The Knitting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face, Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask

513 Pages·2015·16.43 MB·English

by  Margaret Radcliffe

Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Casting On
Basic Cast Ons
All about Casting On
Special Cast Ons
Provisional Cast Ons
Solving Cast-On Problems
Chapter 2: The Basics
The Knit Stitch
The Purl Stitch
Hows and Whys of Knits and Purls
Stitches, Rows, and Counting
Tips for Lefties
Discovering Your Personal Knitting Style
Twists and Turns
Solving Problems with Knitting and Purling
Fixing Mistakes
The Slipped Stitch
Edge Stitches
The Yarnover
Personal Factors
Chapter 3: Binding Off
Standard Bind Offs
All about Binding Off
Solving Bind-Off Problems
Special Situations
Chapter 4: Tools
Knitting Needles
There’s More to Knitting than Needles
Chapter 5: Yarn
Yarn Labels
All about Yarn
Working with Yarn
Solving Yarn Problems
Chapter 6: Reading Patterns
Sizing
Gauge
Measurements and Schematics
Materials and Tools
Abbreviations and Charts
Knitting Instructions
Solving Problems with Knitting Patterns
Chapter 7: Pattern Stitches
Basic Pattern Stitches
Special Stitch Manipulations
Working with Pattern Stitches
Solving Pattern Stitch Problems
Cables
Lace
Chapter 8: Circular Knitting
Getting Started with Circular Knitting
Solving Circular Knitting Problems
Casting On in Special Situations
Gauge in Circular Knitting
Working Circularly
Changing Colors in Circular Knitting
Pattern Stitches in Circular Knitting
Binding Off in Circular Knitting
Converting Flat Knitting to Circular Knitting
Chapter 9: Color
Choosing and Using Colors
Multicolor Cast Ons
Stripes
Stranded Knitting
Mosaic Knitting
Intarsia
Variegated Yarns
Chapter 10: Shaping
Increases
Decreases
Special Situations
Chapter 11: Fitting
Before You Begin
While You Work
After You’re Done
Solving Other Problems with Fit
Short-Row Shaping
Chapter 12: Finishing
Blocking
Sewing Up
Solving Seaming Problems
Kitchener Stitch
Borders
At Loose Ends
Solving Problems during Finishing
Wash and Wear
Chapter 13: Embellishments
Beads
Bobbles
Cords
Straps
Pom-Poms, Tassels, and Fringe
Duplicate Stitch
Resources
Common Abbreviations
Chart Symbols for Knitting
Acknowledgments
Other Books by Margaret Radcliffe
Copyright
Share Your Experience!
I N T R O D U C T I O N
What’s Your Question?
The knitting landscape has changed a great deal since The Knitting Answer Book was first
published ten years ago. The online marketplace and resources have exploded; a much
broader variety of knitting tools and educational programs is available; a few knitting
techniques that were almost unknown in 2005 are now commonplace; but the essentials of
knitting remain the same.
Reflecting these changes, this second edition of The Knitting Answer Book still
includes all of the details that have made it so beloved by those who rely on it. But now it
incorporates additional techniques that weren’t originally included (like Magic Loop),
expansion of some sections (more cast ons, more bind offs, and so on), the addition of
sections on things like choosing and working with colors, and updated resource lists. In
other words, this edition of The Knitting Answer Book is bigger and better than ever.
I wrote this book with all levels of knitters in mind. Some of the questions posed here
are those only a more experienced knitter would think to ask. Others are questions I
frequently get from beginning knitters. Although much of this book focuses on questions
from those who are already knitting, I’ve included detailed instructions of every step from
beginning to end. If you’re not already knitting, get yourself some worsted-weight wool
yarn and some needles, cast on, and then learn the basics of knit and purl. Next, learn to
bind off. Find out about tools and yarns before you purchase more of each . Spend some
time learning to read a pattern, work pattern stitches, knit circularly, use color, and
shape your knitting. Discover how to get the best fit. After you finish knitting, find out
how to sew up and consider embellishments like beads, fringes, and tassels.
When you seek advice from other knitters and other books, you’ll discover that there is
no one “right” way to do anything, from casting on to adding the final finishing touches.
In The Knitting Answer Book, I always try to suggest several ways to accomplish whatever
it is you want to do, then explain how to choose among the suggestions. Feel free to
experiment and try them all, and you’ll soon discover your own “right” way to knit.
C H A P T E R 1