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Knitting in the Old Way: Designs and Techniques from Ethnic Sweaters
Knitting in the Old Way is a clear and comprehensive guide to traditional and ethnic knitting skills. It begins by presenting fifteen timeless sweater shapes and then teaches color and texture techniques.
312 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1982
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 13, 2015
Take my review with a grain of salt, because I didn't actually use the patterns which comprised probably half of the book. I got this from the library, so next time I *do* make a sweater, perhaps I'll get it again, we'll see.
That said, it was really interesting to learn more about the history of knitting worldwide and specifically sweater construction's history. Yes, it has a history! I was surprised to learn that clothing/shirts/tunics was traditionally knit in the round (for some reason I thought that was a recent invention), and that sweaters as we know them today are relatively recent (1800s!). If you aren't planning to use the book to actually make a sweater, then it isn't worth buying, and you should probably just borrow it from someone/where, since the history part is only a portion of the book.
That said, it was really interesting to learn more about the history of knitting worldwide and specifically sweater construction's history. Yes, it has a history! I was surprised to learn that clothing/shirts/tunics was traditionally knit in the round (for some reason I thought that was a recent invention), and that sweaters as we know them today are relatively recent (1800s!). If you aren't planning to use the book to actually make a sweater, then it isn't worth buying, and you should probably just borrow it from someone/where, since the history part is only a portion of the book.
April 20, 2010
The techniques in this book are easily understandable to those who use Elizabeth Zimmermann's percentage system. The information and history lessons are priceless. Anyone learning to knit should read this after Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes.
I will use this book as a reference in designing my own patterns.
I will use this book as a reference in designing my own patterns.
June 29, 2020
I was sort of skeptical about the book given the title, but I also really wanted to learn more about various traditions of knitting from around the world, so I picked it up anyways, and I'm glad I did! I learned some really fascinating things about different ways to knit that were developed around the world - did you know that you can knit in almost the opposite way and it will make fabric that looks exactly the same? So cool - but I also had to slog through a lot to grab those.
The authors' main point was that knitting "in the old way" - i.e. without having a pattern telling you line by line instructions, using proportions - is far superior to the modern way. It was very condescending, and didn't acknowledge that there are plenty of people that enjoy knitting as a sometimes hobby, and thus are very satisfied just getting a couple of patterns or a book or what have you and following the instructions without needing to get deep into the way sweaters are constructed. I'm not ever planning to knit my entire wardrobe because I don't enjoy that, and it takes a lot of time that I prefer to spend on other things, but when a particular piece strikes my fancy I'll make it. (It does probably mean I'm not the target audience.)
However, I really enjoyed the bits about knitting history. It was really fascinating to see the changes over time in general sweater plans, and the typical designs, motifs, and colors of different areas around the world. The only really disappointing thing was that the authors mentioned that the Islamic world and South America used a different knitting method than Europe and North America, and I got excited to see the different motifs etc. that they would use, and then there was basically no information about them. I'm not sure if they're less well-documented, or those cultures tended not to knit sweaters, or if the authors just didn't do the research, but it was very disappointing.
Overall, I'm glad I read it, but I'm pretty sure if I wanted to find information on knitting "in the old way" on the Internet I could, and it would probably be less condescending.
The authors' main point was that knitting "in the old way" - i.e. without having a pattern telling you line by line instructions, using proportions - is far superior to the modern way. It was very condescending, and didn't acknowledge that there are plenty of people that enjoy knitting as a sometimes hobby, and thus are very satisfied just getting a couple of patterns or a book or what have you and following the instructions without needing to get deep into the way sweaters are constructed. I'm not ever planning to knit my entire wardrobe because I don't enjoy that, and it takes a lot of time that I prefer to spend on other things, but when a particular piece strikes my fancy I'll make it. (It does probably mean I'm not the target audience.)
However, I really enjoyed the bits about knitting history. It was really fascinating to see the changes over time in general sweater plans, and the typical designs, motifs, and colors of different areas around the world. The only really disappointing thing was that the authors mentioned that the Islamic world and South America used a different knitting method than Europe and North America, and I got excited to see the different motifs etc. that they would use, and then there was basically no information about them. I'm not sure if they're less well-documented, or those cultures tended not to knit sweaters, or if the authors just didn't do the research, but it was very disappointing.
Overall, I'm glad I read it, but I'm pretty sure if I wanted to find information on knitting "in the old way" on the Internet I could, and it would probably be less condescending.
December 27, 2022
This is a great book just to read about traditional knitting from around the world, while at the same time giving you tools to make your own garments. All of a sudden I feel confident enough to attempt my own fair isle Gansey without a pattern!
February 15, 2021
This book is not for the new knitter. It is specifically a guide about knitting sweaters in a variety of traditional styles, not about any other type of garment. And it does not contain patterns per se. It contains a number of useful guidelines, diagrams, formulas, and concepts that instruct the reader in sweater construction. If you are a competent knitter, you will find this a useful guide to making your own sweater patterns.
I am only disappointed that the book is so Eurocentric. There is an effort to highlight a few non-European knitting styles, but they are far outweighed by what would be considered the usual fare of Norwegian, English, Icelandic, etc.
I am only disappointed that the book is so Eurocentric. There is an effort to highlight a few non-European knitting styles, but they are far outweighed by what would be considered the usual fare of Norwegian, English, Icelandic, etc.
March 18, 2017
A great read for a knitter
July 10, 2023
Contains a fascinating history of how sweater construction evolved, though I think it could use another update. I’ve truly learned a lot from flipping through this book, but there are some big caveats:
1. It applies a rather Eurocentric lens. The traditional styles in this book are primarily sourced from Northern Europe and a tiny bit from the Americas. This quote was particularly telling:
(The author says she has since embraced intarsia knitting, but this gives you a glimpse into why non-Northern European traditions might take up so much less space in this book.)
2. The percentages system taught by the book is actually an Elizabeth Zimmermann invention, I believe, and it has one major shortcoming: it doesn’t work so well with plus sizes. I would love to see some guidance on how to adapt the percentages to be more size inclusive.
3. The 2003 hardcover I got from the library has a pretty egregious error where the Sweden chapter in Color Stranding has been transposed to an earlier point in the book, making both the table of contents and index incorrect. It’s actually an intriguing conundrum how this happened because the pages are still numbered sequentially, despite the page contents being obviously out of order!
Again, for what this book does cover, it covers extremely well. The path by which shoulder shaping gradually became more sophisticated and the ways in which different cultures did steeking are examples of information that would be hard to come by in another book. Having this historical context gives you interesting insight into the pros and cons of the many ways to accomplish similar end goals. For the moment, I’ll probably continue to follow other people’s patterns, because I make a significant investment in my yarn and hate losing my pristine yarn to repeated bouts of experimentation, but this gives me inspiration to search for less prescriptive patterns that are easier for me to modify.
1. It applies a rather Eurocentric lens. The traditional styles in this book are primarily sourced from Northern Europe and a tiny bit from the Americas. This quote was particularly telling:
For many years, I refused to consider intarsia patterning as a legitimate aspect of knitting. After all, it had no basis in the folk tradition and I am not a “fashion knitter”. Then my fascination with sock knitting began—and I discovered a long illustrious history of intarsia patterning in the folkwear of South America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia!
(The author says she has since embraced intarsia knitting, but this gives you a glimpse into why non-Northern European traditions might take up so much less space in this book.)
2. The percentages system taught by the book is actually an Elizabeth Zimmermann invention, I believe, and it has one major shortcoming: it doesn’t work so well with plus sizes. I would love to see some guidance on how to adapt the percentages to be more size inclusive.
3. The 2003 hardcover I got from the library has a pretty egregious error where the Sweden chapter in Color Stranding has been transposed to an earlier point in the book, making both the table of contents and index incorrect. It’s actually an intriguing conundrum how this happened because the pages are still numbered sequentially, despite the page contents being obviously out of order!
Again, for what this book does cover, it covers extremely well. The path by which shoulder shaping gradually became more sophisticated and the ways in which different cultures did steeking are examples of information that would be hard to come by in another book. Having this historical context gives you interesting insight into the pros and cons of the many ways to accomplish similar end goals. For the moment, I’ll probably continue to follow other people’s patterns, because I make a significant investment in my yarn and hate losing my pristine yarn to repeated bouts of experimentation, but this gives me inspiration to search for less prescriptive patterns that are easier for me to modify.
August 18, 2014
Ms. Gibson-Roberts's inviting voice introduces the reader to many beautiful sweater traditions from around the world. This book is by necessity a broad introduction. However it is an excellent stepping stone that identifies the many sweater styles that a knitter may encounter and by its concise descriptions intrigues the reader into wanting more. This isn't a beginner's book. It is for an adventurous knitter with a bit of experience below her belt and a desire to know more.
October 29, 2016
Tak toto ma naopak zaujalo aj napriek absolútne marketingovo "out" forme. Len kresby bez fotografií, čo môže byť výhoda pre pokročilejších a technicky pripravených jedincov a nevýhoda pre tých, ktorí to ešte nemajú v očiach a v rukách. Sú to základy, mnohé postupy sú na webe už rozpracované smerom viac k súčasných trendom, ale pre tých, ktorí sa chytili na vlnu pletených produktov tradičného typu (Aran a podobne) je výborné východisko.
March 17, 2010
Awesome! This is going to be my go-to book for knitting from now on. How freeing to be able to knit sweaters from my head instead of trying to figure out someone else's pattern all the time. I'm sure I'll still knit from patterns, but to have an alternate option is fabulous. Very empowering. I loved the historical aspect of the sweater options as well. So interesting.
December 26, 2012
This book is a history lesson in knitting. If you are looking for a collection of patterns neatly laid out, this book may not be for you. However, if you're looking to understand why and how we knit today, and are interested in learning new construction techniques, this is the book. I love this book!
July 29, 2007
Very overrated; don't waste your money.
January 27, 2008
Simply the best catalog of basic sweater shapes and how to design based on them. A super technical manual.
January 18, 2009
Received it in the mail today for my birthday!
February 9, 2012
simple ways to construct patterns, old knitting techniques
March 4, 2010
History of knitting. Euro-centric.
June 2, 2012
People after my own heart.
September 4, 2011
Great reference on traditional sweater shapes and designs.
Read
December 15, 2012really want to read this in-depth!
November 6, 2018
Drawback in black and white.
December 27, 2009
Everything you wanted to know about knit-to-measure traditional sweaters.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews