Super Stitches Knitting Review
Karen Hemingway's Dictionary of Over 300 Knitting Stitch Patterns
Feb 17, 2008
Super Stitches Knitting by Karen Hemingway is a book that will appeal to knitters looking to take their knitting on to the next level. Whether this is beginner knitters looking to develop their skills or more advanced knitters who are seeking new inspiration and stitch ideas, this is an extremely useful reference book.
The first few pages of the book are set aside for knitting basics. This includes some simple "how to" information plus a lot of useful detail about techniques and some tips that even advanced knitters may find it useful to know – or at least to be reminded of.
The Stitches
The second part of the book is the stitch library and this is where the book really starts to come into its own. The book is then dedicated to demonstrating over 300 different stitches. This includes:
- Knit and purl variations
- Ribs
- Textured stitches
- Edgings
- Ornamental stitches
- Eyelet patterns
- Cables
- Knitted lace
- Textured color work
- Fair Isle
One of the joys of the book is the fantastic photographs that clearly show each stitch. The knitting samples have been worked in a plain yarn meaning that the stitch detail can clearly be seen. Instructions are given for each stitch both in text and in charts where appropriate.
The stitches include some unusual and advanced techniques. The knotted border, for instance, is a wonderfully unusual technique and could be adapted and varied to produce some interesting results. The cable variations, too, are worth a mention and should present plenty of inspiration for someone looking for some creative cabling ideas.
Tips are given where necessary, and this includes picking the best yarn to use with a particular stitch to take into account any special features of the stitch and to show it off to its best advantage.
The book is presented in an easy to read format and the "lie-flat" binding makes it simple for knitters to work while not having to try and mark their place or keep the book open.
Who Will Find This Book Useful
Super Stitches Knitting will appeal to a whole variety of knitters:
- Those who are looking to write their own patterns or adapt existing designs. For instance a knitter may want to substitute a stitch used in a sweater for another and this book will present a library of options. (Note: Knitters looking to substitute stitches will need to ensure that they work a tension square before starting to assess gauge. The wide range of stitch types and variations will mean that the finished stitches will have different proportions.)
- Knitters looking to learn more about different stitches or are seeking inspiration for their own designs.
- Knitters looking for a complete reference book
- Experienced knitters looking for new challenges – even a simple dish cloth or baby jacket could become more challenging by using different stitches
Further Information
- Title: Super Stitches Knitting - Essential Techniques Plus a Dictionary of More Than 300 Stitch Patterns
- Author: Karen Hemingway
- Publisher: Watson-Guptill
- ISBN-13: 978-0823099573
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