The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary: 150 new stitch patterns to knit top down, bottom up, back and forth & in the round

by Wendy Bernard

Wendy Bernard’s groundbreaking reference title Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary was the first of its kind to provide stitch patterns written for top-down, bottom-up, back-and-forth, and in-the-round constructions—and readers took notice.

Now Bernard is back with The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary , which picks up where the first volume left off, adding hundreds of new stitch patterns organized similarly by type—knit and purl, textured stitches, ribs, lace, and cables—plus a chapter on mosaic knitting. Each chapter of The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary includes a customizable pattern so that knitters can easily swap out stitch patterns to make their own unique knitted items.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, How To

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 26, 2016

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needles down, the most for knitters, by a knitter book I've found. There's an index for multiples of stitches! Basic patterns for socks (top-down and toe-up), caps (top-down and bottom-up), and triangular shawls (top-down and bottom-up). Bernard makes it easy for knitters looking to make their own patterns for the first time. Most of the patterns have charts, and some have patterns for working flat and in the round. (Bernard converted star stitch to knitting in the round and I am Blessed.) A pattern for each section is included. I didn't find any of them particularly inspiring, but they are good ideas for how to use stitch patterns.

The swatch photos could have been a bit better; some swatches were worked on yarns with less than stellar stitch definition (but at least not a high pile). Overall, one of the better stitch pattern books I've encountered. Clearly, it was made for love of the art, not to fill a publishing spot, and that makes all the difference!

[Melanie]

This is a must-have book for all knitters contemplating their stash and wondering - what in the world will I do with all of this yarn? Pick a skein or two or six, pick a stitch pattern, decide if you want to knit flat (from the top or bottom) or in-the-round (from the top or bottom), and go!

I've made cowls, scarves, and hats so far, but the possibilities are endless. Is there a sweater pattern that you like except for the cable, or the lace, or the texture? Switch it out! Is there a scarf, hat, cowl, mitt, shawl pattern that is written flat, but you want to knit it in the round? Here's the answer.

This plus The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary: 150 new stitch patterns to knit top down, bottom up, back and forth & in the round are on my shelf next to Barbara Walker's collections. Essentials!

[San Diego Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knitting is a relaxing hobby that allows for endless creativity and invention. According to the author, Wendy Bernard, stitch dictionaries are like cookbooks for knitting. The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary offering 150 stitch patterns for you to try; however, this is not a collection of projects; rather, it is a collection of different types of stitch patterns you might want to use in your projects.

Bernard emphasizes the importance of swatching, to find out how a pattern will look, drape, wash, or otherwise act in your finished design and chosen yarn. She has, very helpfully, included both written patterns and charts, and has translated patterns for knitting both in the round, or flat or bottom-up. Chapters include Knits and Purls (the most basic patterns, with lots of variations!); Ribs; Twisted, Slipped, and Fancy; Cables; Lace; and Mosaics. There is also a section on designing from scratch, for those of you who are anxious to jump out on your own!You can read this entire review at San Diego Book Review

[Debbie Handley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book as far as stitch dictionaries go-it is the first I've found that also includes circular knitting. The only problem I have with this book is that it is made with a spiral binding and these types of books never last. I checked my copy out from my local library and my copy was falling apart.

If this book was made without a spiral binding I would buy a copy for myself.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear, great colour photos and instructions, this is one of the few stitch dictionaries I have seen that gives clear instructions for both working flat and in the round.
Nice options and some neat patterns to showcase some of the stitches (includes basic top down and bottom up socks and hats and triangular shawls). Try out: parachute lace

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

brilliant for people who have difficulty converting patterns for flat to in the round knitting

[Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stitch patterns written and charted for flat and in round. Also some projects

[Cyndi]

Library has ebook

[Alix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent stitch dictionary. All stitches are transcribed in flat and bottom-up, top-down rounds. Love it.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good basics and some different/interesting stitches

[Lorraine]

Utilize all the time.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent stitch dictionary. Appreciate the patterns were both written and in chart form. Full color photographs.

[Andi Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference book for stitch swatching. I liked that both flat and 'in the round' directions were given, and this is worth having as a reference even if the Vogue stitchionaries are part of your personal library.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems like it'd be a great resource when I actually know what the hell I am doing.