This is a creative guide to the 300 knitting stitches and timeless classics for newcomers, designers and knitters of all abilities. It's a feast of new material and a must-have addition to existing reference books on the subject.
* Machine Knitting Monthly *
Stanfield's classic receives a facelift in The Knitter's Stitch Collection. Originally called The Essential Stitch Collection for Knitters, the fundamental framework of the book is relatively unchanged. Divided into eight categories, from knit and purl to letters and numbers, every section first displays all the stitches in color swatches (called the stitch selector), then singles out the stitch, featuring a bit of description along with charts and, usually, written directions. Dominated by cable and lace variations, the stitch names are fairly evocative: Celtic knot, kilim star, polka dot, allium. Symbols run as a bottom-of-the-page banner and are more thoroughly explained in the last chapter along with inserts on using the stitches, a gallery of ideas, instructions on essential techniques, and abbreviations and symbols. Still a vital reference for any category of knitter.
-- Barbara Jacobs * Booklist *
This book has something for every knitter from the starter wishing to develop their skills to the more advanced who would like greater challenges. I like the way that the ideas are graded and the fact that the book does not focus on one technique. A book like this is akin to a recipe book where you will delve in and out for inspiration.
The book would be great for creating the knitter's first designs whether it be a scarf or a blanket using different stitches for squares.
All instructions are clear and different methods are explained fully. The diagrams and charts are a good size so that the user can easily see the finished results and follow the graphics. If one prefers written instructions one would need to use an alternative book. I would have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* Monica Russel, author of Nordic Knits for Children *
It is difficult to find much to say about a stitch dictionary: if you know the Harmony Guides you will be familiar with many of these stitches. However, the authors have also added new, more complex cables and some unusual stitches. Something that I have not seen before is a chapter on knitting letters in a eyelet stitches, which might be useful to incorporate into a gift for someone.
* Slipknot *
