Book Reviews

Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel

I just love the patterns in this book. From the 25 patterns I've got a short list of 10 I'd really like to make! The styles hit just the right balance, not too plain and not too fussy.

Stefanie's philosophy is that if you're going to all the trouble of making your own knitwear it should fit and flatter. The introduction shows how you can adjust the patterns so the finished garments fit you perfectly.

The patterns are graded Supereasy, Medium and Challenge. There's even a knit along, so you can see how other knitters are getting along, see photos of their finished garments and get advice if you get stuck. Errata for this book.

The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe

This 400 page book is such a handy size (16cm x 12cm), I keep a copy in my knitting bag and often refer to it. It's a good price and features clear diagrams and concise instructions.

According to Margaret's web site, the book was 'test driven' by her local knitting guild and it really shows, the explanations are all very clear.

There's a lot of information packed into this little book. As well as the basics of yarns and stitches it also covers circular knitting, colour knitting, shaping, fitting and finishing. There are also some useful tables and charts as well as a good list of further reading.

One Thousand Sweaters by Amanda Griffiths

This is a great resource. It takes a mix and match approach to allow you to make sweaters and cardigans designed to your requirements.

It has split pages with the upper pages consisting of 31 different sweater and cardigan body styles. Some of my favourites are the wrap cardigan, the bolero and the intarsia sweater.

The lower pages feature 15 sleeve styles, 28 collar styles, 2 belts and 5 pockets. The body patterns have a guide to show which styles of sleeve and collar are compatible with your chosen body style.

All the patterns are at 22sts x 30rows so will require a DK yarn. I'm a big fan or DK. It's fine enough to give a more professional looking garment with a slimmer silhouette, but thick enough for reasonably fast progress.

The only down side is the limited size range, just 3 sizes, bust 34", 36" or 38".

Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book

This is a real knitting heavyweight. An encyclopaedia of knitting that will really earn its keep. It has detailed step by step illustrations to guide you through various knitting and finishing techniques. It even includes details on how to insert zips and elastic.

There is a detailed section on designing knitwear and a set of modular knitting patterns as well as a stitch dictionary. I also loved the introductions to the various sections from some of the giants of the knitting world such as Elizabeth Zimmermann, Barbara Walker and Kaffe Fassett.

Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann

Elizabeth Zimmermann is one of the all time greats of the knitting world. You'll find her books referenced time after time. Not having an EZ book in your knitting library would be like studying English literature without reading Dickens.

It isn't a 'learn to knit' book but you'll get lots of tips for improving your knitting. Some of the gems include the sewn cast off which will match your cast on and helps reduce curling of stocking stitch and her trick for adding 'afterthought button holes'.

The book also includes patterns for various hats including snail hats (see our knitting projects page for a photo), mittens, socks and various seamless jumpers, all in her trademark conversational style.

Shadow Knitting by Vivian Hoxbro

Shadow knitting provides subtle patterns that appear and disappear depending on what light the item is seen in.

It is based on knitting alternating bands of light and dark yarn with the pattern formed by purl ridges. When viewed face on the item looks striped, but when viewed from an angle the underlying pattern becomes visible.

The patterns range from potholders, scarves and cushions to sweaters, jackets and Kimono style tops.

This book provides all you need to master the technique and start incorporating secret messages in your knitwear!