Book Review - "400 Knitting Stitches - A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns" (Potter Craft)

 

Starting out in Knitting might lead you to believe that there's not a lot beyond the usual 'knit one, purl one' but you couldn't be further from the truth once you dig into "400 Knitting Stitches - A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns" published by Potter Craft. 

Though I'm clearly a beginner, and most of my knitting still looks like it's been dragged through a hedge backwards (and I STILL haven't actually made anything 'proper' yet), this book is filled with some truly dazzling pattern ideas. 

Even if you are just starting out, the first section lays out tons of interesting designs for those of us who can just about knit and purl. Presented in US format (the book is American after all), it comes with clear photographs of each stitch type (all on the same light coloured yarn except where colour work is described - a huge help) and stitch grid patterns that are easy to follow. 

Better still for beginners, the book actually lays out some simple techniques in the first introductory chapter that are a boon if you want to learn from a book rather than digging into the myriad of tutorials presented online or on YouTube. 

From Garter / Stocking Stitch to English Rib, from Blackberry stitch to the fancier cable designs (and some truly eye-popping stuff that will really make your knitting stand out from the crowd), it's a book I've been working through steadily since picking it up after spotting a recommendation on a knitting blog, and I'm very glad I grabbed a copy, the possibilities for using these are endless. 

Whether you're an experienced knitter or you're just starting out (and still regularly poking yourself in the eye with your needles) you'll find the majority of the patterns in here are brilliantly simple to create, and easy to work into your own woolly creations!

Thoroughly recommended. Look for prices around the £11-12 mark.