplish.



If you are a knitter looking for some great holiday gifting ideas, Knockout Knits is a sure hit!



From the Publisher:



An abundance of knitted luxuries--summery lace shawls, warm and wooly hats, a trio of cool knitted bracelets, and stunning beaded gloves--designed to grow your skills.



Who doesn't love to knit accessories? They're fast, often require only a skein or two of yarn, and make amazingly versatile gifts for friends and family. Small knits are also the perfect way to try something new--an unusual stitch pattern, wild multi-colored yarn, or even a touch of sparkle. Laura Nelkin is well-known for designing these fun-to-knit little projects introducing her students and fans to advanced techniques with her signature "You can do it!" enthusiasm. In her first book, she shares her 3 favorite types of knitting using wrapped stitches, lacework, and beads. Each chapter begins with a quick knitted cuff to lay the foundations, then gradually ramps up to more complicated designs. The result is an all-new collection of wearable, feminine knits with a slightly rustic aesthetic. Give them as gifts, stockpile for a chilly day, or dress up a casual outfit--these are knockout projects to enjoy knitting again and again.



About the Author:



Laura Nelkin, a prolific independent knitwear designer, graduated from Cornell with a degree in Apparel Design. A former design director, Laura sells her knit pattern and kit line to yarn stores worldwide and teaches workshops around the country and online with Craftsy.com. Her patterns have been published through Nelkin Designs, and in The Rhinebeck Sweater, Scarf Style 2, Knitscene, and Knitty. Laura lives near Ithaca, New York. Visit her at www.nelkindesigns.com.

[thuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knockout Knits is a gorgeous collection of luxurious and eye-catching accessories that incorporate simple techniques and embellishments for knockout results.

I've been following designer Laura Nelkin for a while now. She's known for creating beautiful accessories that often incorporate beads. When I heard that she had a book coming out, I knew I wanted to get it just for the section on how to bead. While the beading section was what drew me to the book, the other techniques and patterns in the book are just as good.

This book is broken up into three sections, each focusing on a specific technique. There are wrapped stitches, lace, and beads. I am familiar with lace already so that portion of the book was the least exciting to me. The patterns are still beautiful. I just don't think I learned anything new. If you haven't knit much lace before, Nelkin's tutorial is easy to follow and includes clear illustrations of lace techniques. There's also a tutorial on how to read a lace chart, which I think is invaluable in knitting. I liked the section on wrapped stitches. I don't really think of using wrapped stitches very much and Nelkin really uses the simple technique to create some unique results. The beading section was my favorite though. She goes into detail about the various ways in which you can use beads with your knitting. She also discusses how to choose the right beads for your project. The patterns in this section are especially stunning. There's just something about adding beads to an object that just gives it an extra wow factor. I love glitter and sparkle and beads really fall in line with that. I am not a big fan of knitted jewelry but Nelkin has a few pieces in here that are really lovely and would take no time at all to make.

Overall I was really impressed with this book. The patterns are gorgeous and are perfect for those special skeins of yarn in your stash. These accessories would make great gifts for friends and family or for yourself. Nelkin shows us how simple techniques and a little embellishment can great a real knockout knit. I highly recommend this book for the slightly adventurous knitter who wants to learn some new techniques to make beautiful, one-of-a-kind accessories.

[Minnesinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of cute accessory patterns here which will no doubt appeal to the young & hip. (Not that I've reached old fogey-dom yet. ;)

I like the Folly Cloche the best: It's like a cross between a brimmed hat and a cloche. The Crux Cowl is a slouchy cowl, a riff on the wildly popular Clapotis shawl(on Ravelry). The defining feature of both is the open, airy texture resulting from dropping stitches.

Lots of beaded things if you like that sort of thing. I just haven't knit in awhile and never got beyond "intermediate" stage, so I'm sticking to simple while I get back into the swing of knitting. But the Hibisco Necklace is tempting! Such a tiny little thing--almost more beads than yarn. Very pretty.

It's obvious where the "Laden" shawl got its name when you see it--it's heavy with solid sections of beading. Really gorgeous.

There are other, simpler shawls and berets, plus many tiny projects like cuffs and boot toppers. There are two armwarmer designs, one plain, one beaded. As a sop to men, there is a plain beanie and ribbed socks.

I just didn't see anything that I fell in love with and my original thought was to give the book 3 stars, but now after describing it, I must admit that Nelkin has a nice selection here of small (or smallish) portable projects -- something for almost everyone. But I just can't get past the beads on nearly everything.

I think the title is part o the problem, really. "New Tricks"? Beads are hardly new, and the cover could have hinted that the majority of patterns are beaded.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this one expecting just a pattern book, but was pleasantly surprised when it was a good bit more. She has divided the book into three sections focusing on different techniques - wrapped stitches (elongated stitches), lace, and beaded knitting. Each one has a good description of the technique and then patterns progressing from very simple (wrist cuffs, etc) to more complex (lace shawls and so on). While this is definitely not a learn-to-knit book, it's a good skill building books with patterns to satisfy a wide range of abilities. And pretty patterns too! It's one I'd honestly consider for my own shelf.

So why not 5 full stars? While the pictures were very pretty, I needed more. On some of the bigger projects especially, it felt like I was filling in some of the image in my head. Such patterns need both full view pictures as well as the close-ups of the details. Yes, I can go on Ravelry and check out finished projects, but that's what the book's for, right? Also, while a number of the patterns were completely my taste and I'll probably make, there were also a number that weren't - for a 5 star pattern book (on my own personal grading scale), I have to pretty much want to make everything. Nothing super weird or out-there in this collection, just not all my own taste. Still, there were a number I'll probably add to my queue. I especially liked the reversible cables and lace projects (a few of those), the Chaching tam and mitts, Prolix mitts, Quadro shawl, Loco shawl, and Juego cowl.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've recently become a fan of Laura Nelkin's designs, hence the purchase of her book. Her website shows images of the included projects and you'll find Errata for the book on Ravelry under the pattern names.

A knitter ready to advance beyond knit and pearl will have no problem following the well-written instructions. Some of the pattern instructions include a chart and Laura does have an instructional page named "How to Read Charts". Another instructional page is named "Lifelines." I became aware of this useful technique last year when I was knitting a slightly asymmetric triangle lace mesh scarf. It would have saved me 20 rows of unknitting if I had known about this aid to knitting. I also recently enrolled in her class on Craftsy called "Save Our Stitches: Fixing Lace Knitting Mistakes".

Back to the book: The introduction to the beaded beauties section includes clear information about picking out beads and how to knit with beads. Essential knitting techniques are included and the added plus is that some of the techniques may be found in a video on Laura's website. She also has a group on Ravelry and is willing to answer questions you may have about her designs.

I liked enough of the designs in the book to consider the book a good buy.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free from Blogging for Books.org with no compensation. The thoughts in this review are of my own.

I was excited when I received this book. I have been knitting for almost 2 years. When I saw this book. I jump at the chance! There are gorgeous patterns for almost every taste. The books introduction and guides are clear!

The book is inviting with its smooth layout, beautiful covers, and relaxing colors! Patterns are cute and ranges for every knitting level! The author, Laura Nelkin, introduces good techniques and also gives some handy do's and do not's to those techniques! I have found the patterns to be challenging, but not difficult!

The writing in the book is crisp and clear! Good illustrations for figuring out patterns as well as good pictures of the finished pattern! This book is excellent for beginners.

However, my only complain with the book is that the font size is a little smaller than what I have normally seen in knitting magazine or other books. I am in no way belittling the author! Knockout Knits is still a must have book for knitters to have in their stash! There are gorgeous accessories that I can not wait to knit! This is thee book to get to knit up some warm new accessories for this winter! Happy knitting!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something to be said for knitting eye-candy. It inspires. It gets creative chops going and creative juices flowing. Pretty much anyone who has a yarn stash, or has ever held a hook or needle in hand will verify this. Knockout Knits hands out pages and pages of yummy projects and photos. The author gives a range of projects for each style she covers, so that even novice knitters can give things a try, while advanced can be challenged. (I fall into the former, but my friend Maria falls into the latter, and she verified this.) The array of projects for each technique lets knitters have smallish projects to try a new style or idea out with, rather than having to commit a whole sweater, only to discover half way through that it's not for you. Life is too short to have excess WIPs.

As I said, I am a novice knitter (though advanced in crochet) and found myself lusting after some of these projects. I just have to dig out my knitting needles, though, in fairness, I may use them to poke a knitting master friend to make one of the advanced projects for me.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for sending this copy to me, and thanks to the author and publisher as well.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected this book is full of Laura Nelkins amazing designs. She has published many of them on-line already, so a few are not new to me, but to see them all in one collection is impressive.
I love her use of lace and beads - although the novice lace knitter needs to be aware that many of her designs implore a technique of lace element is both knitting directions. I believe it is called knitted lace - (vs. lace knitting).

Clear directions and wonderful patterns. I believe I need to buy me a copy!

[Rebecca Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

love to knit & always am interested in knitting books. This one did not fail.

It had such beautiful patterns & new techniques that I have not tried. Plus the pictures in the book were so gorgeous & the patterns were well written & easy to understand.

The only problem now is I'm not sure which project to start first.

My step daughter is a knitter as well & I know as soon as she sees this book, she's going to want it for herself.

This is a perfect book to get for knitters in your life.

[༺Kiki༻ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The low rating is based solely on the finished projects—none of them struck my fancy. Don't forget to check Ravelry for errata; Folly Cloche, Gateway Cuff, Las Cruces, Laxo Hat, Loco Shawl, Trapeze Scarf, and Traversus Socks all contain errors.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my review on my blog :)

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a couple of good patterns in here, but mostly uninspired items.

[Lisa Leput · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful scarf & shawl patterns

[Shirley Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book - it provides lots of patterns which I love and have already knitted up two of the scarves. It will be a book which I refer to often.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many beautiful projects I'm going to have a hard time choosing where to start. While I've checked it out from the library now, I'll probably buy it to be able to make gifts from it in the future.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The majority of these patterns are fantastic! I'm looking forward to trying some of the beaded patterns.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice enough book, but the patterns are not at all something I would wear.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wave Cuff
Folly Cloche
Lac Cruces Shawl
Traversus Socks
Getaway Cuff
Juego Cowl
Reversible Undulating Waves Scarf

[JL · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many charming knits. There are a few errors on the patterns as I was made aware buy the anonymous errata corrections included with my copy from the library