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Custom Knits: Unleash Your Inner Designer with Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques
Along with being pleasurable and satisfying, knitting can sometimes be frustrating: the turtleneck that looked so fabulous on the model is too bulky for your body, or the cardigan you spent countless hours on just doesn’t fit right. Herein lies the beauty of Custom Knits, which teaches knitters how to use improvisational techniques to achieve spectacular results—and to unleash their inner designers.
Wendy Bernard, creator of the popular blog Knit and Tonic, provides 25 original designs for sweaters of nearly every type, plus variations, most knitted in one piece starting at the top, a method that allows you to try on as you go, alter as desired, and essentially design on the fly. “Make It Your Own” prompts in each pattern suggest easy alterations to suit your style and body type. And an in-depth reference section teaches how to alter key sweater elements, for example, change a crewneck to a V-neck, add sleeves to a vest, and much more. For the truly adventurous, the book concludes with guidelines for knitting sweaters with no pattern at all.
Bernard’s friendly writing style and photographer Kimball Hall’s lively images create an inviting book of beautiful designs and key techniques that a knitter can use to customize nearly every garment she knits from now on.
Wendy Bernard, creator of the popular blog Knit and Tonic, provides 25 original designs for sweaters of nearly every type, plus variations, most knitted in one piece starting at the top, a method that allows you to try on as you go, alter as desired, and essentially design on the fly. “Make It Your Own” prompts in each pattern suggest easy alterations to suit your style and body type. And an in-depth reference section teaches how to alter key sweater elements, for example, change a crewneck to a V-neck, add sleeves to a vest, and much more. For the truly adventurous, the book concludes with guidelines for knitting sweaters with no pattern at all.
Bernard’s friendly writing style and photographer Kimball Hall’s lively images create an inviting book of beautiful designs and key techniques that a knitter can use to customize nearly every garment she knits from now on.
168 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
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120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 27, 2023
The patterns really did nothing for me at all and I found the photos a bit annoyingly “sexy” but the info about customizing patterns was helpful
January 8, 2011
This was an interesting book. While there were some good patterns and suggestions in this book I felt like some of the photographs were a bit off. Who wears ONLY underwear and a hand knit sweater? Really? I thought it was a good idea to make their pictures of the knitted items different from every other knitting book out there, but I thought some of their pictures were slightly degrading to the patterns because they are focusing on the lack of clothing of the model rather than the knitted item. I thought the author was stretching too hard to make her knitted items seem fashionable or hip. The knitted item should speak for itself, you don't need skimpily dressed models to sell your book.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...
October 30, 2014
I like knitting books that not only have patterns, but that are also instructive. This book has great patterns and very useful information for sizing garments.
November 22, 2020
I liked the information, but there were parts of this book that left a lot to be desired. Still, it's not a bad reference to have in the collection. Not one I'd've bought full price (almost $30!), but one I'm glad I found in a used book shop.
I liked the variety of shaping and styling - different neck and sleeve styles, how to adapt shaping etc. I liked all the notes on adapting the patterns - make a cardigan into a pullover, etc. Those sections could have used more diagrams and illustrations, but the notes themselves were still good. And I liked the instructions on how to make a dress form model.
I didn't like the photography, for several reasons. First, for a book about customizing patterns, the models were all pretty much the same build, and the 'classic model build' at that. It's one thing to talk about customizing and adapting a pattern, but it'd be nice to actually see it on a different body shape too. Second, the photos just tried too hard, if you know what I mean. I mean, I care about the sweater pattern. The half-naked poolboy in the background or the shirtless breakfast companion don't add anything but eyecandy. As nice as eyecandy can be, a good pattern should be able to speak for itself. And the half naked main models? I mean, I actually do get the bikini and sweater (have lived in areas where that's sorta normal) but the slinky underwear and sweater? All the "edgy-artsy" camera angles? I guess it kinda made the pictures and the book stand out a little, but overall, it felt like it just was trying too hard.
While I haven't made any of the patterns and can't speak to accuracy or errata, I liked quite a lot of the patterns themselves and would be willing to make a few. Some very classic designs, with a few details to be interesting. But there were some that were odder. Kind of, 'who'd be able to actually wear this?' The Jane cardigan was probably my least favorite - on what body type is a tie at that level flattering?
Overall, not a bad guide, but tries a little too hard. There are other knitwear guides out there that go into more depth, if that's what you're looking for. While not a bad one to use, it's one I recommend getting from the library or second hand.
I liked the variety of shaping and styling - different neck and sleeve styles, how to adapt shaping etc. I liked all the notes on adapting the patterns - make a cardigan into a pullover, etc. Those sections could have used more diagrams and illustrations, but the notes themselves were still good. And I liked the instructions on how to make a dress form model.
I didn't like the photography, for several reasons. First, for a book about customizing patterns, the models were all pretty much the same build, and the 'classic model build' at that. It's one thing to talk about customizing and adapting a pattern, but it'd be nice to actually see it on a different body shape too. Second, the photos just tried too hard, if you know what I mean. I mean, I care about the sweater pattern. The half-naked poolboy in the background or the shirtless breakfast companion don't add anything but eyecandy. As nice as eyecandy can be, a good pattern should be able to speak for itself. And the half naked main models? I mean, I actually do get the bikini and sweater (have lived in areas where that's sorta normal) but the slinky underwear and sweater? All the "edgy-artsy" camera angles? I guess it kinda made the pictures and the book stand out a little, but overall, it felt like it just was trying too hard.
While I haven't made any of the patterns and can't speak to accuracy or errata, I liked quite a lot of the patterns themselves and would be willing to make a few. Some very classic designs, with a few details to be interesting. But there were some that were odder. Kind of, 'who'd be able to actually wear this?' The Jane cardigan was probably my least favorite - on what body type is a tie at that level flattering?
Overall, not a bad guide, but tries a little too hard. There are other knitwear guides out there that go into more depth, if that's what you're looking for. While not a bad one to use, it's one I recommend getting from the library or second hand.
July 25, 2018
Setting aside the weird camera angles on shots, nice variety.
July 16, 2017
My favourite knitting book so far.
I love the photography and setting, it has energy. Many knitting books are rather stiff and unappealing, not this one. The models are gorgeous and they look like they're doing something fun in the sun. For someone who lives in Stockholm it's a very appealing sight. It makes for inviting read and it fits the writer's voice perfectly, a knitting friend, not a teacher.
The designs are great, I have bought several of Bernard's patterns and her design in the book doesn't disappoint. None of the patterns are frumpy or frou-frou. The lace and cables are well done, two of my most hated techniques. I found that cables add unnecessary bulk and lace is often overdone.
One of sweaters that spoke to me was the updated fair-isle sweater, it's a rather obscure problem, feeling cold on your upper body only. It happens to me all the time when I wear a bikini, I wear a blanket or a cardigan but leave the legs bared. I love the photos for this pattern.
Chapter 6 contains extremely valuable knitting information, it taught me a few things about necklines among many things. I'm knitting my first polo-neck pullover and I feel more confident about knitting it.
This is a book for both the knitters that want design and technique, which can't be said about many knitting books. No heavy, squarish garments that add bulk to the female figure, no use of thick yarn, no girlish, cute fashion. This is for women that want to look great.
I love the photography and setting, it has energy. Many knitting books are rather stiff and unappealing, not this one. The models are gorgeous and they look like they're doing something fun in the sun. For someone who lives in Stockholm it's a very appealing sight. It makes for inviting read and it fits the writer's voice perfectly, a knitting friend, not a teacher.
The designs are great, I have bought several of Bernard's patterns and her design in the book doesn't disappoint. None of the patterns are frumpy or frou-frou. The lace and cables are well done, two of my most hated techniques. I found that cables add unnecessary bulk and lace is often overdone.
One of sweaters that spoke to me was the updated fair-isle sweater, it's a rather obscure problem, feeling cold on your upper body only. It happens to me all the time when I wear a bikini, I wear a blanket or a cardigan but leave the legs bared. I love the photos for this pattern.
Chapter 6 contains extremely valuable knitting information, it taught me a few things about necklines among many things. I'm knitting my first polo-neck pullover and I feel more confident about knitting it.
This is a book for both the knitters that want design and technique, which can't be said about many knitting books. No heavy, squarish garments that add bulk to the female figure, no use of thick yarn, no girlish, cute fashion. This is for women that want to look great.
September 11, 2012
An interesting book. It starts with the authors philosophy and a "how to make your own custom dress form" guide, then takes you on a journey through some patterns and then to how to adapt said patterns to suit yourself.
This is all top-down construction, which suits some people and doesn't suit some others, but it does talk about adjusting designs and working them for yourself. This is a book for someone who knows something about what they're letting themselves in for. Definitely not a beginners book, though many of the patterns are mostly stocking (or stockingette) stitch or with a little bit of fairly simple design involved. It's a book to stretch you, to make you think about your relationship with your favourite jumpers and see how you can make them yourself, in your own favourite colours and with your own detail.
Overall, I'm torn, it's a good book with interesting ideas but nothing really sings to me in it, except of course the guidelines.
This is all top-down construction, which suits some people and doesn't suit some others, but it does talk about adjusting designs and working them for yourself. This is a book for someone who knows something about what they're letting themselves in for. Definitely not a beginners book, though many of the patterns are mostly stocking (or stockingette) stitch or with a little bit of fairly simple design involved. It's a book to stretch you, to make you think about your relationship with your favourite jumpers and see how you can make them yourself, in your own favourite colours and with your own detail.
Overall, I'm torn, it's a good book with interesting ideas but nothing really sings to me in it, except of course the guidelines.
September 15, 2009
I was all set to purchase Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top when I decided to take one last pass through various forums (such as Ravelry) to make sure I was making the absolute best purchase. I was surprised to see lots of positive reviews for a book I kept passing by for its unfortunate cover image. I figured all the designs would be super trendy and I didn't realize there was a wealth of reference material inside.
I still hope someday soon to add Walker's essential reference to my collection, but for instant gratification, colour photos, clear diagrams, and lots of starting points, ideas for modifications, and inspiration in general, Bernard's book delivers.
While I'm a little disappointed in a few projects which I feel don't fit well with the book (scarf and hat patterns), overall I am pleased to give this book a coveted spot on my shelf.
I still hope someday soon to add Walker's essential reference to my collection, but for instant gratification, colour photos, clear diagrams, and lots of starting points, ideas for modifications, and inspiration in general, Bernard's book delivers.
While I'm a little disappointed in a few projects which I feel don't fit well with the book (scarf and hat patterns), overall I am pleased to give this book a coveted spot on my shelf.
January 19, 2012
I am a devoted top-down knitter, and it was really nice to see some new shapes and styles and techniques I haven't seen before. Her essay on gauge and size at the start of the book also talked me out of staring a sweater using a yarn that was "just a tiny bit" off the recommended gauge- as if I haven't made that mistake enough times already.
Clearly these are California sweaters though. Many short-sleeve sweaters, shells and tanks. I don't need a beach cover up, I just want to be WARM. Did not end up knitting any of her designs, but I have a much better understanding now of some aspects of design that seem very useful.
Clearly these are California sweaters though. Many short-sleeve sweaters, shells and tanks. I don't need a beach cover up, I just want to be WARM. Did not end up knitting any of her designs, but I have a much better understanding now of some aspects of design that seem very useful.
October 11, 2008
This book is great! I don't know if I'll make any of the sweaters in it... maybe. But I like how she talks about fit. In a lot of knitting books, they start right into the technical stuff and that works for some minds but not mine. I also like the detailed explanation for how to adapt patterns to knit them in the round and how to make a pattern your own.
I think it's because I've been reading her blog forever but I can pick up on her tone and style and when she tells me I look bad in empire waist tops- I really believe her.
I think it's because I've been reading her blog forever but I can pick up on her tone and style and when she tells me I look bad in empire waist tops- I really believe her.
August 21, 2012
I had to laugh at the photographs in this book. Women on the beach in bikinis and . . . long-sleeved sweaters. Or eating breakfast in underwear . . . and a fancy drop-neck sweater (alongside a tall, dark, built, topless guy, of course). Another example of trying to sell books with women dressed as little as possible. If you can get past the silly photos though, the book has amazing instructions for writing your own patterns and making up your own designs. It has helped me be able to construct a sweater from seeing only a picture of what I want.
June 15, 2012
I don't usually buy pattern books. They just don't generally have enough patterns that I like for the price per pattern to work out to a reasonable amount. Custom Knits was the first pattern book I ever bought (and I still only own 3!). The patterns are more like un-patterns and the tips and techniques for modifying top-down sweater constructions are worth the price of the book even if none of the patterns grab you, which is impossible because they are all so timeless and sleek!
January 4, 2010
The patterns in this book--and especially the photographs--are very Los Angeles, which alternately turned me off and made me laugh at how ridiculous they were (wearing a sweater with a bikini being only one laughable photo). However, the information on how to adjust a pattern to fit you, and how to customize items, is useful and pretty well-written.
February 8, 2010
After moving from scarves to sweaters, many people seem to get to the point where they HATE sewing the seams together. If you are at that point, this book is for YOU! The trade-off, mind you, is a bit of boredom (when knitting in the round you never have to purl in stockinette), but there are a lot of cute patterns and the shaping options are made very clear (i.e. no more boxy sweaters).
October 26, 2008
Custom Knits is more than just a great book of patterns; it’s also an invaluable resource. The designs are adorable—and the lessons are priceless.
Read the full review at http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
Read the full review at http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
April 19, 2009
Although I haven't cast on any of the patterns yet, they all look extremely wearable. Bernard's writing is easy to follow, and her in-depth section about sweater construction is so clear. It contains one of the best explanations I've seen on raglan shaping. Every knitter should have this book.
March 14, 2010
Simple and classy patterns, and best of all, everything you need to make them your own.
The author explains how to adapt and modify the pattern to fit your body, and your tastes.
Excellent reference book!
The author explains how to adapt and modify the pattern to fit your body, and your tastes.
Excellent reference book!
July 25, 2011
This is a well written knit book with several excellent patterns, designed for the intermediate to advanced knitter. Review is here: http://amnottheonlyone.blogspot.com/2...
October 8, 2008
I am a fan of the top-down sweater, and this book has a ton of them. I also really like way it teaches you how you can alter patterns to make them more congenial to your own needs.
August 4, 2009
really great introduction to top down knitting, lots of cute and classic styles, and a few pretty sexy ones. :) Yay!
August 20, 2009
I purchased this recently and it is so good!!! I actually understand what it has to say and I believe I can try some of the things I have floating around in my head!
November 18, 2009
A lot of possibilites, all patterns are from the top down, sizes available from XS to 3XL. Looks great.
January 11, 2010
Oh KNITTING. And SWEATERS! Maybe I will use her Tang pattern to make my first sweater. Maybe. No promises.
January 14, 2010
Wow, really great sweaters, really great patterns, and not too many seams. Just too many models wearing sweaters and underwear. What the heck is that about.
June 18, 2010
The book is valuable for the construction information contained in the last dozen pages alone; the gorgeous patterns are a bonus!
September 6, 2010
As a semi-regular reader of the author's blog, I was pleased with the same breezy tone and useful advice in the book. There are some very cute sweater patterns in here.
December 8, 2010
I really only wanted this book for one pattern but there are a lot of great projects in this book.
April 12, 2013
I had to buy this one! Looks like I should be able to figure out how to knit a sweater/cardigan using her tips. Also cool is how to make a dress form. A project to do with a knitting buddy-MW!
September 16, 2013
Some really nice patterns!
March 20, 2015
Good stuff, especially the Saddle A-Line and Indigo Playmate Jacket.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews