The New Knitting Stitch Library: Over 300 Traditional and Innovative Stitch Patterns Illustrated in Color and Explained with Easy-To-Follow Charts

I just got this book a few days ago and I have really been enjoying it! I've swatched several patterns from the different sections and been very pleased.The book is organized well; I like having the 'picture index' in the front for quick reference. The charts are clear and easy to read. Most patterns will require just one or two repeats to familiarize yourself with any unusual symbols used in the chart. There are a few patterns (the simpler knit and purl patterns) which appear with both charted and written instructions, so that you can get some additional practice beyond the examples in the introduction. Raw beginners might have some trouble, e.g. conceptualizing that a dot indicates a purl stitch on the right side of the work and a knit stitch on the wrong side; but if you have a decent grasp of the fundamentals and a good knitting reference book to help you with unfamiliar techniques, you're set.There are quite a few patterns in this book which I absolutely adore and can't wait to design projects to use them in. Many of the cable patterns in particular are intriguing - different and fresh without being wacky. But I'm partial to cables, so maybe there's a little bias showing through....The only thing that's lacking in this book is commentary on the different stitches' history, recommended applications, caveats etc., which is part of what makes Barbara Walker's Treasuries so enthralling. Even with that lack, though, I have to give it full marks as an inspiring knitting stitch library.

This knitting pattern reference book would do well in your library - like diamonds, you can almost never have enough pattern books as the possibilities are endless!What is outstanding about this book is how well it is organized - each section is grouped by type such as cables, lace and even a just knit and purl section. Even the index has snap shots of each pattern making it so easy to find by style. Excellent color pictures and charts of all stitches - best charting layout I have seen yet. If you are unfamiliar with working with charts, take time to read the intro and practice on the smaller patterns. Once you get the knack of working with charts, you will see that it is a time saver and it is easier to visualize where you are.I would recommend this for knitters who have some experience with the basics, intermediate levels and above.

I own several stitch guides. This is one of my favourites. The thing that distinguishes it from others is the part in the front where there is a small version of each stitch, so it is easy to find the stitch you are looking for. The chart technique for describing the stitches is different from most stitch guides, but it works fine. In addition, they've done all the samples in neutral colored yarns, so it is easy to see how the stitches compare.

I have had so much fun with this book! At first I was afraid of the charts, but now that I've learned how to read them, I find them much easier to use than written directions--you can see clearly what you're supposed to do instead of having to wade through a bunch of text (and in a pattern of 90 stitches or more, text directions can be SOOO confusing!)This is a great book if, like me, you like playing around with new things and designing your own pieces. Before this book, I was afraid of cables, too, but one night I just hunkered down and followed the directions and was amazed at how easy they actually are--so I love the large section on cables in this book.Beginners shouldn't be afraid to try new things--after a book on basic knitting techniques (and a good teacher), this would be my next purchase. If you just try some of the more than 70 knit and purl stitches (easy as pie) your confidence level will shoot up and you shouldn't be afraid to move on to cables, bobbles, and lace. Try things out and if you make a few mistakes, don't worry about it--just figure out where you went wrong and try again.Whenever I'm bored and don't want to work on my current project I just whip out some inexpensive yarn and try a few new patterns from this book.

I began knitting a little more than a year ago, and could find very few patterns to match my inspirations. This book gave me the freedom to create my own designs, and match the fiber to a stitch that would best display the beauty of its texture and color. I have used the book several times, for at least 5 different sweaters, and anticipate returning to it many more times. The graphical schematic patterns make it very easy to identify what row you are on, and the overall concept of the pattern. This book is ideal for someone who prefers the freedom of designing rather than following a pattern with a complete set of instructions for designing and shaping. I know of at least two other people who consider this book a valuable asset to their collection of knitting books. The color photographs are beautiful, and suggest fibers to accentuate a particular stitch.