The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary

May 1, 2016

In her second stitch dictionary, Bernard (Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary) further explores knit/purl patterns, ribs, cables, lace, twisted and slipped stitches, and mosaic designs. While most standard stitch dictionaries for knitting present directions only for flat knitting from the bottom up, Bernard provides directions for knitting each pattern in the round, as well as top-down knitting as needed. Each stitch pattern includes a color photograph of a nicely knitted swatch that clearly demonstrates the repeat or motif and written instructions, with charted directions included where necessary. Individual sections conclude with a simple knitted project. Knitters who enjoy customizing their garments and accessories will appreciate the basic patterns provided in the appendix, which include top-down and toe-up socks and hats, and formulas for bottom-up and top-down double-triangle shawls. Designers will also prize the stitch multiple index, which lists all of the stitches in the collection by the number of stitches in each repeat, allowing for finding the pattern that works best for one's needs. Barbara Walker's four-volume Treasury of Knitting Patterns remains the gold standard of knitting stitch dictionaries, but Bernard's latest has its advantages. VERDICT Knitters who frequently work in the round will benefit most from this work, but it's a solid purchase for all knitters.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2016
If the all around part of Bernard's second title (after Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary, 2014) isn't immediately clear, then consider knitting itself. Many traditional patterns start from the bottomthe ribs of a sweater, say, or cuff of a cap. Bernard prefers more flexibilitybeginning, perhaps, with the top of a shawl or neck of a dress. Knitters must know not only the basics beyond knit and purl stitches but also be somewhat skilled in cables and lace and two-color mosaics. The 150 stitches are divided into six categories (knits and purls, ribs; twisted, slipped, and fancy; cables; lace; mosaics); each entry includes charts, a color swatch, and written directions and, at the end of each section, features a project majoring in that specific type of stitch. Up-front and back-of-the-book chapters are rich with information; Bernard goes into detail about the importance of swatching, for example, and concludes with robust appendixes, covering abbreviations, special techniques, a key, and an index.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)