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Book Review: Japanese Stitches Unraveled

April 13, by Sarah White. Leave a Comment

I have quite a collection of knitting stitch dictionaries, but sticking to stitch patterns that are available in English limits your possibilities. In recent years Japanese knitting books and all their fun stitch patterns have become more available in the United States and elsewhere, and publishers have sought to provide English versions of these pattern books to a wider audience.

Wendy Bernard’s Japanese Stitches Unraveled: To Knit Top Down, Bottom Up, Back and Forth, and In the Round offers 160 stitch patterns inspired by those found in Japanese knitting books, described anew for an English-speaking audience.

Japanese knitting books often use different symbols and don’t provide a lot of explanation as to what the knitter is supposed to do to execute the stitch. Bernard says in her book that even with some knowledge of Japanese, as she has, it can be difficult to decipher the instructions in these books. They’re also expensive and difficult to come by as they are not regularly exported.

Bernard provides translations of a multitude of stitch patterns as well as instructions for how to work them top down or bottom up, flat or in the round. They are also charted as well as having written instructions.

Some of these patterns will look familiar but many are unique, and she has given them fun names (Japanese stitch dictionaries use numbers rather than names). So now you can knit Charlie Brown twisted ribs (a sort of chevron rib pattern), Dragon and Cables (a wide cable with a zigzag of traveling stitches on top), Spiders (bobbles combined with tuck stitches) and Beetle Cables, to name just a few.

Each chapter — focusing on knits and purls, ribs, fancy and textured patterns, cables, and lace — includes a pattern showing how you might use one of the stitch patterns, and there are three from-scratch projects (a blanket cocoon cardigan and oversized cowl) you can knit as designed or add your favorite stitch patterns.

Japanese Stitches Unraveled is a fun addition to any knitter’s stitch pattern book collection, and it provides plenty of inspiration and tips for designing projects using these fun stitch patterns.

About the book: 288 pages, hardcover, 160 stitch patterns, 8 knitting patterns. Published by Abrams Books, suggested retail $29.99.

Looking for more knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for more Cable-styled knitting patterns? Check out these Cable Knit Patterns on Etsy

Next Pattern:

  • Book Review - 280 Japanese Lace Stitches
  • Book Review: Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible
  • Book Review- 50 Fabulous Knit Aran Stitches
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Have you read?

Knitting Pattern – Adorable Teddy Bear Cardigan For Baby

As a knitter, I am always on the lookout for new and interesting patterns to add to my collection. Recently, I came across Sirdar’s TEDDY BEAR CARDIGANS IN SNUGGLY SNOWFLAKE CHUNKY, design number 5404. This pattern caught my attention because of its adorable teddy bear motif pockets, and the fact that it comes in two different styles – a V-neck and shawl collar version.

The fluffy Snuggly Snowflake Chunky yarn that is used in this pattern adds an extra touch of warmth and coziness.

I have to admit, I haven’t had the chance to knit this pattern yet, but it’s definitely on my list of patterns to complete this year. The fact that it is classified as an easy level makes it accessible for knitters of all skill levels and I’m excited to give it a try. The pattern includes detailed instructions and charts, making it easy for knitters to follow along and create a beautiful and functional piece.

I love the idea of the teddy bear pockets and I can imagine how adorable it would look on a baby. The fact that the pattern comes in two different styles gives me the flexibility to choose the one that best suits my needs or preferences.

I am excited to add this pattern to my list of projects to complete this year. I believe that this pattern is a great choice for knitters looking for a cute and cozy project that is easy to make. I can’t wait to start knitting and see the final product.

Get the pattern here: TEDDY BEAR CARDIGANS

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