This very easy guide opens up the wonderful world of twisted stitches to knitters of any ability, even complete beginners.
It is an indispensable introduction to all kinds of stitches, from simple mock cables to intricate bobble-textured plaits, for both cable panels, accents, and all-over repeats.
Learn the basic techniques and practise the stitches with clear instructions and step-by step photos - then use your skills to make 13 specially designed projects, from giant-cable throws that stitch up quickly on large needles, to snuggly hats and scarves and more adventurous accessories and home comforts.
Each stitch pattern is featured in both written and chart form so you can get used to using either method when working from other commercial patterns. So whether you're a knitting novice or a dab hand, cables have never been easier to make.
This is a reissue of the previously best-selling published book The Very Easy Guide to Cable Knitting (9781844485314).
Table of Contents:
Introduction 6
Lesson 1: Yarns 8, Lesson 2: Knitting kit 10, Lesson 3: Cable needles 12
Knitting basics 14
Lesson 4: Casting on 16, Lesson 5: Knit and purl 18, Lesson 6: Reversible fabrics 20, Lesson 7: Casting off 21, Lesson 8: Tension 22, Lesson 9: Charts 24
THE CABLES 26
Lesson 10: Mock cables 28
Technique: Binding stitches 30, The stitch collection 32, Project 1: Mug and tea cosies 50, Project 2: Placemat and napkin ring 54, Project 3: Scarf 56, Project 4: Storage basket 58
Lesson 11: Cable panels 60
Technique: Working a simple cable 62, The stitch collection 64, Project 5: Hot water bottle cover 82, Project 6: Hand muff 84, Project 7: Cushion and bolster 86, Project 8: Throw and cushion 88
Lesson 12: Cable patterns 92
Technique: Twisting stitches 94, The stitch collection 96, Project 9: Oblong cushion 116, Project 10: Knitting bag 118, Project 11: Baby blanket 120, Project 12: Handbag 122, Project 13: Floor cushion 124
FINISHING TECHNIQUES 126
Lesson 13: Blocking and pressing 128, Lesson 14: Perfect seams 130, Lesson 15: Tassels 132, Lesson 16: Pompoms 133, Lesson 17: Twisted cord 134, Lesson 18: Fringing 135, Lesson 19: Adding buttons 136, Lesson 20: Decorative thongs 138, Lesson 21: Aftercare essentials 139
Abbreviations and chart symbols 140
Index 142
About the Author :
Lynne Watterson has been knitting and designing for as long as she can remember. At the age of five she designed her first outfit - a sweater, hat and scarf ensemble for her Sindy doll. With knitting in her blood, her grandfather was a machine knitter and her grandmother a pattern checker for a knitting publication, it came as no surprise to her family when on leaving school she worked as a knitting sub-editor at IPC Magazines. Lynne has edited many craft magazines in her career including Fashioncraft, Hand Knitting News, Machine Knitting News, Cross Stitch, Needlecraft Magic, Cross Stitch Magic, as well as contributing to many others including Prima and Ideal Home. Lynne lives and works in the Cotswolds, UK.
Review :
First published in 2010, Watterson's "very easy guide" follows a logical approach to cable knitting, dividing the instructions into 21 lessons and 13 projects. Both front- and back-end lessons establish the basics, from yarns and chart reading to blocking/pressing and aftercare essentials. In between are the three grouped cabling guides—mock cables, cable panels, and cable patterns. Each includes a quick overview, then launches into patterns (some with variations), filled with colour photographs of finished examples, charts, and written details. Plus the projects: scarf, storage basket, baby blanket, knitting bag, cushion, and more. Tips are scattered throughout (e.g., keep one label from the yarn as well as a snippet) as are designer tips (how to fringe, for example). No level of difficulty is indicated, though readers can assume that projects progress from easy to more difficult. Knitters will need to flip to the appendices for abbreviation definitions. A good second step after consulting references like the Vogue Knitting series.
I love books like this as they give you so many ideas of different stitches that can be used. The bonus with this book is that it has a selection of projects where you can apply cable stitches. The patterns are all easy to follow with clear written instruction and the photos make it clear how the end project should look. There are a variety of yarns used from Dk to super quick projects using chunky wool. The samples with different cables have charts as well as written instructions, so are great for visual learners who may find it tricky to follow written instructions.
If you are not a fan of traditional cable you can try some of the “mock” cable stitches where you do not need a cable needle.
This book would be a great addition to your stitch library.
