Book Review: Texture by Erika Knight

There are a lot of different textures available to knitters through combinations of knit and purl stitches, cables, lace and more. But it seems like a lot of the time we stick to the basics: Stockinette, Garter and ribbing.

Inspired by the textures found in the repeating patterns of city buildings and the more organic designs found in the country and near the ocean, Erika Knight’s Texture: 20 Timeless Garments Exploring Knit, Yarn, and Stitch offers patterns that are often asymmetrical, oversized, choppy or designed in a way to look unfinished, worn or weathered.

These kinds of patterns are not for everyone, and I definitely found myself wondering at some of the design choices. But just because they’re not for me doesn’t mean they aren’t interesting. (You can check out all the patterns on Ravelry.)

Some of my favorites are the more straightforward ones, like Thatch, a Garter Stitch jacket; and Rutt, a striped and textured bulky tee.

If you’re looking for something adventurous and outside the ordinary, Texture has a lot of interesting options and a handful of classic pieces you’ll want to add to your wardrobe.

About the book: 192 pages, hardcover, 20 pages, published by Roost Books, retail price $27.95.

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

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When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

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