400 Knitting Stitches

Synopsis

Whether you're a beginning knitter or advanced, whether your tastes range from simple knit-purl stitching to fancy Daisy or Moroccan screen, this dictionary of stitch patterns is indispensable!

Young knitters, old knitters, hip knitters, traditional knitters: they all enjoy different styles. But every knitter from age 5 to 95 needs a good dictionary of stitches.  400 Knitting Stitches is a comprehensive guide that invites knitters to experiment with a variety of new stitch combinations. The book is conveniently divided into eight categories: knit-purl, crossed and cables, slipped, lacy, double, twisted, cast-off, and fancy stitches.  Making a romantic lacy wrap or a classic cable sweater? Whatever your style, there's a stitch in here for you.

Each of the 400-plus featured stitches is accompanied by easy-to-follow written and charted instructions, as well as a full-color photograph. A section on basic knitting information and techniques at the front of the book makes this volume even more invaluable.

From advanced knitters experimenting with their own designs to beginners looking for clear instruction and explanation, 400 Knitting Stitches is an essential reference for knitters of all kinds.

Summary

Chapter 1: Basic Stitches

* Knit stitch (k): Insert the right-hand needle into the left-hand stitch from back to front, hook the yarn, and pull it through.
* Purl stitch (p): Insert the right-hand needle into the left-hand stitch from front to back, hook the yarn, and pull it through.
* Ribbing: Alternating rows of knit and purl stitches creates a stretchy, elastic fabric.

Chapter 2: Simple Lace Stitches

* Eyelet stitch: Knit 2, yarn over, knit 2, slip the first 3 stitches over the last 2.
* Garter lace: Knit 2, *yarn over, knit 2; repeat from * to end of row.
* Chevron lace: Knit 3, *slip 1 stitch with yarn held in front, knit 2; repeat from * to end of row.

Example: A baby blanket with a chevron lace border.

Chapter 3: Advanced Lace Stitches

* Cobweb lace: A delicate and airy lace pattern created by yarn overs and dropped stitches.
* Mohair lace: Uses fine mohair yarn to create a transparent and ethereal fabric.
* Nottingham lace: A traditional lace technique featuring intricate patterns and scalloped edges.

Example: A shawl with a intricate Nottingham lace trim.

Chapter 4: Cables and Plaits

* Cable stitch: A stitch pattern that crosses stitches over each other, creating a raised effect.
* Plait stitch: Similar to a cable stitch, but the stitches are crossed in a different order.
* Aran stitches: Complex and intricate cable and plait patterns traditionally found in Irish sweaters.

Example: A sweater with a cable panel down the front.

Chapter 5: Slips, Bobbles, and Drops

* Slip stitch: A stitch where the yarn is simply slipped from one needle to the other without knitting it.
* Bobble stitch: A raised, textured stitch created by wrapping the yarn around the needle multiple times.
* Dropped stitch: A stitch that is accidentally slipped off the left-hand needle, creating a hole in the fabric.

Example: A scarf with a bobble stitch pattern and dropped stitches for a distressed effect.

Chapter 6: Finishing Techniques

* Binding off: Securing the last stitches to finish the piece, such as the knit bind off or the crochet bind off.
* Blocking: Shaping and smoothing the finished fabric using water and heat.
* Seaming: Joining different pieces of knitting together, such as the mattress stitch or the invisible seam.

Example: Blocking a sweater to give it the desired shape and fit.