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Book Review: The New Knitting Stitch Dictionary

October 4, 2023 by Sarah White

I am a sucker for stitch dictionaries. I’ve pared down my collection over the years, but I still have more than a few, and I love to look through them for inspiration for designs (though admittedly most of what I knit is still garter, stockinette or ribbing, but I do love to have options!).

I hadn’t actually picked up a new stitch dictionary in a while, but The New Knitting Stitch Dictionary by Lydia Kl?s caught my eye at the library the other day so I decided to take a look.

This book has 500 knitting stitch patterns, from the basic to anything but. They’re organized into a few different categories to make it easier to find what you’re looking for (assuming you are looking for something in particular):

  • Knit-purl patterns
  • Cable and traveling stitch patterns
  • Aran, Alpine and Celtic patterns
  • Lace and dropped stitch patters
  • Nupps and flower and leaf patterns
  • Brioche and multi-row patterns (still not entirely sure what that means)
  • Decorative edgings
  • Stranded colorwork and intarsia
  • Patterns using special techniques not covered elsewhere (this includes things like mosaic, illusion knitting and knitting with beads)

Each stitch pattern is shown in a photo and with a chart explaining how to work the stitch. Charts are shaded to indicate the repeat and shown in different colors where different colors are used.

Some of the colors in the charts and in the knitting itself are so similar it’s a little hard to decipher what color is being used, and the text explaining the special stitches used is rather small, especially as the patterns get more complex. If I were working from this book I’d probably take a photo of the chart on my phone so I could zoom in better (and yes, I do feel a million years old typing that!).

This book offers a good collection of lots of different kinds of stitch patterns, so whether you’re just starting your collection or you already have a bunch of stitch pattern dictionaries like I do, this one is worth checking out.

About the book: 336 pages, paperback, 500 patterns. Published 2023 by Stackpole Books. Suggested retail price $27.95.

Next Pattern:

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Knitting Pattern Review: Sabai Top by PaulaStrickt

Trending now — and for good reason!

Alright fellow knitters, if you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably spotted the Sabai Top popping up everywhere. And let me tell you — the hype is totally justified. This lightweight, drapey top by PaulaStrickt has quickly become a must-knit, and it’s easy to see why.

The Sabai Top has that magical mix of style and simplicity. With its elegant A-line shape, soft rolled neckline, and relaxed fit, it flatters every body and suits just about every wardrobe. It’s knit top-down in the round, which means no seams (yes please!), and it flows beautifully thanks to its clever shaping.

It’s ideal for warmer weather and perfect for layering. I’ve seen it styled casually over jeans or thrown over a sundress, and honestly? It looks stunning every single time. That easy, wearable style is what’s made this one take off in the knitting world right now.

PaulaStrickt’s instructions are beautifully laid out, with both English and German versions included. It’s written with clarity and care, and includes helpful photos throughout. I’d say it’s best for confident beginners and up — if you’re comfortable knitting in the round and shaping, you’ll be right at home.

The sizing is generous and inclusive, and it’s so adaptable with different fibres. Linen, cotton, bamboo blends — they all shine in this pattern. I’ve cast on with a blush cotton-linen from my stash, and it’s knitting up like a dream.

This is one of those patterns you just know you’ll make more than once. The fit, the drape, the ease… it’s everything I want in a handmade top. No wonder it’s trending — it’s the kind of timeless knit that never really goes out of style.

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