Knitting School: A Complete Course

Although the title suggests that readers seeking a full knitting tutorial will be able to use this as a master guide, its true purpose lies in its presentation of a variety of knitting techniques for intermediate to advanced knitters and designers. The instructions begin with the basics-casting on, knitting and purling-but the lack of any text other than straight directions may actually confuse and discourage beginners. The volume jumps rather haphazardly from the tools needed (though beginning knitters won't require as many as are listed) to how to design a sweater, before moving on to shaping and complicated stitches (including the little-used tubular stitch), which may baffle novices. However, the clear illustrations are helpful in other areas, such as the comprehensive sections on piecing sleeves, collars, wristbands, hems, edgings, buttonholes, pockets and mending. Basic but worthwhile instructions on embroidery, special stitches and a few small projects, such as gloves, baby booties and socks, are also handy, but instructions on knitting shoulder pads and pleats seem to have come from another century, when knitters had no resources except yarn and needles. While the full-color drawings are very clear, it's too bad that there are no photographs depicting, for example, a correctly completed stitch. Somewhere between a knitting encyclopedia and a beginner's handbook, this volume falls a bit short on both accounts, but it should greatly benefit knitting devotees who want a few techniques at their fingertips when designing sweaters.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A complete course? Pretty darn close. This oversize and highly visual book begins with the basics and then details many techniques that are often not used even by experienced knitters simply because they don't know how: edgings, blocking, more elaborate ways of increasing and decreasing, pleating, and knitting with beads. Instructions, diagrams, and illustrations are all crisp and effective. Although brand-new knitters may not be able to simply work from a book, those who are past the scarf-making stage will be able to follow right along. An attractive treat for knitters who want to learn about going to the next level without jumping into more difficult patterns. Ilene Cooper
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