Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary

June 15, 2014

Stitch dictionaries are the bread and butter of the knitter's library, demonstrating the wide variety of patterns that can come from a few simple stitches. Bernard (Custom Knits Accessories) puts an uncommon spin on the genre with this collection of more than 150 stitch patterns, which include written directions for knitting each pattern flat as well as in the round--the technique used for tubular projects such as socks (the swatches in the photos are knitted flat, however). As with any solid stitch dictionary, the swatches show multiple repeats of the pattern, and the color photos are clear and large enough to display detail. Charts are present as needed. Examples incorporating the stitch patterns in the book are sprinkled throughout, for a variety of small accessories such as hats, socks, scarves, and mittens, as well as some larger garments such as sweaters and vests. VERDICT The four volumes of Barbara G. Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns remain the gold standard of stitch dictionaries, but Bernard's collection, with its attractive color photographs, could be the heir apparent.

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