Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

What Sort of Knitting Book Would You Like to See?

by 3 Comments

If you’re a regular reader here you probably know that I have a book of knitting patterns for babies coming out in August (which you can preorder on Amazon!) and I’m already thinking about what the next book should be about.

Given the websites that I write, I have access to some information about what’s popular among people looking for knitting patterns, but it seems worthwhile to ask directly, so I’m going to?

What kind of knitting book would you like to see? Is there something you haven’t seen covered in a book that you’d like? Or a particular kind of knitting you’re really interested in right now?

I can make no promises that I’ll actually write that book, but I’d love to know what knitting topics you’re looking for information on and I can share more of that here, too.

Thanks, everyone, for reading and sharing your insights.

Next Pattern:

Comments

  1. This is more of a pet peeve. I find that mosy knitting books start with pages and pages of “How to knit”. A good third, or more, of a book has stuff that I already know. I don’t like paying for that.

    Glad to get that off my chest. Have a good day!

  2. My knitting skills are growing, so I’m a middle of the road knitter. I’m not advanced by any means. I would love to see a book on using alternate yarn for your patterns. Say I found a pattern for a sweater, made in one of our lovely, expensive yarns, but I want to make the sweater in a washable, dryable, everyday yarns. I’d like to have that book that tells me the exact
    exchange yarn to use. I’ve found it difficult to come by this information, and I’ve
    passed up patterns because I couldn’t find this information.
    Thanks for letting me share 🙂

  3. I would like to see more books on using up scrap yarn! I have tons & tons to use up and my patterns are scattered. It would be nice to have a “collection” of patterns.

    And I agree with Teresa N. – please, no “how-to-knit instructions”.

Have you read?

Book Review: Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit & Crochet Blankets

Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four. 

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *