A-Z of Knitting

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.

Book Contents

The history of knitting 4

Before you begin 10
Needles 11, Other tools and equipment 12, Tension/gauge 14, Reading patterns and charts 15

Basic stitches and techniques 16
Casting on 18, The essential stitches 26, Other basic stitches 30, Casting off 30, Joining in a new yarn 36, Selvedges 38, Shaping 39, Holding stitches 48, Picking up stitches 48, Working short rows 52, Rib stitches 55, Making buttonholes 59, Fixing mistakes 69

And then there's more 77
Aran knitting 77, Beaded knitting 88, Circular knitting 91, Knitting with multiple colours 94, Embossing 105, Entrelac knitting 108, Lace knitting 114, Loop knitting 115, Shaker knitting 118, Surface embroidery on knitting 122, Duplicate stitch 131, Smocking on knitting 133

Finishing techniques 138
Finishing ends of yarn 138, Blocking 139, Sewing up seams 140, Fringes, pompoms and tassels 145, Caring for knitted garments 148

Index 152