Knitting

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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.

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 Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

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?

Pencil Knitting Patterns

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns! 

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil. 

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn. 

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point. 

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up. 

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.