200 Knitted Blocks: For Afghans, Blankets and Throws

by Jan Eaton

Create gorgeous afghans and more with this amazing choice of 200 knitted block patterns to mix and match. From geometric designs to multi-hued blocks, you'll discover new ways to play with colour, pattern and texture. Choose from easy to advanced knitting patterns, from simple knit and purl designs to more elaborate cable, lace and bobble blocks. Use blocks in one of the suggested layouts, or design your own – all blocks finish to the same size when worked in the same yarn weight. Also learn how to finish your blocks in style with patterns for fringes, ruffles and other decorative edgings. This book has everything you need to create unique afghans, wall hangings and accessories; from knitting techniques and step-by-step instructions for 200 decorative blocks to inspiration and advice for planning your design and creating a finished piece. Each block is labelled with at-a-glance symbols that tell you instantly what techniques are used to create the block and the level of difficulty so both experienced and new knitters can pick and choose blocks according to their confidence. This invaluable knitting block library will be used time and time again from simple baby blankets to stylish throws in your home.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published June 20, 2005

About the author

JAN EATON is known internationally for her specialty in needlecraft and textile designs. Since finishing her training at Goldsmiths College in London, Jan has worked as a freelance designer showcasing her embroidery, crochet, knitting, and textile painting designs in various UK and European magazines. Past works include the new edition of Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, Country Crochet and Knitted Lace, and 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans. (ref: http://us.macmillan.com/author/janeaton)

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made a blanket using many of the different squares plus border in the book so can definitely count it as another one read. Some patterns take more concentration than others but all turn out beautifully and I will be using it again and again.
Need to work through some squares from the equivalent crochet book next.

[Jo Bennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eaton's book contains enough blocks to create your own afghan, each block will be the same size if the same yarn and needles are used and the inspirational potential is great. I agree entirely with the reviewer who said this doesn't actually contain over 200 blocks as some are just variations, some only colour variations which any of us can do. However, my major issue is with the construction of the book.

Eaton starts with a short interesting introduction on how to use the book and block directories. But she places a 'mix and match' section on ideas for combining blocks before the block directory itself, which I feel would have been better the other way round giving the reader time to look at the blocks and absorb their detail first. She places her 'techniques' section last of all, which I would have put in the introduction, because it is here she deals with yarn weights, calculation of amounts, needles, stitches and abbreviations, after the designs which use these abbreviations in the first place. Each section is really useful, but even as a fairly experienced knitter I found the order confusing.

However, as a source of inspiration and as a resource this is a great book

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books contains excellent instructions on the illustrated patterned blocks as well as advice on colour matching, how to knit (although you should probably know the basics before starting)and finishing off an afghan. There are some beautiful examples of assembled blankets too. In fact, there is so much choice that I find myself quite overwhelmed when I'm looking through it - I want to do them all, right now! There are enough examples in here to keep an avid knitter going for quite some time. You don't have to worry about your level of experience either, skill level is given for each block.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great selection of patterns, and the best part is the big photos so you can really see the patterns.

One disappointing thing is that a lot of the 200 blocks are just color variations of the same block. Uh, that's kinda cheating isn't it? I think they should have just named it "150 blocks" or whatever and made the color variations seem like a bonus. But whatever.

I haven't actually used it to make blocks. I mostly use it to pick out patterns. Like for scarves.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many fun possibilities, and such a great way to use oddments of yarn too! As a long-time quilter, this book really appealed to me. Patterns include a wide variety of skill levels. The book is well laid out and beautifully illustrated. A joy!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, creative, mostly simple patterns good for using up old yarn.

[Wisteria Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

knitting,patterns,Instruction

[Julied · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many blocks I will try. I have found at least three afghans I want to put together.

[Jasmine]

i think i crapped myself in so much excitement. get thee to a yarn shoppe