Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns

by Mary Thomas

This book contains the fruits of centuries of experience and invention in knitting and is quite possibly the best single manual of knitting patterns ever written. Turning its pages, you will see the patterns grow from simple to more elaborate. You will find this to be the best arrangement for instructional purposes as well as a demonstrations of the orderly and scientific methods on which knitting patterns are based. You will be astonished at the great beauty and variety of these patterns, and you will come to realize the potential of knitting, in practiced hands, as one of the finest of crafts.
The author begins with basics, with the distinction between knit and purl sides of the fabric and the use of simple black-and-white charts to present patterns. She then introduces a new motif or design in each chapter. Charts, diagrams, and photographs are used liberally along with the text to illustrate each pattern and steps in the creation of each, with special symbols to indicate critical points, so that you can guard against going astray. The patterns range from cross and cross-over motifs through slip-stitch patterns, eyelet patterns, faggot and lace faggot stitch, bias fabrics, lace knitting, embossed motifs and patterns, medallion knitting, picot point knitting, and filet lace. Concluding chapters are devoted to seamless garments and accessories, modern garments, and ornamental uses of increasing and decreasing. There are lists of French and German knitting terms and an index of textures.
Special attention is given throughout to explaining the how and why of each pattern, and the properties of each in terms of horizontal and vertical stretching so that selection of patterns can be made practically as well as aesthetically. The beginner will find this book an excellent guide and instruction manual, and the experienced knitter will find it an almost inexhaustible encyclopedia of patterns, methods, and suggestions.

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

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1972

Reviews

[Dyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many books about knitting patterns, and I always chose the ones with good, colored photos, just so it's easier to visualize the end result of the pattern. For that reason, I never thought of borrowing this book, because it's an old book with no photos, only black and white illustration.

But then I tried to borrow it a couple of days ago, just curious. Oh, I wish I read this one a long time ago. It really opened my eyes about what I thought I knew about knitting. No photos, but all is clearly explained. It helped me understand so much about knitting structure.

I think I'll buy this book. I've got to find it on eBay.

[Probibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is good for absolute beginners, which I was when I read it back in the seventies - and I still own the same copy and use it frequently. Dover books really do last forever and cost very little. The illustrations are clear,useful, and have a period charm. The stitch patterns are organized into groups that left you insert them into a garment easily. It is mostly a book of stitch patterns but some techniques are covered and it is helpful when the reader wishes to design.

[Maylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my go to books for all things knitting

[Lisa Risager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow reading as I am also knitting swatches/samples.

[Imom · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my favorite !

[Horus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a reprint of the original which brings all the benefits and some of the faults. This is a really excellent reference for the novice or experienced knitter with descriptions of stitches and knitting that, to me, were even more clear than many other quite respectable similar books. It would be nice, this being the digital age, if the book could be updated with digitized charts making them more easy to read than the hand drawn versions included. Also, the book’s trade back format is inexpensive but harder to read because of the hand drawn nature of some of the charts and symbols. Also, the quaint addition of the small cartoons in the original printing was surely amusing but generally takes up space better used for other information.

All this aside, this book should serve one as a really useful reference to knitting stitches, solving of fabric draping issues, questions of gauge etc. Every serious knitter should own this book.

[Tammy]

This is a very cool book, but I wish it was updated. Although some off it I think Nicky Epstein also covers in a few of her books. Lots of vintage, historical pieces photographed. Tons of creative options.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for reference and history, but contains little in the way of projects.

[Ann Johnson Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A knitting classic. Excellent reference for stitches.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start at the beginning and work your way through and you will learn some incredeble things!!