First, the facts:
Title: No-Sew Knits: 20 Flattering, Finish-Free Garments
Author: Kristen TenDyke
Published by: Interweave Press, 2014
Pages: 175
Type: Patterns
Chapters:
1. The Basics
2. Interchangeable Stitch Patterns
3. Lace
4. Cables
The In-Depth Look:
A new book from Kristen TenDyke (author of Finish-Free Knits), this time focusing on handknit sweaters that don’t require you to sew anything together.
She says the book was inspired by the knitters who came to her book signings, whose most often asked question was “what is the easiest pattern?”—a question she kept in mind while putting this new book together.
Here she provides 20 sweater designs, many with options for customizing them to meet not only your needs, but your skill level. While this book is by no means limited to beginners, she has kept them in mind by making sure the instructions are accessible to everyone. The easier patterns are near the front of each chapter, list the necessary techniques at the beginning of each pattern, and try to avoid the dreaded “and at the same time” throughout.
The first chapter, “The Basics,” is filled with four basic sweater constructions in familiar stitch patterns. “Interchangeable Stitch Patterns” covers exactly that—patterns that can use any of six different stitch patterns, so you can customize to your heart’s content. “Lace” and “Cables” are obviously filled with sweaters in those stitch patterns.
Throughout the book, there are periodic tips to help you on your way, whether you’re an experienced knitter or not. She also takes entire pages to discuss certain techniques with all their advantages and disadvantages. Picking up stitches. Edging. Provisional cast-ons. Seamless set-in sleeve caps. Bust darts. … You get the idea.
The designs themselves are all for sweaters, and all have just enough going on to be interesting to knit without being overly difficult or too impractical to wear. I liked her conversational asides about why certain design choices were made, or how to modify things. She’s giving you the tools you need to make educated choices about whether you follow her pattern or make changes to suit yourself. And the idea of an entire chapter with interchangeable stitch patterns? Genius!
All in all, a great book with good designs and helpful information. You can get your copy here at Amazon.com!
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This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!
