Compendium of Knitting Techniques: 300 tips, techniques and trade secrets - Hardcover

Barnden, Betty

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1844483215 ISBN 13: 9781844483211

Publisher: Search Press, 2008

Synopsis

Give a stylish finish to your knitted garments and accessories with this essential compendium of knitting know-how. Over 200 tips, fixes, and secrets are explained and illustrated with clear step-by-step photographs and diagrams. Discover how to read patterns and charts; choose colours and yarns; mix and match stitch patterns and deal with gauge variations; adapt designs for the perfect fit. All stitches are clearly demonstrated, from stockinette and ribbing to lace, Fair Isle, cables, and intarsia work. Explains all the techniques you'll need, in the order you'll need them, from casting on and joining in yarns to adding buttonholes, pockets and embellishments. "Try it" and "Fix it" panels suggest ways of practicing and developing new skills and avoiding or correcting common knitting errors.

About this title

Review:

Just like a big, baggy sweater this is a book that you can use now, but grow into over a period of time. The introduction explains how beginners can use the book, and then how more advanced knitters can find sections just for them. Why can t more craft books be like this? But at least this one is, which makes it a great gift for anybody wanting to learn how to knit, if you can bear to part with it. Bear in mind however that this is primarily a book about knitting garments, not soft furnishings or toys. There is a large section devoted to working out figure types, colors to suit you and how each type of yarn behaves when made up. There is virtually every stitch you can think of explained with clear photographic diagrams, more than one method for casting on and different styles of knitting. Look at the "Fix It" panels for advice on what to do when it all goes wrong, and if you are more advanced have a go at adapting patterns. There is even a flip-out back page showing you what all those complicated abbreviations mean, and a helpful glossary. In fact, I cannot think of anything that has been left out if you want to knit clothing. Another keeper from Search Press, and possibly the best book on knitting I have yet to see. --Rachel Hyde, MyShelf.com

We could all do with a Betty Barnden in our lives! Betty has worked for many years in the field of needlework and knitwear with the industry's big names and has an impressive list of publications to her name. This latest one is a gem that knitters of all abilities and experience will refer to for Betty's advice and wisdom again and again. The Compendium of Knitting Techniques is a really useful book to have to hand. There are obviously some knitters who are experts in absolutely everything, but many can spend an entire knitting lifetime without working a bobble and most need a refresher in a technique at some point. To have 300 tips ready and waiting is especially helpful and although there are this many, they are all thoroughly and clearly explained. The book is packed with problem solutions and ideas with 'try it' and 'fix it' panels peppered throughout. Novice knitters will of course benefit from the basics and introduction to yarns, equipment and techniques. Experienced knitters can find information about designing and adapting patterns and the more technical side of knitting and design. There are extensive sections on choosing colour, flattering your body shape and getting the perfect fit. As sometimes patterns assume a little too much, especially for intermediate knitters, you can easily refer to this encyclopedia to fill in the gaps to perfect your ssk or picking up stitches. Advanced techniques covered in the book include entrelac, cables and other subjects such as buttonholes, openwork stitches and fastenings. Creative methods and approaches are covered too with dyeing, felting, combining yarns and beads. There are some interesting suggestions hidden in the panels such as knitting both sides of a neckline at the same time and how to add shaping to your knits with vertical darts. Once your knitting is complete there is a section on assembly and sewing together with hints on finishing accompanied with clear colour photographs and illustrations. It is a brilliant book to leaf through for inspiration or to find something new to try that will give even the most jaded knitter an idea or stepping stone for a new project. Beginners can be assured of a thorough grounding in a comprehensive range of techniques that will be of use for a lifetime of knitting. --Knit Today, June 08

Synopsis:

This is an indispensable compendium of technical know-how and troubleshooting tips.Give a stylish finish to your knitted garments and accessories with this essential compendium of knitting know-how. Over 200 tips, fixes, and secrets are explained and illustrated with clear step-by-step photographs and diagrams.You can discover how to read patterns and charts; choose colours and yarns; mix and match stitch patterns and deal with gauge variations; and, adapt designs for the perfect fit.All stitches are clearly demonstrated, from stockinette and ribbing to lace, Fair Isle, cables, and intarsia work.It explains all the techniques you'll need, in the order you'll need them, from casting on and joining in yarns to adding buttonholes, pockets and embellishments."Try it" and "Fix it" panels suggest ways of practicing and developing new skills and avoiding or correcting common knitting errors.

About this edition

• Publisher: Search Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1844483215
• ISBN 13: 9781844483211
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 160