A-Z of Knitting: The ultimate resource for beginners and experienced knitters

by Country Bumpkin

Overview

Learn everything you need to know about knitting in “one of the most comprehensive, easy-to-use guides available” for beginner knitters and beyond (Stitch Magazine)!

Features over 400 step-by-step photographs, 20 designs, and loads of need-to-know advice on knitting stitches, techniques, and supplies.

All you need to know about knitting is here, from beginner’s basics to advanced techniques. With clear instructions and helpful photographs, this complete resource walks you from first casting on through basic stitches, increasing and decreasing, reading patterns and fixing mistakes. Soon you’ll be mastering knitting in the round, Aran, Fair Isle, intarsia, lace knitting, and more.
 
Starting with the basics, we teach you about the different types of tools and the wonderful array of yarns that are available today. We give you easy to follow step-by-step instructions for various ways to hold the yarn and needles, cast on and cast off, work basic stitches, increase and decrease, make buttonholes, knit bands, read and adapt patterns, finish off, fix mistakes and care for your knitted garments.
 
And then there’s more! Learn about knitting in the round, loop knitting, Shaker knitting, slanted knitting, lace knitting, and much more. Be inspired to embellish your knitting with surface embroidery, Swiss darning, smocking, beads, and sequins.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782211624
Publisher:	Search Press
Publication date:	07/14/2020
Series:	A-Z of Needlecraft
Pages:	156
Sales rank:	382,156
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Compiled by the expert team at Country Bumpkin, renowned Australian publishers of embroidery books and magazines. With a legacy of creating the world's most beautiful needlework magazines including Australian Smocking & Embroidery and Inspirations, as well as the world-famous book series A-Z's and countless other titles, Country Bumpkin has a rich heritage in all things needle and thread. Country Bumpkin is now part of the famous Inspirations brand of embroidery magazines and books.

Table of Contents

The History of Knitting 4

From 'nalbinding' to the 21st century

Before You Begin 10

Types of yarn Your choice of yarn will determine the overall look of your garment 10

Needles 11

You need to know needles - the crucial knitting tool

Other tools and equipment 12

These great tools will make your knitting more pleasureable

Tension/gauge 14

The key to knitting pieces the correct size

Reading patterns and charts 15

Some of the most common abbreviations used by knitters

Basic Stitches and Techniques 16

Holding the yarn and needles 16

Casting on 18

Casting on techniques for all occasions

The essential stitches - knit and purl 26

Knit and purl stitch form the basis of almost every knitted fabric

Other basic stitches 30

Expand your repertoire

Casting off 30

Or how to remove your needles without your precious knitting unravelling before your eyes

Joining in a new yarn 36

What to do when it's just not long enough

Selvedges 38

Adding an edge to your knitting

Shaping 39

The long and short of increasing and decreasing

Holding stitches 48

Picking up stitches 48

Working short rows 52

Creating curves in your knitting

Rib stitches 55

Essential items for borders and bands

Making buttonholes 59

Explore seven different types of buttonholes

Fixing mistakes 69

No matter what goes wrong there's usually a ready solution

And Then There's More 77

Aran knitting 77

How to create cables, bobbles and twists

Beaded knitting 88

Adding sparkle to your knitting

Circular knitting 91

Knitting in the round, an alternative to straight rows

Knitting with multiple colours 94

Explore Fair Isle and Intarsia knitting

Embossing 105

A way of adding dimension to your garments

Entrelac knitting 108

A fascinating technique reminiscent of patchwork or weaving

Lace knitting 114

Knitting can be gracious and delicate too

Loop knitting 115

Creating mock fur and other loopy ideas

Shaker knitting 118

Making extra warm garments the way fisher wives used to

Surface embroidery on knitting 122

Transforming knitted fabric into something truly unique

Duplicate stitch 131

A quick and easy way to add colour and interest

Smocking on knitting 133

Use traditional smocking stitches to decorate your knitting

Finishing Techniques 138

Finishing ends of yarn 138

Blocking 139

The key to a beautifully finished garment

Sewing up seams 140

A variety of techniques for ensuring your knitting is all stitched up

Fringes, pompoms and tassels 145

Fun, finishing touches that are easy to make

Caring tor knitted garments 148

Laundering, storing and adjusting your precious garments

Index 152