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Book Review: Garter Stitch Revival

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Garter Stitch RevivalI go through periods of liking and not liking Garter Stitch. It’s the simplest knitting stitch out there, but that doesn’t mean it has to be basic. Garter Stitch can be combined with other techniques and stitch patterns to make projects more interesting, or it can be worked in different ways to create something that’s both fun to knit and to wear.

Garter Stitch Revival aims to get even more experienced knitters interested in this rustic and versatile stitch, with 20 projects ranging from sweaters to shawls, scarves to a halter top fit for a music festival.

The book is divided into three sections: one where Garter Stitch plays a minimal role as a detail in a larger design, one where it’s found in a supporting role and one where Garter Stitch dominates.

There are pretty projects in each of these sections. Some of my favorites include the Be True Fingerless Mitts by Jennie Santopietro, which use Garter Stitch and eyelets to make cute arrow designs on the hands; the Flapper Cloche by Megan Elyse Nodecker, using Garter Stitch and short rows to make a scalloped, almost floral brim for the hat; Kristen Tendyke’s Just Peach Saddle Shoulder Cardigan, a classic one-piece top-down design worked in bulky yarn; the Beachcomber Braided Poncho by Heather Zoppetti, which involves dropping stitches and picking them back up to form braids on the body of a basic poncho;and Courtney Kelley’s Ocean Waves Shawl, a Garter Stitch triangle with a multicolored wave embellishment at the edge. Check out all the projects on Ravelry.

Instructions in the back cover techniques you might not know, but I wouldn’t say this is a book for beginners. There are some easy patterns, but many of them include details like short rows, shaping and multiple pattern stitches that might be intimidating to newer knitters. Whatever your skill level, though, you’ll be rewarded with some lovely, classic, wear-with-everything garments and accessories when you stitch the projects from this book.

About the book: 144 pages, paperback, 20 patterns (no skill level given, but patterns range from advanced beginner to experienced). Published January 2017 by Interweave/F+W, retail price $24.99.

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Comments

  3. There are many beautiful and complicated knitting patterns but Garter Stitch is probably the most simple. Its in the simplicity that each stitch can be clearly seen, sometimes in the thousands and each stitch can represent the love and patience knitted into what is made. A way to say “I love you” thousands of times.

Have you read?

Book Review: Knitovation Stitch Dictionary

There’s always room for more stitch dictionaries on your shelf, but Andrea Rangel’s Knitovation Stitch Dictionary is unlike those stitch pattern books you might already own. That’s because this one is full of colorwork stitch patterns rather than textured stitches, lace or cables, so the designs are ripe for adding to hats, sweaters and other projects with a stockinette stitch background. 

The book starts with a quick introduction to knitting colorwork that’s also unlike what you’ve probably seen before, because it’s less about the colors themselves and more about the kinds of fibers you choose, how the yarn is prepared and the gauge you’re working at and how those things all change the look of a design. 

Most of the book is filled with motif designs and swatches. The motifs were designed and named by Andrea’s husband Sean, who is an artist and brings a bit of whimsy to the designs. 

You’ll find some classic looking leaves and flowers, mosaics and waves, but also rubber ducks, penguins, puzzle pieces, cherries and cows, snails and teapots, eyeballs and chess pieces, to name a few. Many of the designs also have funny names, like a fish named toilet bound, or cats in suits called corporate fat cat.

Of course you can use the designs in any way you want on any project you like, but there are also three patterns in the book — for a hat, a sweater and a pair of fingerless gloves — plus discussion of how the motifs were added, adjusting patterns for a different size or gauge, and adding your own motifs. 

If you like adding a bit of colorwork to otherwise plain projects that other people have designed, or you’re ready to start making your own designs with fun motifs, this book is a great place to start. The fun and funny motifs are sure to inspire you to want to pick up your needles and add a little more color to your projects. 

About the book: 160 pages, hardcover, 150+ motifs and three knitting patterns. Published 2023 by Interweave, suggested retail $28.