The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd

This makes the book useful to knitters of all shapes and sizes.Įach section also includes a full page schematic that shows the measurements of each section of each garment. For example, the sweater section includes finished chest measurements from 26 to 54 inches, in 2 inch increments. I also appreciated the large range of sizes included. She also gives some helpful tips if you are between whole numbers on your gauge measurements. Scarves, vests and sweaters range from 3 to 7 stitches-per-inch and socks are 5 to 9. This allows for a wide variety of yarns and stitch patterns to be used. The number of stitches-to-the-inch covered in the hat and tam tables range from 3 up to 9 in whole number increments. I appreciated the wide range of gauges available. The amount of tables in this book may be intimidating to some, but if they take the time to understand the usefulness of the tables, I’m sure they will come to appreciate it. This consists of tables within in the pattern where the reader looks up their gauge/size to get the right number of stitches to cast on, bind off, repeat, etc. Based on the gauge of your swatch and the size garment you would like to knit, Ann breaks down the steps to knit the item. The magic of this book then happens within each chapter dedicated to a different garment.

She also provides a large diagram of how to accurately measure your gauge, instead of just a written description of how to do this.

It takes the reader through the basic anatomy of each garment, how it is constructed, and stitch counts needed for a wide number of sizes and gauges.Īfter a quick introduction, Ann discusses the importance of gauge with a detailed description of what you would be looking for in your gauge swatch. It provides construction information for mittens, gloves, hats, tams, scarves, socks, vests, and sweaters. This book teaches the reader how to create custom garments by providing the building blocks for several basic types of patterns. Published by Interweave, Fort Collins, Colorado, 2002

The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges

The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd