Vogue® Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised & Updated

This is, by far, the most comprehensive knitting skill building book I have ever seen. I am a knitting instructor who has been knitting for 30 years and I knit at an expert level and I design my own sweaters. I own approximately 300 knitting books and I have purchased just about every skill building book out there, including the predecessor to this one. The improvements that have been made in this edition are significant and are worth the upgrade. This could literally be the only knitting book in your library and it will get you from beginning knitter to expert. You will learn everything, and I mean everything you need to know to become a great knitter. This book starts with the very basics and brings you right through to expert knitting. The only thing that is not in here is "couture knitting" but that is a niche market and if you get to that point, you can buy Catherine Lowe's "Ravell'd Sleeve" online for $40. (That's another book that's worth the price if you get to that level). Here is the layout of this hard-cover coffee table sized book's color coded chapters ( there are extensive well done diagrams and photos in every chapter) 1. Yarns and Supplies - Explanation of types of yarns including definitions of fibers, yarn twist/structure, weights, gauge, needle size, an ounces vs weights table and care of the yarn. 10 pages elucidating the various styles of needles, best uses for each kind, and knitting and crochet needle size chart and many photos and explanations of all of the other gadgets and tools needed in knitting. 2. Basic Techniques: The Structure of Knitting (shows clear examples of what a knit stitch looks like and what a purl stitch looks like - very important basic skill needed so that you can "read" your knitting. Holding Yarn and Needles, Casting On, The Basic Knit stitch, Basic Stitch Patterns, Joining Yarns, Increases, Decreases, Binding Off. This is all in 37 pages of nice diagrams with explanations. There are some additions from the previous version of this book. 3. Cables: Introduction to Cables, Types of Cables, Understanding Cable Symbols, Reading Cable Charts, Cable Stitches and Symbols, Cabling Without a Cable Needle ( which is probably my all-time favorite technique and an absolute time saver if you are making cables). 4. Color Knitting: Stranding Knitting (ie. fair isle and the like - there are examples of the many kinds of stranded knitting) Intarsia, Bobbins, Charts, Horizontal Stripes , Vertical Stripes, Slip Stitches, Mosaic Knitting, Short-Row Color Knitting, Plaid Knitting. (I am in a fair isle group on Facebook and there are many people who are new to stranded knitting who have many questions that can easily be answered in this chapter). 5. Lace; Introduction to Lace, Yarn Overs, Decreases, Reading Lace Charts, Shaping in Lace, Lace Borders and Edgings, Blocking Lace, Correcting Mistakes in Lace Knitting 6. Circular Knitting: Knitting in the Round, Circular Needles, Double - Pointed Needles, Two Circular Needles, Magic Loop, Jogless Join ( how to make color changes in the round without a "jog" in the color), Steeking, Moebius Knitting 7. Directional Knitting: Entrelac, How to Knit Entrelac in the Round, Modular Knitting, Bias Knitting, Center-Out Knitting, Center-Out Squares, Center-Out Circles, Center-Out Geometric Shapes, Center-Out Stars 8. Advanced Techniques: Brioche Knitting, Double Knitting, Tucks, Loop Stitch, Elongated and Drop Stitches, Felting 9. Understanding Instructions: Understanding Garment Knitting Instructions, Schematics, Gauge, Gauge Swatch for Knitting in the Round, Counting Rows, Knitting Abbreviations Explained, Crochet Abbreviations Explained, knitting Terminology, Symbols, Unusual and Alternative Symbols 10. Correcting Errors 11. Finishing: Introduction to Blocking, Blocking Materials, Blocking, Seaming, Grafting or Kitchener Stitch, Picking Up Stitches, sewing in a Sleeve, Attaching Separate Pieces and Hemming 12. Designing Sweaters: 73 pages in this chapter because you need this kind of comprehensive material Introduction to Designing Sweaters, The Conceptual Process, Planning Yarn Amounts, Body Measurements, Using the Vogue Knitting Design Worksheet, Vogue Knitting Design Worksheet, Ribbing, Body Shaping, Armhole Shaping, Raglan Armhole Shaping, Neck and Shoulder Shaping, Sleeve Shaping, Set-In Cap Shaping, Raglan Cap Shaping, Cardigan Shaping, Dart Shaping, Short Row Shaping, Circular Design, Selvages, Neckbands, Collars, Plackets, Buttonholes, Bands Borders and Edges, Crochet Edges, Hems, Patch Pockets, Inset Pockets, Pleats and Tucks, Gathers Ruching and Flares, Finishing Touches, Shoulder Pads, Using Elastic, Buttons, Zippers, Linings 13. Designing Shawls: Introduction to Shawls, Designing Shawls, Square and Rectangular Shawls, Shetland Construction, Triangular Shawls, Circular and Half-Circular Shawls, Crescent and Short-Row Shaped Shawls, Faroese Shawl Construction, Nupps and Beads, Ruanas 14. Designing Accessories: Caps and Hats, Anatomy of a Hat, Types f Hats, Designing Hats (including schematics for measuring head), Blocking Hats, Mittens and Gloves, Anatomy of Mittens and Gloves, Measuring the Hand for Mittens and Gloves, Making Fingerless Gloves and Mittens, Mittens, Gloves, Socks and Stockings, Anatomy of a Sock, Designing Socks, Cuff-Down Socks, Toe-Up Socks, Toes and Heels, Knitting Knee-High and Over the Knee Socks, blocking and caring for Socks 15. Embellishments: Embroidery, Knitting With Beads, Knitting With Sequins, Additions **I bought this book at a pre-release price of $27. I would be willing to pay $40 for it all day long. I am not benefiting from providing this review, I just believe strongly in sharing my knitting skills with other knitters and I feel strongly that this is the absolute best knitting reference I've ever seen

Good book for beginners and more experienced knitters. Provides lots of information and alternatives. Many pictures to illustrate techniques.

They weren't kidding when they said this book is huge. While not practical travel, you would have the more condense version for that; but makes a nice coffee table book and pretty much covers most techniques now, including the magic loop. Sure it might not go in-depth on every topic; it is still a great starting point for both beginners and those who want to expand their knowledge and learn something new. Even helps when it comes to fitting and gives tips if your cast ons are too tight, etc...

Why didn't I get this book ages ago? Probably because "Vogue" sounded like it would be more high fashion than practical. It's so detailed and comprehensive it replaces just about every other resource. Borrowed it from the library and immediately ordered one for myself. I recommend it highly.

I bought this as a holiday gift for an acquaintance in my knitting group. I am impressed with the thoroughness as a reference and the clarity of instructions. I will purchase this to gift again. Book is pricey, but worth it.

It's maybe not fair to criticize this book for being incomplete when it's already so large and detailed. It's certainly a wonderful resource, and of course it can't actually be comprehensive. As an example, buttonholes I've seen in patterns and online always look kind of shoddy to me... I would like to learn how to make them more polished. This book has a two-page spread on buttonholes and covers the basics, but they all look "homemade" and not polished (okay, there's a third page, with a little more info. Also, no info on Dorset buttons. Conversely, I do like that there's a smattering of info here for nearly everyone, from beginners to experts, and I think it's a nice reference book. It's very affordably priced for a huge book, has excellent illustrations, and would make a wonderful gift for a new knitter.

I got this book after a long hiatus from knitting, and it helped boost my chops. I experimented with cast-ons and yarn holds, made different heel flaps on socks depending on the yarn I was using, and found ways to combine crochet and knitting. The pattern making info is easy to understand and really works. I can now make things by measurement and stitch designs alone, or customize patterns when I decide to use one. The instructions like “Russian join” and stitch abbreviations now make sense. Not many books boost confidence and competence like this one does, if that is what you want, so you can also “do your own thing.”

I’ve been knitting garments for myself for over seven years before purchasing this book. Just by briefly skimming through each of the 16 chapters it has, I’ve noticed there’s significantly more to learn about knitting. It’s also extremely helpful and nice to have all of what I already know about knitting in one place and concisely communicated.

Rather encyclopedic knowledge

Libro excelente para consulta cualquier duda.

Just over a decade ago, I returned to knitting to combat arthritis and boredom/pain. With no mother or grandmother any more, I bought the last version of this book, and found it invaluable. The book takes you through everything you need as a beginning knitter, and well beyond. Whilst I have bought many other books and magazines, this remained centre shelf at all times. I didnt ponder for long when I saw how many oages the new version had, as I always like to try new things, and am very glad I did upgrade. I gave the old version to a friend who I taught to knit left handed, who is now branching out into things beyond stocking stitch. So what in the book? It takes you right from fibre and tool choices- with the addition now of many new fibres and tools through to designing your own knits. There are excellent diagrams on many stitches and cast on methods, and explanations of english vs continental vs left hand knitting, as well as the more complex styles like circular, brioche, mosaic and centre out knitting. The problem fixers are great for those ooops moments when its way too late, or embarrassing, to phone a friend. The glossaries are great and include basic crochet, as some patterns do include a bit for finishing etc. The design section takes you through from measuring yourself, via neck and pocket designs, through to blocking and sewing up. There are two new sections on designing accessories and scarves with many different styles explained. Finally there are sections on embellishing, edges, and even storing your knitting. If you only ever buy one book for your knitting, make it this one. If you then want to add a couple more, I would recommend a stitch dictionary (sometimes called a stitchionary!) and the book of 6000 pullover possibilities by Melissa Leapman.

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Everything you need, with lots of photographs, and good plain text.